Marline C. Duroseau is well-known when it comes to empowering women, leadership and infertility support. She is the founder of MCD Business Enterprise LLC, where Women Matter, a company dedicated to all-things women for ultimate personal development! Marline is a speaker and the author of 3 books, including It'll Happen By 30, published in 2021.
Becoming a notable leader isn’t always about innate ability; it’s often about growth, overcoming fears, and learning to thrive despite anxiety and self-doubt. My journey to leadership was riddled with fear, anxiety, and a mindset steeped in limiting beliefs. Though I believed I was born to lead, I often found myself second-guessing everything, afraid to speak up, and hesitant to make decisions even when I knew the right path. Here, I’ll share how I transformed these struggles into strengths and how you can, too, through self-development and emotional intelligence.
The root of my limiting beliefs
As a middle child in a Haitian immigrant family, I grew up in a culture deeply rooted in hierarchy and respect for elders. Opinions from younger people were often unwelcome, especially if they challenged the beliefs of the older generation. This cultural norm taught me to stay silent, avoid confrontation, and shy away from expressing my ideas.
These early experiences shaped my fear of speaking up. I was afraid of being wrong, laughed at, or dismissed as “the girl with the stupid ideas.” This mindset followed me into my professional life, leaving me paralyzed in situations that required bold decision-making and assertiveness. My fear of unintentionally offending someone compounded my reluctance to take a stand. This self-doubt crippled my ability to lead effectively.
Pivotal mentorship and the path to change
Fortunately, I crossed paths with two remarkable mentors who refused to let me remain in the shadows. One mentor, Mary Anne (HRD), consistently reminded me that I had great ideas and needed to share them. Her unwavering belief in me was a beacon of hope. Another mentor, Margaret (CFO), emphasized the importance of assertiveness, encouraging me to stand firm and not allow myself to be discounted.
Hearing these messages repeatedly, I began to internalize their wisdom. Initially, I struggled with sweaty palms and a racing heart whenever I spoke up, but I gradually became more confident. These mentors didn’t just give me advice; they put me in situations that allowed me to practice and grow. Their guidance taught me that confidence is built through action, not by waiting for the fear to dissipate.
Key strategies to overcome fear and build confidence
Here are the strategies that transformed me into the leader I am today. These can also help anyone struggling with fear, anxiety, or imposter syndrome:
Show up with confidenceonfidence: Confidence isn’t about being fearless; it’s about showing up despite fear. I learned to focus on the value I brought to the table rather than my insecurities.
Face fear head-on: Avoiding fear only amplifies it. I practiced confronting my fears, whether it was speaking up in meetings or making difficult decisions.
Be transparent: I learned to be open and honest with my team. Transparency builds trust and fosters a collaborative environment.
Be coachable: I embraced feedback from mentors, managers, and team members. Constructive criticism helped me improve and understand different perspectives.
Practice assertiveness: Assertiveness doesn’t mean aggression. It means expressing your thoughts respectfully and confidently, even when there’s a risk of disagreement.
Develop emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence allowed me to better understand and manage my own emotions while empathizing with others. This skill was crucial in navigating complex team dynamics.
Seek and embrace feedback: Constructive feedback is a gift. I listened carefully and used it to refine my approach, making me a more effective leader.
Ask questions and listen actively: Curiosity is a sign of strength, not weakness. By asking questions and listening, I gained insights that enhanced my decision-making.
The role of emotional intelligence in leadership
Emotional intelligence (EI) is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Developing EI involves self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. These components not only help in managing personal fears but also in building strong relationships within a team. Leaders who practice emotional intelligence can inspire trust, foster collaboration, and lead with authenticity.
Call to action
If you’re struggling with fear, anxiety, limiting beliefs, or imposter syndrome, know that you’re not alone, and you can overcome these challenges. I invite you to reach out for insight, guidance, or support in facilitating a mindset shift to build your confidence and lead effectively. Together, we can explore strategies tailored to your unique journey. Let’s take the first step toward your transformation today.
Read more from Marline C. Duroseau
Marline C. Duroseau, Author, Speaker, Financial and Leadership Executive
Marline C. Duroseau is a thought-leader in the infertility support realm, executive leadership, and women's empowerment and confidence building. As a child born in Miami, FL to Haitian immigrants, Marline created a path to her success by focusing on garnering an extensive educational background that catapulted her to dramatically enhance her financial and leadership performance during her 22-year career. After also enduring and overcoming a 15-yr infertility journey, she has since dedicated her life to helping people on their family-building journey and helping women unleash their inherent power and confidence. She is the Founder of MCD Business Enterprise, LLC (MCDBE), the premiere company for women, with the slogan: Women Matter!
