Growing up lower-middle-class and in my opinion unimpressive, I carried the weight of self-doubt throughout my life. The persistent negative self-talk served as a constant companion, a reminder of my humble beginnings. I had teachers and bosses throughout my life who reminded me of this by saying: “you’re a moron” (3rd Grade Teacher), “you’ll never get it” (7th grade math teacher), “you’ll never amount to anything” (HS Guidance Counselor), {whispered to another employee} “he’s not that smart…” (sales manager at a tile store). My tenure at Zillow marked a transformative chapter – a crucial juncture in both my career and personal narrative. Up until that point I worked in sales environments that were easy to stand out on top (despite not being smart). The quotas were low, so was the pay. And being a top performer at these companies gave me a false sense of confidence, which was masking what I knew to be true, I wasn’t shit. Can’t lose if you don’t try, right? Well I ended up trying and landing at Zillow. Furthermore I saw early success during my ramp up (thanks to my managers Samy and Doug) and tried even harder by going to the very challenging Vertical Living team. Within a few months I very quickly had accumulated two quota misses. it was proved to me what I already knew… Brant… you suck! The reality that three strikes and you’re out hit me hard, and I realized I was about to let down everyone who believed in me. I was now married, wanted to grow a family, and people at Zillow were rooting for me to win. Despite the pressure, I made a conscious choice to silence the negative self-talk. This was more than hitting quotas; it was about breaking free from the chains of self-doubt long rooted in my psyche. Who was I to prove myself right, and all these people wrong? Over the next six years, I rewrote the script. By refusing entry to negative thoughts, I not only met quotas but surpassed them. I got promoted, grew my career. It was a testament to overcoming self-imposed limitations and proving that one's origin doesn't dictate their destination. #BreakingSelfDoubt #CareerTransformation #RisingAboveBackground
Worked in sales a long time and with some of the brightest professionals in the best media companies. You my friend were amongst those people! Never forget your worth! Always a mentor to me and an incredible asset to any company lucky enough to hire you!
Thank you for sharing, Brant! I share the same frustrating and limiting talk tracks too.
One of my early experiences in the learning and development space, my leader/mentor, helped me realize I view people as either smart or not. They helped me shift that mindset and realize the vast potential in each person. I've come to realize over the years that if individuals step into the potential, get uncomfortable, and put in the work, they can and will achieve great things. It has shaped how I engage with all my learners, coworkers, and others. I sometimes even remember to use it for myself. I say all that to let you know you were always a stand out to me. It was a pleasure to have you in training and connect with you at Zillow. I'm glad that you were able to move beyond the negative self-talk, doubt, and influences from your early years. I also come from a borderline poor - lower middle-class home and I know that that comes with its own challenges. I admire your vulnerability, by sharing your journey and growth in this post. It resonated with me.
I can relate to so much of this. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing. You are an inspiration!
I’m right there with you brother and share the same struggle. Brant Levine , it’s amazing what happens when you quiet the monkey brain. Thanks for sharing the reality of what a lot of high functioning humans deal with.
Love it Brant! #jumpers
One things that stood out is that you cared and wanted it! Despite headwinds you made it happen!! Cheers to continued growth and success!!
MBA, Certified PMP
6moWe don’t know one another, but this popped up, read it , and thought it was really inspirational. A lot of us struggle with self doubt but few will speak to it. Kudos for a great article!