Welcome to your Confidence Catalyst Newsletter Helping you speak up, step up, and stand out.

A couple of years ago, I was speaking at a summit.

I was delighted when I was asked to provide a bio, I had already created one that reflected my experience, credibility, and passion for my work.  I felt confident I’d be introduced in a way that set the right tone for the audience.

When the moment came, I waited for the introduction that would position me as a trusted voice on connection and leadership.

Instead, I was introduced as…an animal lover.

Now, Iam an animal lover,  anyone who knows me knows that’s true – but to a room full of entrepreneurs ready to talk about business impact, it didn’t exactly set the stage for authority.

What would you have done?

At the time, I smiled, got on with it, and delivered my talk. But if that happened again, I’d handle it differently.

Before starting my presentation, I’d take a moment to re-position myself.

I’d share the context from my bio, my professional background, why this topic matters to me, and what I bring to the conversation.

Because the reality is:

If we don’t define our own positioning, someone else will, and they might not get it right.

Let’s explore this through our three usual lenses ofmindset, behaviour, and compassion.

Mindset: Labels stick, make sure the right ones are stuck!

We all have labels; the ones others apply to us and the ones we choose for ourselves.

Labels are sticky. Once applied, they tend to stay unless we deliberately apply another one.

Positioning starts with owning your brilliance and naming it out loud.

Talk about yourself the way you want to be talked about. It helps people really see you.

When you introduce yourself with conviction, when you describe your expertise, your impact, and your story with confidence –  you teach others how to see and speak about you.

Behaviour: Set Yourself Up for Success

Don’t leave your professional narrative to chance.

• Have a short, powerful bio ready to share for panels, introductions, or events.
• Craft a few lines you can use in meetings or networking conversations that highlight your impact and credibility.
• Gently correct or add context when someone introduces you in a way that doesn’t reflect the full picture.

The more consistently you position yourself, the more others will pick up that language and use it too.

Compassion: Curiosity Over Criticism

If you’ve ever cringed at an introduction, don’t beat yourself up,  and don’t berate the person who got it wrong. Most people are doing their best with limited information.

Instead, adopt a growth mindset:

• What could you do next time to set yourself up differently?
• How might you make it easier for others to introduce you the way you’d like?

Each misstep is an opportunity to refine your narrative. With curiosity and compassion, we can turn awkward moments into valuable learning.

Now, Take Action

This week, try one of these:

• Write (or update) a short positioning statement that reflects your current expertise and impact.
• Review your LinkedIn bio or “About” section, does it say what you want to be known for now and reflect your ambitions?
• Practise introducing yourself out loud until it feels natural and confident.

Remember: Your positioning is your responsibility.

When you take ownership of your story, others will follow your lead.

Have a great week,

Kirsteen

PS If you would like to book a one-off coaching session (£175 for an hour) to set yourself up for success, you can book that here