The Mentor Who Saw Her Before She Saw Herself

I read a case study recently about a nurse academic, the research called her Dr H, and it hit close to home.

She was smart. Qualified. Doing the work. But for years she stayed small. Underrepresented in her field, unsure if she was “leadership material,” watching other people get the opportunities because they spoke up and she didn’t.

I’ve been there.

What changed things for her was someone believing in her before she believed in herself. A mentor. Not just advice, actual sponsorship. Saying her name in rooms she wasn’t in yet. Helping her see herself as a leader, not just someone who helps leaders.

We talk about confidence like it’s a personality trait, like you either have it or you don’t. Dr H’s story says otherwise. Confidence gets built with other people. Someone has to reflect your value back to you a few times before you can hold onto it yourself.

Within months, she was leading bigger projects, getting recognised by people who used to overlook her. Not because she became someone new. Because someone finally treated her like who she already was.

Self-advocacy isn’t something you do alone in a room, psyching yourself up. It grows faster when someone’s in your corner, saying what you’re capable of before you’re ready to say it yourself.

Who’s done that for you? And who are you doing it for?

If you’re waiting to feel confident before you start advocating for yourself, that’s exactly what the Self Advocacy Collection is for, coming soon, link in bio, lighteningup.com.au.

Madeleine x