Your questions, answered!

Welcome to Edition 4 of Own Your Impact!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve loved hearing from so many of you about the tools, tips, and ideas shared in earlier editions. This week, I’m answering some of the most thoughtful and frequent questions you’ve sent in about owning your achievements authentically.

Let’s dive in!

How do I avoid sounding like I’m bragging when sharing my STAR story?


Think of it as storytelling, not self-promotion. Share your STAR story through the lens of lessons learned or the broader impact. For example: “This experience taught me how adaptability can lead to unexpected results. By reworking our approach, I helped my team meet a tight deadline and improve delivery times by 20%.” Framing it as part of a learning journey makes it relatable and engaging.

I struggle with remembering small wins. How do I build the habit of tracking them?


Build it into your existing routine. For instance, add a “win” section to your weekly planner or end your workday by reflecting on one positive contribution you made. Alternatively, try a visual approach, use a jar or box to collect notes about your achievements. Seeing the jar fill up over time can be a tangible reminder of your progress! Sneaky Tip: You can use the voice feature in ChatGPT to collect your wins. Once it’s time for a performance review, you can prep for it with ChatGPT (this, by the way, can be a helpful tip no matter where in your career you currently stand) 😉

Is it okay to share team achievements when they aren’t solely my work?


Yes, but give credit where credit is due. You can add your unique perspective. For example: “This project was a collaborative success, and I’m especially proud of how I streamlined the communication process to keep everyone aligned.” Highlighting your specific contribution within the larger team effort showcases your leadership while celebrating the team’s success.

What’s the best way to overcome the cringe of sharing achievements online?

Re-frame it as adding value to others. Instead of saying, “I completed this project successfully,” share insights or lessons that might help your network. For example: “One thing I learned while leading this project is the importance of daily check-ins. They kept us on track and helped us deliver a great result.” This approach feels less "braggy" and more about sharing useful knowledge.

Practical tip of the week:
 Pick one of the responses above and apply it to a situation you experience. Whether it’s re-framing a story or starting a new habit, try it out and see how it feels.

Own it. Authentically.


Marlene


Creator of Own Your Impact

P.S. Got a question or thought to share? Hit reply—I’d love to hear from you!


👋 Hi, I’m Marlene.
I’m a Digital Brand Communications Leader & Coach helping brands and people create connections that matter. With over a decade of experience leading global teams, developing innovative strategies, and mentoring professionals, I’m passionate about empowering others to own their achievements authentically. As the creator of Own Your Impact, my goal is to help you confidently share your success stories and inspire others—all while staying true to yourself. Let’s grow, achieve, and lead together.