Ep 34. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Owning Your Expertise in Business

You’re not just “good enough”—you’re the go-to expert your field needs. In this episode, Donna Kunde dives deep into how to confidently claim the title of subject matter expert, organize your knowledge for real-world impact, and stand out as the one people call when they need results.

If you’re building a business or side hustle, mastering specialized knowledge is not a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Confidence comes from competence, and in today’s fast-changing world, those who position themselves as experts are the ones remembered, referred, and paid well. Donna reveals why continuing to hone your expertise, embracing self-promotion, and balancing learning with practical action are cornerstones for success.

What You Need to Know

Specialized knowledge means being truly good at what you do—it’s your ticket to being recognized and remembered.

It’s not enough to just have a diploma or certification—expert status comes from organizing and putting your knowledge to use, not just collecting information.

Confidence matters: The faster you recognize your own expertise and act like a pro, the faster your business grows.

Lifelong learning is crucial, but don’t let endless courses delay you—use what you know and keep evolving.

Surround yourself with people who also value expertise and continuous growth—you rise by the company you keep.

What You Need to Do

Claim your expertise: Stop thinking of yourself as “just starting out” if you have the skills; step up and walk in that confidence.

Keep learning, but make sure you apply what you learn. Don’t just collect certifications—use them to serve and solve problems.

Practice self-promotion with integrity. Believe in your value, share it boldly, and let your results speak.

Set clear goals for how you’ll turn knowledge into action through organized plans.

Seek out a community or network that champions growth—you want to be surrounded by others who push you to be your best.

Your Next Step

Go back over your achievements and training and write out exactly how you bring value in your area of expertise. Then, reach out to someone who needs what you know—or let your network know what you can do. Confidence grows with each step you take. Be the expert your field is looking for.