Debo Harris - CEO, The Confidence Vault
About DEBO
I will never forget the worry and fear.
After several years as a corporate financier in the City, the recession hit. I was told about the team restructure; I needed to reapply for my job.
I knew I was the more experienced team member. I had kept my head down, my nose clean, worked twice as hard.
So I did what I always do.
I prepped harder than ever.
But at my work project meetings, I carried on as usual.
Although I had great ideas and responses, I shied away from speaking out, as I was nervous and cautious of making the ‘wrong’ impression.
I didn't want to be accused of being the aggressive woman, or be seen as over-emotional just because I disagreed with a suggestion, or be told I was too pushy when I pitched ideas to the team.
So by the time I got to the interview, I folded under the intense questioning. I didn't have the social network built up by my other team mate, so I had no-one to speak up for me in the decision making that happened afterwards.
I remember the sense of failure and defeat, the pain and embarrassment when I was told I was unsuccessful... and then let go.
I was angry and depressed.
Worse still, I lost my confidence.
On the face of it, my move into a small venture capital tech based firm in Cambridge was a promotion; I used my chartered accountancy qualification to shift effortlessly, it seemed, into a new career. In reality, I’d just fled into another job, seeking something that felt safe. I lacked confidence to lean in for what I was passionate about.
As time passed, I slowly returned to helping entrepreneurs in the tech startup world, first as an advisor, and later as an early stage fund broker. I developed a portfolio of board level roles, building my fortress of authority and reputation that I hid behind. Wanting to move away from being labelled the 'short, mouthy, specs-wearing black girl.'
Over the years, I listened more to my inner voice.
I became more comfortable speaking up, speaking out and sharing my ideas - because I became more confident in myself and the value I had to bring as a unique individual.
I became more comfortable taking chances, because I renewed my confidence in myself.
Today I‘be build a portfolio of fantastic board director roles, all based on my core values and passions, my skills experience, and my personal strengths.
Each year I work with ambitious women, one-to-one or in group face to face sessions. My online sessions help women around the world.
I work with women and entrepreneurs and help them develop their voice, and build their own Confidence Vault. In 10 weeks you can 10X your Confidence, build your career or take your business ideas to the next level.
I can help YOU find YOUR confidence and become the best version of your unique ‘yup’, so that you can live your most awesome life.
And if I can’t help, we'll know someone who can.
So what’s holding you back?
Click the button below and let’s get started!
After several years as a corporate financier in the City, the recession hit. I was told about the team restructure; I needed to reapply for my job.
I knew I was the more experienced team member. I had kept my head down, my nose clean, worked twice as hard.
So I did what I always do.
I prepped harder than ever.
But at my work project meetings, I carried on as usual.
Although I had great ideas and responses, I shied away from speaking out, as I was nervous and cautious of making the ‘wrong’ impression.
I didn't want to be accused of being the aggressive woman, or be seen as over-emotional just because I disagreed with a suggestion, or be told I was too pushy when I pitched ideas to the team.
So by the time I got to the interview, I folded under the intense questioning. I didn't have the social network built up by my other team mate, so I had no-one to speak up for me in the decision making that happened afterwards.
I remember the sense of failure and defeat, the pain and embarrassment when I was told I was unsuccessful... and then let go.
I was angry and depressed.
Worse still, I lost my confidence.
On the face of it, my move into a small venture capital tech based firm in Cambridge was a promotion; I used my chartered accountancy qualification to shift effortlessly, it seemed, into a new career. In reality, I’d just fled into another job, seeking something that felt safe. I lacked confidence to lean in for what I was passionate about.
As time passed, I slowly returned to helping entrepreneurs in the tech startup world, first as an advisor, and later as an early stage fund broker. I developed a portfolio of board level roles, building my fortress of authority and reputation that I hid behind. Wanting to move away from being labelled the 'short, mouthy, specs-wearing black girl.'
Over the years, I listened more to my inner voice.
I became more comfortable speaking up, speaking out and sharing my ideas - because I became more confident in myself and the value I had to bring as a unique individual.
I became more comfortable taking chances, because I renewed my confidence in myself.
Today I‘be build a portfolio of fantastic board director roles, all based on my core values and passions, my skills experience, and my personal strengths.
Each year I work with ambitious women, one-to-one or in group face to face sessions. My online sessions help women around the world.
I work with women and entrepreneurs and help them develop their voice, and build their own Confidence Vault. In 10 weeks you can 10X your Confidence, build your career or take your business ideas to the next level.
I can help YOU find YOUR confidence and become the best version of your unique ‘yup’, so that you can live your most awesome life.
And if I can’t help, we'll know someone who can.
So what’s holding you back?
Click the button below and let’s get started!