Does the Thought of Your Professional Journey make you Sweat?

The Hidden Strength in Your Insecurities

Confidence isn’t about eliminating self-doubt—it’s about embracing it as part of your journey. Many professionals, whether starting out or leading global teams, grapple with insecurities. But what if those very insecurities were actually your competitive advantage?

At the Florida Puerto Rico District of ITE Leadership Summit that was hosted by the Gator ITE student chapter, I was asked: "What advice would you give to students just starting their careers?"

My response: Find confidence in your uniqueness. Insecurities—like the fear of public speaking, self-doubt in decision-making, or hesitation in asserting ideas—are natural. But they don’t have to be limitations. Instead, they can be transformed into strengths when approached with the right mindset.

Sigmund Freud described insecurities as a defense mechanism of the ego, creating both psychological and physiological effects. According to Ryan Bailey and Jose Pico from SAINT LUCIE MEDICAL CENTER, these effects range from self-doubt to physical reactions like sweating and shortness of breath (read more here: National Library of Medicine).

One of the most powerful ways to overcome self-doubt is vulnerability. People connect with authenticity, not perfection. When you openly embrace challenges and share personal experiences, you create emotional connections that build trust, credibility, and influence. Leadership is not about being fearless—it’s about acting despite fear.

I’ve had the privilege of conducting Lunch-and-Learn sessions for young professionals to help them improve their public speaking. The full presentation is available here: Public Speaking Workshop (https://sway.cloud.microsoft/eytsTQ31KmzsoK9z?ref=LinkedIn).

At the end of these sessions, I always emphasize the power of vulnerability. I encourage attendees to:

• Practice self-reflection: Speak personal, emotional stories out loud in front of a mirror. Observe your body’s reactions.

• Expand your audience: Share your story with a trusted friend and ask for feedback.

• Embrace authenticity: The goal isn’t to be perfect but to connect. Emotion drives connection, and connection drives influence.

To demonstrate this, I often end by sharing an excerpt from the eulogy I gave for my grandfather, Don Pence (read more about him here). It’s a reminder that storytelling and vulnerability are what make us truly memorable and impactful.

Leadership as a Catalyst for Growth

Another question from the summit resonated deeply: "What responsibility do you have as an International Officer to ITE members?"

Leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about empowering others to step into their own greatness. My philosophy is simple:

✔ Every professional has a unique journey. There’s no predefined path to success, but there are guiding principles that accelerate growth.
✔ Expertise is earned, not expected. The best leaders create environments where people feel safe to experiment, make mistakes, and learn.
✔ A culture of inclusion drives innovation. Leadership means ensuring that everyone, regardless of their starting point, has an opportunity to grow, contribute, and succeed.

During my time with ITE Councils, I focused on creating a culture of inclusion. I realized that fostering an environment where individuals can say, "I may not be an expert today, but I am willing to learn and grow" is one of the most powerful leadership strategies. Jodi Godfrey shared inspiring insights during the summit, and if you haven’t heard her story, I highly recommend it.

Our Commitment to Future Leaders

At Rensel Consulting, we are redefining leadership by helping professionals and businesses:

✔ Recognize their strengths and turn insecurities into assets.
✔ Develop confidence through strategic self-awareness and action.
✔ Create a culture of trust, inclusion, and empowerment.

We don’t just consult—we transform mindsets, cultivate leadership, and accelerate success. If you're ready to unlock your potential and lead with impact, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s shape the future—together.