Former Apple executive Angela Ahrendts shared her struggles with feeling insecure after switching from the fashion industry to tech. She recalled being overwhelmed in the first month on the job, focusing on what she didn’t know. However, Ahrendts realized that her role wasn’t to be an expert, but to bring a unique perspective and enable others.
Industry experts agree that imposter syndrome is common when starting a new job, especially after a career pivot. To combat this, try questioning your thoughts and identifying patterns that trigger negative self-talk. Ask yourself what evidence supports or contradicts the idea that you’re not capable of doing the job.
By being critical of your own stories, you can quell anxiety and remember that thoughts are not absolute truth. A simple exercise is to write down findings in two columns, comparing the evidence that supports and contradicts your doubts. This helps you recognize that thoughts often don’t align with reality.
Ahrendts’ advice for gaining confidence in a new job is to focus on what you can bring to the table, rather than what you don’t know. She emphasizes that her role was not to be an expert, but to connect and enable others. By shifting your mindset, you can overcome imposter syndrome and succeed in your new career.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/29/former-apple-exec-my-no-1-piece-of-advice-for-switching-industries.html