About two years ago, my life was dramatically impacted by a major issue faced by many black women around the world, especially in Corporate America. The impact of systemic racism, classism, xenophobia, and other biases was categorically absent when the concept of imposter syndrome was developed. 

Adrienne helped me overcome impostor syndrome and silence my inner critic. Looking back at my experience of impostor syndrome has changed over time in keeping with the stage of life I found myself in. I went into a career with great expectations that I would conquer the world and be very successful at a global investment management firm.

I think at some point, reality kicked in and I realized that it wasn’t as straight cut as I had imagined. I found myself struggling in a finance career that I didn’t like or enjoy, but I stayed because of the money. Unconsciously I fought hard to be the acceptable Black woman, who looked and sounded a certain way so she could be approved of by the mainstream; I went from pet to threat.

It was like I ensured that nothing about me would be offensive or give anyone the opportunity to not accept or like me. Of course this was exhausting and after a while, my confidence became seriously affected, depression and anxiety set in. Also, I was faced with deep grief from the loss of my father. As a woman of color my grief was not always met with words of comfort, understanding or empathy.

This was the turnaround point for me. I sought therapy and started my self-discovery journey with Adrienne to find the real and true me. What I came to realize is that the same systems that reward confidence in male leaders, even if they’re incompetent, punish white women for lacking confidence, women of color for showing too much of it, and all women for demonstrating it in a way that’s deemed unacceptable. 

After our initial consultation, it was clear that seeking her counsel was the right choice. Adrienne began counseling me and things began to shift. Her style of support is empowering, insightful and progressive. Her profound understanding of people and personalities, in addition to her unique insight in regards to the nexus of work, power, race and gender puts her in a class of her own. The powerful inter-play of this knowledge allows not only sound analysis of any career related problem, but also a deep insight into personal traits and behaviors that may contribute to the problem’s existence and, by extrapolation, where that might spill over to impact professional and personal relationships. 

As time passed, I began to heal my wounds and even more, I have become a richer and more secure woman. These qualities came not only from the insight that Adrianne has provided, but also the skills she has taught me to settle myself from within. Today, I confidently face the changing world with trust. I can’t imagine that I would have found so much peace without her guidance; she is truly gifted in her craft. I enjoyed ALL of my sessions with Adrienne and even brought my husband and daughter with me because I grew from each and every one. Our sessions were far from being all doom and gloom, which my husband and daughter realized, we laugh a lot too!

Every time I left Adrienne’s soothing office, I would glow with gratitude. I moved forward with absolute confidence, empowered by her wisdom. Anytime, I speak with someone who happens to share that they are in need of counseling; Adrienne always comes to mind because she is a constant reminder of how lucky Charlotte is to have such a wonderful person and resource in our midst. I highly recommend her services to anyone who wants to find peace and joy in their career, relationship with self, and others.