Female Founder Feature: Alison Shamir – Confidence And Imposter Syndrome Specialist

Alison Shamir is a Confidence and Imposter Syndrome Specialist, International Speaker, Career Coach and former Corporate Executive. Her work has been featured on Australia’s leading TV networks and digital platforms. Through 1-1 Coaching, Workshops and Speaker roles, Alison empowers her audience with the knowledge, tools and methods they need to overcome Imposter Syndrome, build unshakeable confidence and achieve the success they truly want. Prior to launching her own business, Alison held multiple leadership positions across the Technology & Media sectors. Alison’s mission is to educate, empower and motivate women, and to help tame their inner critic and own their success. 

We spoke to Alison about taking the big leap of working for yourself and getting the most out of your time. 

How did you come to start your business? Was there a particular spark or a significant turning point?

I dreamed of starting my own business for 3 years before I finally dived in. My well-paid corporate role kept me second guessing my choices until tragedy struck and I lost a close friend to breast cancer. Through dealing with this grief, I was awakened by the shocking reality of just how precious and unpredictable life is, so I knew from then on I had to take action towards what it was I truly wanted.

What makes your business unique?

I help women understand, manage and/or overcome two massive internal barriers holding them back from success: a lack of confidence and Imposter Syndrome.

I’ve spent 8 years going deep on these topics and dedicate every single day to learning and sharing more. I also have an extensive network across the globe who have taught, coached and mentored me. When clients work with me they don’t just get me, they get more than 15 years of learnings I have accumulated across my career.

What is a piece of advice you wish you had been told before starting your entrepreneurial journey?

That some days you will feel incredibly lonely even when you’re busy or surrounded by a lot of people. It’s a strange sense of ‘loneliness’ in a busy world. I get this feeling less and less now but, in the beginning, it used to surface a lot and I felt like ‘I was the only one’.

What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

Being in control of my destiny. I wake up every day and get to focus on my goals and do work that is meaningful and that I can share with many women. I rise, fall and get back up on my own decisions which I like. I find it liberating.

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

• Confidence
• Problem solving
• Perseverance

How do you personally measure success?

By doing or producing work that truly makes me happy.  Life is simply too short to not pursue what you love. When passion meets execution then money will follow. I also keep a record of my ‘wins’ whether they are small or large and revisit it every 3 months along with my goals.

Outsource the skill or learn the skill?

A combination of both. Outsourcing costs money but your time is also money, so you need to pick your ‘battles’. If it’s not a skill you need or want to master, you have some budget and there are better people out there to handle it, then I am a fan of outsourcing as required. As a business owner – it’s important to double down on the things you’re great at or that affect the bottom line or customer experience, anything else can be a distraction and cause additional stress.

How do you make the most of your day? Any tips?

Time blocking and laser focus on each task. That means removing all distractions like phones etc unless they are specifically needed in the moment. Undivided attention, even for just 15 minutes, is a great productivity hack and helps you develop boundaries and discipline along the way – great skills to master as a business owner.

Do you have any tips for work life balance?

Do what works for you. Everyone has different thresholds and lifestyle situations. There isn’t a one size fits all solution so it’s important to listen to your body and be honest with yourself about what you need. There are those who literally thrive from working 12-14 hour days and those who like to schedule additional days off – find your sweet spot, you’ll not only be happier but you’ll perform at an optimum level because of it.

Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?

There are many – but for today I’ll say Bumble. What Whitney Wolfe Herd has built is remarkable as is her story.