Life Through My Lens

05.05.2025 - 05.19.2025

Jen Allison

May 20, 2025

TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read 😉)

🎓 I just graduated from MicDrop Academy
🗣️ I’m stepping into public speaking with a keynote that helps people reframe imposter syndrome and lead with curiosity
🧠 Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re unqualified—it means you’re growing
📸 P.S.: My Editorial Portrait Workshop is on June 7—only a few spots left! → jenallison.ca/editorial-portrait-workshop

Hey friends,

I hope you had a chance to rest over the long weekend.

I’ve got some exciting news—and a loud, obnoxious case of imposter syndrome to go with it.

For the past 10 weeks, I’ve been part of MicDrop Academy, a speaker training program led by author and professional speaker Jess Ekstrom.

👉 Last week, I officially graduated! 🎉🎓

This journey has been coming for a long time. I first connected with Jess in 2018, a few months before I launched Project Mighty Hearts. She actually helped shape the format for the project. I was eager to speak back then, to share my journey as a photographer and new mother to a medically complex kiddo, but the timing wasn’t right.

Life, anxiety, and a global pandemic had other plans.

Then, in late 2024, I stumbled on a post in a speaker’s group I hadn’t visited in years. Jess’ booking agent was promoting MicDrop Academy. I knew instantly—it was time.

I signed up, buckled up, and showed up through every nerve-wracking practice, every messy draft, and every “who am I to do this?” moment.

Now, I’m stepping into professional speaking with a keynote that feels personal and deeply needed, because it’s rooted in something I’ve had to navigate repeatedly, not just as a creative or entrepreneur, but as a human being.

Too often, fear, self-doubt, and perfectionism hold us back. My keynote challenges the belief that we must be fully polished or “ready” before we begin.

My talk reveals how embracing curiosity, shifting expectations, and owning our unique gifts unlocks true potential. Audiences leave with a reframed view—and the confidence to combine curiosity with action.

They walk away knowing:

They have the power to choose a new perspective.
They can embrace being a beginner and learn through the process.
Their unique gifts matter, and the world needs them.
Imposter syndrome is NOT a productive construct.
Challenges are opportunities for growth, expression, and purpose.

Whether you’re rebuilding, stepping into leadership, or taking your next creative leap, you don’t have to wait until you feel ready to begin.

If you're an event planner or know someone who is looking for a speaker, I’d love to connect.

If you're not in that camp but someone comes to mind, I’d be so grateful if you’d pass my name along.

While we’re on the topic….let’s talk about our “friend” imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome always seems to show up loudest right before we do something important. For me, it’s popped up before every major turning point in my life:

Going back to school for photography
Leaving freelance work to launch my business
Becoming a mom
Teaching at the college level
Learning to rollerskate… then training for triathlons
And now, professional speaking

Here’s what I’ve realized: imposter syndrome doesn’t show up because we’re unqualified. It shows up because we’re growing.

It’s not a flaw. It’s a signal.

You’re not broken.

You’re just expanding.

You’re not an imposter.

You’re a beginner—or maybe you’re becoming.

Let’s stop seeing self-doubt as a red flag and start seeing it as a signpost: something is shifting.

As always, thanks for reading, and for being here as I take this next leap.

With gratitude,

Jen

📸 P.S. If you're curious about exploring creativity outside your comfort zone, join me for the Editorial Portrait Workshop on June 7 → More info here.