"I'm F*cking Good at What I Do:" The Power of Owning Your Strengths

“I’m f*cking good at what I do.”

My friend declared this confidently last week during one of our heart-to-heart phone calls. As fellow HR professionals, we’ve faced long hours, challenging team dynamics, and the weight of addressing global social issues. But this conversation was different. Instead of sharing stories about our roles, we were trading battle stories about starting our own HR consultancies.

Behind my excitement was the familiar voice of anxiety—questioning whether I was ready and capable of adding value for clients.

And then she said it…

“I’m f*cking good at what I do.”

Her words hit me hard because they were raw truth. No hesitation, no doubt. It made me realize I needed to embrace that same confidence in myself.

The truth is, I am good at what I do—two decades of HR, building strategies, coaching leaders, and fostering workplace cultures where people thrive. But like many of us—especially women in leadership—self-doubt can creep in.

Starting my own consultancy had been on my mind for years, but fear often spoke louder than belief. My friend’s statement reminded me that confidence isn’t arrogance; it’s owning the value of my work, my expertise, and my experiences. It's about summoning my sisu.

So, I took the leap. There have been bumps along the way, but I know I’m where I’m meant to be. The anxiety still shows up, but I’ve learned to quiet it and keep moving forward.

To anyone contemplating a career shift or starting your own business, remember this: You are f*cking good at what you do. It takes tenacity and courage, but there’s nothing more rewarding than overcoming obstacles and fully owning your place in the world.

Photo Credit: Robert McGowan via Unsplash