Do you find yourself in a role where expertise matters
and still wonder are you good enough?
Do you struggle to think of yourself as an expert?

Do you want to step forward with confidence, courage and authenticity? 

Dr Margaret Collins

 The challenge of trying to do it all while feeling like a fraud

Many women are in roles where expertise matters yet they are reluctant to think of themselves as experts or take that final step into a position of leadership… Have we got what it takes? Are we ready?

We doubt ourselves, hesitate, play it safe… 

Sometimes we think, “Do we even have the time?” but if we’re honest, we know that we are the ones holding ourselves back. 

It’s frustrating. It’s exhausting. It doesn’t need to be this way.

I see women who are committed, resourceful and persistent. Many are also struggling.

Three patterns recur:

  1. Even after years of training we feel insecure, as if we’re making it up as we go along.
  2. We feel stressed and overworked.
  3. Faced with leadership we feel unprepared – we’re not certain we can do this.  

We might feel each of these – or even all of them – at different times. We’re often perfectionists. Yes, we produce work of very high standards but we may drive ourselves to exhaustion in the process. We’re also our own worst critics. 

Young girl in older woman's shoes

Book a call with Margaret

Arrange a simple, no obligation conversation. Let’s talk soon!

I’m Dr Margaret Collins, one-time Academic, professional coach, Director of Training for Universities and an expert on dealing with feelings of Imposter Syndrome – author of the best seller: “Beyond Imposter Syndrome”.

I work with women who want to face the next challenge in their life or career with more courage, confidence and a sense of calm. I offer coaching programmes, mentoring and online training programmes so that you can choose the tools you need to be your best.

I can help you overcome “imposter” feelings, build leadership confidence, manage time & energy.

I work one to one and in groups, in live sessions and online programmes.

Would you like to find out more?

Why work with me?

The good news is you can develop the courage to step forward, to lead – yourself, your field, your teams – with a quiet confidence and authentic presence.

And yes, we can look to take back control of your overwhelming schedule, prioritising, delegating, managing your energy more effectively and even requesting help or support.

There may be days you’re not sure if you’re good enough, maybe you’re hijacked by Imposter Syndrome feelings or wonder whether you need to work harder or maybe quit while you’re ahead…

Don’t worry, working together we can develop a sense of purpose and direction that guides your choices and allows you to bring your skills to the world feeling more calm and confident, with a greater sense of courage and integrity.

Previous coaching clients have said:

I am getting work things done faster with greater motivation and “lightness” – get it done and move on.

It’s an attitude and skill I have admired in others for a very long time but always felt at a loss as how to emulate it.

Ruth

I have to tell you that I do not sleep well the night of the call! I thought that tea, coffee and chocolate were to blame but it’s simply that my head is buzzing. Last night I just had to get out of bed and make a to-do-list, just of the things we had discussed.
Pat

It was a pleasure to meet you last week – I really enjoyed the session. I have been recommending you to my colleagues non-stop, describing you (if you don’t mind) as exactly “the small gin & tonic” I needed!  I really did get a lot out of it!

Colette

Customisable Coaching Packages

How can coaching help you? You can use your coaching package to tackle any challenges you face.

Many of my clients face a combination of events or circumstances that bring them to this place of decision. They may be struggling to demonstrate leadership presence. Maybe they wonder how they will manage their new responsibilities or juggle their work with extra caring demands. We will adapt and customise any coaching to match your journey, something bespoke, just for you – including elements of mentoring or training as you want. My most popular programmes are highlighted below: 

From Imposter to Empowered 

You’ve done all the work, the courses, the training and still you doubt yourself. The courage to speak up eludes you. You’re increasingly frustrated by hiding, trying to stay small.

Even though you’re running hard to keep up, your perfectionism is a secret pride. It’s exhausting.

You know you’re over-thinking everything; your decisions, answering emails, anticipating meetings. Your self-doubt is always there.

If only you could feel as confident as others think you are…

Developing the Confident Leader 

You’ve made your mark. Maybe you’ve been promoted or appointed to a leadership position. Others trust you. You maybe doubt yourself.

People look to you for leadership, opinion or setting direction. You possibly feel like you’re making it up as you go along.

You’re developing a leadership style and you‘d really like to figure out how to overcome your inner critic and develop a confidence that feels real, authentic, that speaks to who you want to be and the difference you want to make.

Other Ways to Work with Margaret

Buy the Book: "Beyond Imposter Syndrome"

Beyond Imposter Syndrome, Margaret's Best Seller

Amazon Best Seller
Strategies for building confidence and finally feeling good enough.

Online: Strategies for Getting Stuff Done


A masterclass in time and energy management.

Using strategies that are evidence based, researched and proven to work, you can regain that energy and enthusiasm that brought you to this job/role in the first place. 

Online: Imposter Syndrome Sources & Solutions

puzzle pieces about to be put togehter
This four-module, online programme provides insight and practical tools for women who want to understand and move beyond their imposter feelings and finally tame their inner critic.

Book a call with Margaret

Arrange a simple, no obligation conversation.

Every person is different, their situations unique. If you’d like to explore what could be possible for you, use the online form to arrange an appointment. 

Let’s talk soon!

I wanted to say THANK YOU! Reflecting on your comments about energy management (and not answering emails first thing in the morning) has revolutionised my productivity!

Understanding why I was procrastinating (task too big/ doing the wrong task for my energy) has totally changed my entire perspective and I feel so much more effective for it!

Annalisa

I just wanted to let you know that this course was absolutely fantastic.  Margaret is a superb course leader and it was without doubt the best course I’ve ever been on. I learned:
– Don’t let your inner critic rule
– Be brave, be courageous
– Learn to recognise why you feel like this, how to change your beliefs or actions.
I’d definitely recommend the session to others.

Julia

I came to the workshop with a deep fear of public speaking but left wanting to conquer that fear and perhaps even enjoy the experience in the future. Your calm demeanour and sound advice will, I hope, stay with me and inspire me, not only when called upon to give a presentation but also in day to day life. I really didn’t expect to have so much fun and to come away having thoroughly enjoyed the day!

Sally

Book a call with Margaret

Arrange a simple, no obligation conversation. Let’s talk soon!

Am I an Imposter? 

This free ebook has 10 simple questions to help you to self-assess how badly you are affected by imposter feelings and behaviours.

I reveal three simple and effective first steps to outgrow your imposter today.

There is a part of you that knows you can move beyond imposter feelings...

 

 

Am I a Imposter booklet

How to create confidence…

Learn simple and effective ways you can grow in confidence today:

  • The 4 step process of natural confidence
  • What confidence means for you
  • Three ways to feel more confident
  • Three ways to look more confident.

It really is possible to learn to feel more confident, to be comfortable in your own skin and be your best self when you need to show up.

 

Confident Speaking cover

How to create more time…

This ebook reveals the real reason things get done – or not. You’ll also learn:

  • The art of choosing priorities
  • How action comes before motivation
  • How setting tight deadlines can be key
  • Why permission to take a break can be motivating.

To get different results you need to take different actions… start with a decision to do something different today.

 

How to create more time cover