Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Advocating For Yourself
Imposter syndrome has a way of sneaking in when you least expect it. It whispers that your success is just luck, that your skills don’t measure up, or that one day someone will “find out” you don’t belong. I’ve felt it too, those moments when you question your worth, doubt your creativity, or wonder if you’re enough. But here’s the truth: you do belong, your work is valuable, and your creativity deserves to shine.
In this episode of The Four Percent Amplified, I sit down with Keisha Whaley, founder of Brass Tacks Collective, to unpack the very real experience of imposter syndrome in creative careers. We explore how it shows up, why it’s so common in design and other creative industries, and how to move from self-doubt to fully trusting your own value.
This conversation goes beyond simply overcoming fear, it’s about reclaiming your power, amplifying your voice, and stepping confidently into your worth. We talk about the importance of mentorship, community, and representation, and share practical strategies for advocating for yourself in your career. Whether it’s negotiating your worth, speaking up in collaborative spaces, or celebrating your achievements, this episode is a reminder that your creativity, your skills, and your perspective are needed, and it’s time to amplify them.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome often shows up as self-doubt, undervaluing your skills, or feeling like your achievements are just luck. In design, where work is subjective and critique is constant, these feelings can feel intense. I talk about how this experience is shared by so many creatives and highlight the importance of mentorship, peer networks, and online communities where we can share our work, receive feedback, and realize that self-doubt is normal. By leaning on guidance, celebrating small wins, and intentionally reflecting on our growth, we can reframe self-doubt and start advocating for ourselves with confidence.
Special Guest: Keisha whaley, Founder of brass tacks collective
Keisha Whaley is an AuDHD serial creative, entrepreneur, and advocate navigating a transitional era in her career. After running Brass Tacks Collective for nine years, she faced a pivotal moment when her agency fractured, leaving her to decide whether to rebuild, step away, or do a bit of both. She chose a hybrid path: taking a role at a past agency to gain financial stability and decreased responsibility, while still working with select clients and teaching engagements within her own company. She’s making incremental, intentional shifts even without publicly announcing them or updating her website, demonstrating that growth and reinvention are ongoing processes.
Through Brass Tacks Collective, Keisha has built a mission-driven creative agency that blends client work with education, offering a paid year-long apprenticeship program to give emerging creatives real-world experience, mentorship, and confidence. Her work focuses on social, racial, and gender equity, helping underrepresented designers navigate imposter syndrome, own their skills, and step fully into their value. Beyond the agency, Keisha contributes to community initiatives and nonprofits, emphasizing mentorship, representation, and holistic creative growth as key tools for success.
Key Highlights of Keisha’s Work:
Neurodivergent Creative: Keisha is AuDHD and leverages her unique perspective in her work as a serial creative, entrepreneur, and advocate.
Founder & Visionary: Created Brass Tacks Collective to provide mentorship, real-world experience, and career support for underrepresented creatives.
Paid Apprenticeship Program: Offers a year-long initiative bridging the gap between education and employment for emerging creatives.
Mission-Driven & Inclusive: Focused on social, racial, and gender equity, helping underrepresented designers navigate imposter syndrome and own their value.
Mentorship & Advocacy: Teaches creatives how to confidently advocate for themselves while fostering growth, representation, and community.
Takeaways from keisha
Talking with Keisha really highlighted the power of intentional action in shaping your creative career. She shared practical ways to assert your value, confidently present your ideas, and set boundaries that protect your time and energy. What resonated most with me was her emphasis on mentorship and community, having people who guide you, champion your growth, and reflect your potential can be transformative. Keisha also reminded me that our unique perspectives, our experiences, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, are what make our work stand out. Finally, staying curious, exploring new ideas, and continuing to learn helps us grow, adapt, and fully step into our creative potential.
Key Highlights from Keisha’s Advice:
Imposter syndrome is normal, and you’re not alone in feeling it.
Advocating for yourself builds confidence, credibility, and clarity in your career.
Mentorship and supportive networks are essential for guidance, growth, and affirmation.
Embrace your unique perspective—it’s your creative superpower.
Continuous learning and curiosity strengthen resilience, skills, and self-trust.
Turning Moments of Hesitation Into Growth
Keisha Whaley shared insights on mentorship, confidence, and owning your value that really resonated with me. It reminded me of a recent client project where I initially hesitated to fully assert my design skills. At first, I second-guessed whether I deserved the recognition or credit for my contributions, but when I finally spoke up and confidently presented my ideas, everything shifted. Not only did the project outcome improve, but my relationship with the client strengthened, and I felt a renewed sense of clarity and purpose in my work.
Experiences like this are a powerful reminder that growth often happens in those moments where we step outside our comfort zone. Pairing professional action with personal creativity through side projects, experimentation, and continuous learning helps build confidence and problem-solving skills; while also sharpening your identity as a designer. By leaning into opportunities to advocate for ourselves and staying curious about our craft, we transform moments of hesitation into stepping stones for growth, success, and self-assured creativity.
Confidence in Action
One of the biggest takeaways from my chat with Keisha is that growth happens when you show up fully, even when it feels uncomfortable. I thought about a recent client project where I hesitated to assert the value of my work. Once I took that step, not only did the project benefit, but my confidence grew as well. Imposter syndrome can show up for anyone, at any stage, and it’s not about eliminating it entirely, it’s about how we respond.
For me, that means noticing the feeling, taking a moment to reflect on my achievements, leaning on mentors and supportive peers for perspective, and then speaking up about the value I bring. Pairing these strategies with personal creativity, side projects, learning new skills, or experimenting, helps quiet the inner critic and strengthens self-trust. Taking intentional action, one step at a time, is what transforms hesitation into confidence and clarity in our creative journey.
Final Thoughts
Before we officially close Episode 9, I want to highlight the power of community, representation, and ongoing growth. Surrounding yourself with supportive people, mentors, peers, or a network of creatives; gives perspective, guidance, and encouragement when you need it most. Representation matters too: seeing creatives who share your background thriving is a reminder that you belong in these spaces. And don’t underestimate the role of personal creativity, side projects, experimentation, and continuous learning not only to strengthen your skills but also reinforce confidence and self-trust. By combining advocacy, mentorship, community, and curiosity, we transform moments of hesitation into growth, clarity, and fully stepping into our value as creatives.
A huge thank you to Keisha Whaley for sharing her journey and insight, and thank you to everyone listening. Stepping into your value is a process, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Keep amplifying your voice, your creativity, and your impact
