The inaugural DynamicsCon has come to an end, my thoughts and emotions are still running as fast as lightning. I’m sure I’m not alone in these feelings either. I wanted to take a minute to reflect on my experience, and encourage others to participate in the next one coming up in March! ESPECIALLY if you are scared to death of the thought of speaking at an event with over 5,000 registrants, or think you don’t know enough, or aren’t good enough to take the stage with world-renown presenters.
I submitted two sessions for the event, one was comfortable, and in my wheelhouse, Business Central 101, the other was outside of my comfort zone, but something I love learning and working with, Extending Business Central with the Power Platform. Well wouldn’t you know it, the one I was least comfortable won!
While I could feel self-doubt was on the horizon, I put it to rest by saying that I would have over a month to prepare my presentation, and put something really great together… Then I got an email that said I needed to record my presentation ahead of time, and needed to have it done in about a week and half! I just started a new job, my whole family was sick with COVID, I already had two other UG events that week, and I was terrified! I pushed it out to the last possible day, and then asked for an extra day!
The Imposter Syndrome Super Villan was in full force at this point! I sent out a cry for help on Twitter (similar to the bat signal) with a #PowerAddict plea. Clarissa Gillingham instantly came to my aid, and took over an hour out of her work day to help me get a few things figured out on my app.
Here is where I insert my advice to ALWAYS SAVE YOUR WORK FREQUENTLY! I did not, and lost the work she helped me with! The inkling of hope I had also gone. I also had a big client deadline, and felt like I was out of time. I actually sent Molly an email telling her I was going to have to withdraw from the event. Apparently, one of Molly’s many super power’s include xray vision that allows her to see potential in people who don’t see their own, and she actually never responded to my email.
I reached out to the leader of my “Support Squad” Emma D’Arcy, and told her I was admitting defeat. Next thing I knew, she sent me a Teams invite to workout the issues I was having, again! It’s amazing how much it can help to just have someone on a call, to talk things out. Of course Emma’s amazing powers include super human levels of positivity and encouragement. I stayed up all night, finished my presentation, including my demo app, and emailed Molly to see if I could still record. She instantly responded, and said yes of course!
I recorded my session the next morning, and felt like I had actually overcome my arch enemy of anxiety and self doubt! The biggest portion was done, and now I could just sit and relax and enjoy the event! Whew…that was a close one!
I eagerly logged on to catch the tale end of Steve Endow’s presentation on Day 1. His session was amazing, his Q&A was out of this world. If I thought I had imposter Syndrome before, I just met a new hulked out version of this evil creature. I literally cried and had a full on panic attack. I worried that my presentation was similar to his, and that I could never answer the level of questions he did, that my presentation wasn’t good enough. The fear that hit me was absolutely crippling!
If there is one thing that I have learned about anxiety and the Imposter Syndrome, is that it’s okay to be honest, and genuine about these feelings. In fact, it’s one of the best ways for me to personally battle it! I shared with my boss, Bobby Priestly, and the president of CPIT, Victoria Critchley, through tears, that I was terrified. Instantly, they rushed to slay the ugly fear that was attacking me hard and heavy! Steve Brooks graciously agreed to be my moderator at the last minute so I wouldn’t feel alone!
I was starting to feel better, and decided to join the #WIT social hour hosted by the lovely Lisa Crosbie, and Kristen Hosman. Again, I shared how I was feeling, and was so relieved to hear these ladies that I look up to share the same feelings! In fact, Dona Sarkar, also stated earlier in the day that she still fights her battles with Imposter Syndrome. This lovely session was by far the highlight of my day, and once again I felt ready to truly battle, and win against the evil vilan of insecurity, for this event at least.
With the power of sooo many amazing Super Hero’s by my side, I knew it was time to change into my Super Hero persona! Suited up in my DynamicsCon Cape, I had a new level of confidence, and was ready for my session. I’m so thankful with how the final presentation went, and for all the people who helped me get through from start to finish!
The purpose of my story is to hopefully encourage those who doubt themselves, to know they certainly are not alone. It truly takes a village, or as Dona calls it a “textable tribe” to pull you up when you don’t believe in yourself! I’m so thankful that my squad didn’t let me quit, no matter what! The sense of accomplishment I felt at the end of the day was worth every second of agony I experienced.
One of the greatest blessings I have experienced in the last year is growth and friendship from the amazing Dynamics 365, and #PowerAddict community. I remember being in a meeting one time and someone asked how could they “get in” and be part of the circle. It’s easy! Just be yourself, ask questions, give back where you can, and GET INVOLVED! This looks different for everyone, so don’t think your path has to the be same as someone else. Just know that there soooo many incredible people all around the world just waiting and willing to help YOU!.
If you battle with Imposter Syndrome, the biggest piece of advice that I beg you to listen to is this, DON’T LET IT STOP YOU! You will get through it, and feel better for it! You will always miss 100% of the shots you never take! So what are you waiting for?? Start thinking about what you are passionate about, and sign up to speak at a few UG’s, conferences, etc. If you need help on topic ideas, how to submit sessions, pre-show jitters, just find me! I’m here to help! I want YOU to succeed beyond your wildest dreams.
