Have you ever felt like you don’t quite belong in a room full of confident people? Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, knows that feeling all too well. During her keynote address at a recent National Society of Leadership and Success event, she shared her journey and the invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way. Her words, combined with insights from her new book, “Loving the Journey,” offer powerful guidance for anyone aspiring to lead with confidence and purpose.
Justice Jackson’s message is one of perseverance, self-belief, and gratitude. She didn’t just break barriers—she embraced every step, whether challenging or triumphant, using each as a building block for her future. As a coach, I often share that life happens for you, not to you, to live your purpose. For this reason and others, Justice Jackson’s pearls of wisdom deeply resonated with my own journey, and I believe they may resonate with many of yours, too. Here are several of the insights she shared and how we can apply them in our leadership journeys.
Imposter Syndrome: Embrace the Small Wins
Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough, even when all signs point to the fact that you belong exactly where you are? Justice Jackson spoke candidly about her battle with imposter syndrome, even as she clerked for the Supreme Court. What resonated with me most was her advice to focus on the small wins.
Rather than waiting for the “big moment” to prove ourselves, she reminded us to acknowledge each step along the way. Whether it’s a well-executed presentation or simply showing up to tackle a tough day, those small victories build confidence over time. Each win, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
PowerPlay Perspective: Track your small wins. These moments of progress are the building blocks of your future, and recognizing them will help you push past feelings of self-doubt. We all have moments of doubt where we question if we belong. Justice Jackson coaches to push past those moments by focusing on small wins. Did you finish a tough project or get through a challenging meeting? Take a moment to acknowledge that progress. Every step forward matters.
Public Speaking: Conquer Your Fear by Doing
Public speaking can be nerve-wracking for many of us, but Justice Jackson shared how her high school debate team gave her the tools to face those fears head-on. Debate helped her craft persuasive arguments, organize her thoughts, and become comfortable speaking in front of others. Her message was simple: practice.
She reminded us that no one becomes a master public speaker overnight. It’s the consistent effort—taking on opportunities, speaking in smaller settings, and learning from each experience—that makes the difference. She’s living proof that the more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.
PowerPlay Perspective: Start small. Next time an opportunity arises to speak up, take it, even if it’s just in a meeting or casual conversation. Each time you push yourself, you’re building the skills needed for more significant moments. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small group or a big audience—the more you speak, the more confident you’ll get. Justice Jackson didn’t become a Supreme Court Justice overnight, and neither will you conquer your public speaking fears in one go. Remember, every opportunity to speak can offer a chance to practice and grow.
Mentorship: Find Someone Who’s Walked the Path Before You
Mentorship was a major theme in Justice Jackson’s address. She credited much of her career success to the mentors who guided her. They weren’t just advisors—they were role models who helped her navigate the challenges of her profession, teaching her essential skills that propelled her forward.
In her book, “Loving the Journey,” she emphasizes the value of seeking out mentors who align with your goals. She encouraged young leaders to be intentional in their search for mentors and not to be afraid to reach out to people in their field, whether they know them personally or not.
PowerPlay Perspective: If you don’t have a mentor yet, start today. Look for someone who has walked the path you hope to follow, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. Mentors are there to help lift you and show you the ropes. Justice Jackson credits much of her success to the mentors who helped her along the way. And guess what? Finding a mentor isn’t as hard as you think. Start by reaching out to someone in your field who inspires you. It could be a professor, a colleague, or even someone you admire from afar. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance—they’ve been in your shoes.
Perseverance: You Can Do Hard Things
Justice Jackson was honest about the difficulties she faced throughout her career. She didn’t sugarcoat the challenges, but she did stress one thing: you can do hard things. Life will inevitably present us with obstacles, but it’s our ability to keep moving forward that determines our success.
Her perseverance through the challenges of law school, her judicial career, and, ultimately, her appointment to the Supreme Court is a testament to her belief in the power of resilience. She shared that having a strong support system, whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, is vital when pushing through those tough moments.
PowerPlay Perspective: You are capable of overcoming difficult challenges. Surround yourself with people who cheer you on, and when you’re facing a tough situation, remind yourself that you’ve made it through before—and you can do it again. Life will throw challenges at you—that’s a given. But, as Justice Jackson reminds us, you’re capable of doing hard things. When you hit a rough patch, don’t back down. Lean on your support system and remind yourself that you’ve conquered tough times before. You’ve got what it takes to push through.
Networking: Build Genuine Connections
One of the points Justice Jackson reflected on was the importance of networking. She admitted that if she could do one thing differently in her early career, it would have been to network more intentionally. Building meaningful connections is critical for personal and professional growth, and it’s not about collecting business cards—it’s about developing relationships with people who inspire you.
Justice Jackson encouraged us to be proactive in reaching out to those we admire or work alongside. Whether it’s professors, colleagues, or industry professionals, creating genuine relationships opens doors and helps foster long-term success.
PowerPlay Perspective: Build connections, not just contacts. Be authentic and intentional about who you connect with. Reach out to people you admire, offer your support, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice. Networking is about relationships that will support your growth over time. Networking isn’t about collecting business cards; it’s about building relationships with people who will support and inspire you. Think about the people you admire—reach out to them, start a conversation, and offer your support. Genuine connections are what open doors, shine a light, and help you to grow.
Gratitude: Find Joy in the Process
Justice Jackson shared a powerful reminder during her speech: gratitude is key. She spoke about how her position on the Supreme Court is both an honor and a responsibility, and she finds joy by focusing on the things she’s grateful for. In her book, “Loving the Journey,” she delves into how maintaining gratitude, even in challenging moments, keeps her grounded and focused on her purpose.
She shared the wisdom of the saying, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Leadership is not just about climbing the ladder but about using your platform to help others. Gratitude keeps us connected to why we do what we do and ensures we lead with heart.
PowerPlay Perspective: Gratitude brings joy. Begin each day with a moment of gratitude. Reflect on the opportunities you’ve been given, and think about how you can use them to serve others. Gratitude will keep you grounded and help you find joy in the process, no matter how challenging it may seem. Justice Jackson’s reminder about gratitude is simple but powerful. Start each day by reflecting on what you’re grateful for. Gratitude keeps us grounded, and it’s a great way to shift your mindset when things feel tough. Plus, when you’re focused on what you’re thankful for, it’s easier to find joy—even in the hardest of times.
High Court PowerPlay Perspectives
In this inspiring keynote, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson reminded us of several key truths for our leadership journey. From battling imposter syndrome by embracing small wins to conquering public speaking fears by practicing regularly, each challenge we face builds us into stronger leaders. Her reflections on the importance of mentorship, resilience through tough times, and building genuine connections remind us that success doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s a collective effort. Finally, her gratitude for both her challenges and successes teaches us that joy and leadership come when we focus on what we can give to others. Each of these perspectives offers practical, actionable steps to incorporate into your own journey.
Betting on Your Leadership Journey
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s story reminds us that leadership is about perseverance, growth, and purpose. Whether you’re facing imposter syndrome, honing your public speaking skills, or building connections, every step you take is a step toward becoming the leader you’re meant to be.
So, what small step will you take today to bet on your leadership journey? Will you celebrate a recent win, reach out to a mentor, connect instead of collecting contacts, or practice public speaking? You have everything it takes to lead with purpose, confidence, and gratitude. Follow me at bettingonme.com for more insights and encouragement along your leadership journey. Let’s keep moving forward together.
Thank you for joining me in this reflection on leadership. Until next time, keep thriving and believing that ‘Life happens for you, not to you, to live your purpose.’
Respectfully,
Lynn “Coach” Austin
References
Hawkins, B. (2022). Mentorship and its role in leadership development. Journal of Leadership Education, 21(3), 45-57. https://doi.org/10.12806/V21/I3/R3
Ragins, B. R., & Kram, K. E. (2021). The Handbook of Mentoring at Work: Theory, Research, and Practice. Sage Publications.
About
Lynn F. Austin is an author, speaker, and educator dedicated to helping others achieve their highest potential. With a strong foundation in faith, Lynn combines her expertise in business with her passion for growth and development. Her extensive experience in leadership, education, and innovative strategies makes her a skilled and versatile speaker, consultant, and executive coach. As a speaker, Lynn shares her insights and experiences at schools, conferences, and workshops. As the author of The Newman Tales children’s book series and other business, motivational, and faith-based books, Coach Austin motivates and inspires growth, development, and purposeful living with her clients. Follow Lynn’s “life happens for me (not to me) to live my purpose“ journey of faith, growth, and inspiration.