There’s a moment of clarity that hits you when you finally get a seat at the table. It’s the moment you realize that the people making big decisions—the executives, the politicians, the industry leaders—aren’t necessarily smarter, more talented, or more deserving than everyone else. They’re just people. They’ve made strategic moves, taken risks, and seized opportunities. But beneath the titles and polished speeches, they are no different from the rest of us.

This realization can be both unsettling and liberating. Many of us grow up believing that leadership is reserved for the exceptionally gifted. That the boardroom is filled with geniuses making complex decisions the rest of us could never comprehend. But when you step into those rooms, you see the flaws, the doubts, the imposter syndrome hidden behind confident facades. The illusion of elitism crumbles, replaced by the understanding that leadership is often about presence, persistence, and positioning.

And that’s empowering. If those at the top aren’t superhuman, then there’s no reason you can’t be there too. The real barriers to entry are often psychological—self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and a belief that we aren’t “ready” yet. But the truth is, no one is ever fully ready. The ones who rise are simply the ones who show up, speak up, and step up when opportunities present themselves.

This understanding also serves as a call for humility among those who hold power. Leadership should not be about maintaining an illusion of superiority. The best leaders recognize their own limitations, embrace collaboration, and remain open to learning. Pretending to have all the answers is a fast track to poor decision-making. Acknowledging uncertainty, on the other hand, creates space for growth and innovation.

So, if you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in the room, remember: the people at the table aren’t all that. They’re just people who claimed their space. And you can too.

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