Some of the strongest leaders I know once believed they had no business leading.

Ever catch yourself thinking, “I’m not qualified to lead?” You’re not alone – and that thought might be the only thing holding you back.

In the LimitLess Leaders & Minds Group Coaching program, I hear these myths all the time. They sneak in with good intentions – to protect you from failure – but what they really do is keep you from impact. Let’s call them out.

Myth 1: “I’m not a born leader.”

Leadership isn’t a gene. It’s a decision. You become a leader by leading – messy, imperfect and learning as you go.

When I hosted my first leadership event, I wasn’t some polished “pro.” I was scrappy, nervous and figuring things out in real-time. You know what made it work? I showed up. So did the people I was meant to serve.

Harvard Business Review confirms that leadership is shaped through adversity, not ancestry. The best leaders are often made in moments when everything feels uncertain.

Real-world proof: Phil Gilbert transformed IBM’s culture using design thinking. He didn’t have a textbook background in leadership – he built influence by solving problems and bringing people with him.

Myth 2: “I don’t have enough experience.”

Tenure doesn’t equal leadership. Influence does.

One of our LimitLess Leaders clients was only 18 months into their role when their boss tapped them to lead a high-stakes team project. They almost turned it down – until they realized that their fresh eyes were exactly what the team needed. Fast-forward: that project earned them a promotion.

Think about it: Experience is helpful – but what matters more is how you show up, ask better questions, and create momentum.

Proof: Indra Nooyi didn’t take the reins at PepsiCo on day one. She rose through the ranks by leading with strategy and clarity – not years alone.

Myth 3: “I don’t have the right credentials.”

Degrees can open doors – but they aren’t what make people follow you.

My doctorate gave me insight and knowledge. But what built trust with my clients? Listening deeply. Offering tools that actually worked. Creating space for growth.

One of our group members came from a non-traditional background – no MBA, no Ivy League – but they built a culture-shifting leadership style that’s now getting copied across departments.

Look at Ursula Burns, who started as an intern at Xerox and became the first Black woman to run a Fortune 500 company. No silver spoon. Just consistent value and grit.

Myth 4: “I’m not one for the spotlight.”

You don’t need to be loud to lead. You just need to be clear, consistent and connected.

Some of the most powerful leadership I’ve witnessed happened behind closed doors. A one-on-one conversation. A well-timed word of encouragement. A decision that protected the team when no one was watching.

Janice Marturano led a quiet cultural shift at General Mills by introducing mindful leadership practices. Not flashy – but incredibly effective.

Leadership isn’t about being front and center. It’s about taking responsibility for how you influence others, whether one-on-one or across the whole organization.

Myth 5: “People wouldn’t follow me – I feel like an imposter.”

If you’ve ever thought, “Who am I to lead?” – you’re not alone.

I’ve had seasoned executives whisper this to me after training sessions. And yes, I’ve felt it, too – especially before speaking on stages or launching new leadership programs. Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re unqualified. It means you care. It means you’re stretching.

Studies from Harvard Business Review show that most top performers wrestle with imposter feelings – especially those who are truly self-aware.

Barbara Corcoran, of Shark Tank fame, said her insecurities pushed her to outwork and outthink competitors. That edge made her millions.

Quick Wins to Lead Now (Not Someday):

• Speak up in one meeting this week. Even one sentence can shift your confidence.
• Ask someone for feedback. Leadership is shaped by input, not ego.
• Own one decision fully – no disclaimers, no shrinking. Just stand in it.

There’s no magic resume, no gatekeeper credential, no perfect personality profile.

You don’t need to wait for permission to lead. You just need to get in the game.