Hello, hello you bloody lovely humans. Today I’m dismantling my long-term love affair with self-deprecation - the jokes I used to make so nobody else could beat me to it and I’m showing you how I swapped being the punchline for backing my bloody brilliance.

Why this matters (the science bit):

• Self-deprecation ≠ strategy: It can boost likeability but tanks perceived competence (the old competence–likeability bind).
• Self-perception theory: We believe what we hear ourselves say. Keep saying “I’m just winging it,” and guess what sticks.
• Neuroplasticity: Confidence is a trainable skill; every time you back yourself out loud, you wire that pathway in.
• Persistence effect: Speak up, hold the floor, try again — credibility rises with visible persistence.

What’s inside:

• The Millie Tant nickname and why I laughed instead of led.
• The night I told an L&D CEO I was the “queen of bullsh*t”… and what changed after my stomach fell through the floor.
• How I re-wrote my inner code so my outside world caught up.
• Five practical ways to back yourself today (no vision boards required).

Five practical plays to try this week:

1. Swap your opener. Retire the “just…” and the joke. Write a grown-up intro you can actually say out loud.
2. Evidence folder. Screenshots, testimonials, wins. Title it ALLOW and read it when you wobble.
3. Thought flip. When “Who do you think you are?” pops up, answer: “Someone who’s bloody earned this.” Add three receipts.
4. Best-mate test. If you wouldn’t let anyone speak to your best mate like that, you’re not allowed to speak to you like that.
5. Borrow belief. Until your brain catches up, stand under someone else’s scaffolding (coach, mate, Collective).

Sticky soundbites:

• Brilliance doesn’t need a punchline. It needs backing.
• Likeable is lovely. Credible pays the bills.
• Confidence requires evidence — start saving yours.
• Stop auditioning for rooms that were never built for you.

Listener challenge:
What’s one phrase you’re retiring this week and one bold sentence you’re using instead? Tell me on LinkedIn or Insta so we can cheer you on (and keep you honest).

Six-word memoir for this episode:
No more shrinking. Back Your Brilliance.

Sarah is the founder of FoundHer Fire—a membership space for experienced women in business who know real success isn’t just about strategy, it’s about self; a place, a space, a community where women find their fire, for women who aren't done yet and who are ready to write their own rules of success. Sarah also co-founded The Plot Twist (un)Awards, celebrating female founders and women smashing through glass ceilings with purpose, passion and joy.

Find out more about me and how I can work with you:

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• Or drop me an email sarah@mindthegap.academy