Why am I here?
Have you ever been invited to a meeting or gathering and, looking around at the other participants—knowing the strength of their dossiers—thought to yourself, "What am I doing here?? Why did they invite me? Will I have enough to contribute?" Call it imposter syndrome or the dread of feeling you’re at the wrong table in the middle school cafeteria.
Several years ago, I was in that spot when asked to serve on the board of a higher education institution. My pockets weren't as deep as some of the board members. I didn't hold the same esteemed titles as others. So, I questioned the validity of my place at the table.
After confessing to a colleague that I questioned, “Why am I here?” he invited me to make the same inquiry but with a different intent and intonation. One that's less quizzical and acknowledged that I DID have a place at the table and that there might be something to learn, soak up, and discover. One that's more curious. "So, why am I here? What is there for me to know? Where might this information be valuable in other connections in my circle of influence? What insight of mine might this conversation spark and bring potential value to the group? What resources in my bank of knowledge would be relevant and helpful to the issues we're addressing here?"
Shifting my focus and intention and settling in with greater authority and confidence, I no longer felt like an outsider but became a fully engaged participant. My voice, experiences, and perspectives added a unique and valuable dimension to the discussions. My influence grew because I embraced my role with curiosity and a willingness to contribute meaningfully.
I began to look forward to each meeting—not just for what I would learn but for what I could offer. The more I leaned in, the more I recognized how my insights could help shape decisions and drive positive change. I forged connections with colleagues that extended beyond the boardroom, creating partnerships and enhancing the other meaningful work we were driving.
Ultimately, "Why am I here?" became less of a question of doubt and more of an invitation—to show up, engage, and trust that I belonged. Because I did. And so do you.
Photo by Ana Municio on Unsplash
