Leadership and the Limiting Beliefs That Hold Us Back
Linda Reddy, IWF UK Member, Partner, Group Head of Supply Chain Nando's Limited
Over the years, I’ve learnt that the hardest part of leadership isn’t strategy, structure, or scale itself but rather the quiet inner voice that questions whether you truly belong at the table. The hesitation before speaking up. The mental loops that whisper “not yet” or “not enough.”
I’ve faced those moments. Even after years of experience leading global teams across 27 countries, there have been times I’ve paused, not because I didn’t know the answer, but because an invisible belief told me I shouldn’t be too bold, too certain, too visible.
These beliefs are subtle. They don’t arrive announced; they settle in slowly. Over time, they become the stories we live by. And unless we name them, they quietly define how we lead.
Common Limiting Beliefs Leaders Carry
“I have to prove myself before I speak.”
“If I show vulnerability, I’ll lose respect.”
“I must have all the answers to be credible.”
“I can’t afford to fail; people are watching.”
Sound familiar? These thoughts can drive success in the short term. In the long term, they drain confidence, creativity, and connection.
I used to believe leadership was about having control. Today, I see it differently. Leadership is about clarity: knowing who you are, what you stand for, and what you need to let go of. Often, it’s not a skill gap holding us back, but rather the belief gap.
A turning point for me came during one of the toughest professional chapters of my career. Can you elaborate here, making it even more personal? I was navigating competing demands, managing complex personalities, and constantly measuring myself against impossible standards. I realised I was carrying beliefs that no longer served me. They were heavy, outdated, and entirely mine to release.
Letting go meant rewriting my internal script. I started replacing self-doubt with self-trust, overthinking with curiosity, and perfectionism with progress. The change wasn’t instant. It was transformative.
How to Start Releasing Limiting Beliefs
Pause and listen to your inner dialogue. What patterns keep showing up? Awareness is the first step towards change.
Challenge your assumptions. Ask: “Is this belief fact, or a fear disguised as truth?”
Reframe the story. Instead of “I’m not ready,” try “I’m learning as I go.”
Seek perspective. Surround yourself with mentors or peers who see your potential clearly, especially when you can’t.
Practise self-compassion. Growth doesn’t happen through criticism; it happens through courage.
Leadership is not about being fearless. It’s about moving forward despite the fear. It’s the daily act of choosing belief over doubt, purpose over perfection, and authenticity over approval.
Every time we challenge a limiting belief, we open space for something new: confidence, creativity, and courage. And that, I’ve learnt, is where real leadership begins.
