The Question That’s Keeping You Stuck (And How to Answer It Like a Leader)
- Latoya Baldwin
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 2
The moment that could change everything is only one sentence away
It sounds like such a simple question.
“So, tell me about yourself.”
But let’s be real. Most of us freeze.
You try to sound polished.
You don’t want to ramble.
You want to be memorable, but not braggy.
You’re juggling a million thoughts while trying to smile like you’re not panicking inside.
And what comes out?
Something safe. Generic. Forgettable.
If you’ve ever walked out of an interview or networking event thinking,
“Ugh… I wish I’d said that better”
You are not alone.
And you are not the problem.
The problem is that no one ever taught you how to answer that question with power.
Until now.
Why “Tell Me About Yourself” Is More Than Just Small Talk
Here’s what most people don’t realize.
The way you introduce yourself sets the tone for everything that follows.
That one moment can shift how someone sees you. It shapes the story they start telling themselves about your value.
Can I see her in this role?
Does she know who she is?
Would I remember her after this meeting?
This is not small talk.
This is your power play.
And if you’re not answering with clarity and intention, you might be missing out on opportunities you don’t even know about.
What Happens When You Don’t Nail Your Intro
If you’re like many high-achieving women I’ve coached and mentored, you’ve probably been here:
You gave a safe answer, but it didn’t feel like the real you
You tried to explain your whole story and lost their attention
You downplayed your wins so you wouldn’t sound too bold
You left the conversation wondering if you made an impression at all
This isn’t about confidence.
It’s about alignment and clarity.
When you know how to communicate your value with ease, everything changes.
You don’t just sound ready. You sound undeniable.
What a Strong Elevator Pitch Actually Sounds Like
A great answer to “Tell me about yourself” doesn’t sound rehearsed.
It sounds confident, grounded, and real.
The best intros are:
Clear about what you do and what makes you effective
Rooted in results or real-life impact
Connected to your why
Human, not robotic
Delivered in under 60 seconds
You can shift the energy in a room in the same amount of time it takes to order a coffee.
So the real question is, are you using that time to your advantage?
Common Mistakes Women Make With Their Elevator Pitch
After 15 years in HR, I’ve seen brilliant women make the same mistakes with their intros over and over again.
Here’s what’s most common:
1. Downplaying their value
They lead with phrases like “I just help with…” or “I’ve kind of been involved in…”
2. Telling their entire resume
They try to squeeze in every role, every pivot, every piece of context.
3. Making it all about the company
They describe what their team does but leave out who they are.
4. Ending with a whisper instead of a statement
They trail off or soften the close, missing the chance to reinforce their presence.
None of this is about skill. It’s about preparation.
And once you have the right words and structure, your introduction becomes one of the easiest wins in your career toolkit.
The Secret to Owning the Room From the First Sentence
That’s why I created the Elevator Pitch Template: Tell Me About Yourself.
It’s not just a script.
It’s a confidence reset.
A step-by-step guide to help you answer that question with power, precision, and presence.
Inside the free download, you’ll get:
My 5-step framework that works in interviews, panels, and networking
Fill-in-the-blank templates you can make your own
Real-life examples so you’re never stuck staring at a blank screen
A way to personalize your pitch without sounding too rehearsed
This is the exact method I’ve used with women stepping into leadership roles, pivoting into new industries, and preparing for high-stakes conversations.
How It Sounds When You Get It Right
Let’s look at a before and after.
Before:
“I’ve been in marketing for a few years. I do a little bit of social media and I also help with campaigns. I’m looking for something new.”
After:
“I’m a digital strategist with six years of experience leading content and paid social campaigns. I recently increased audience engagement by 40 percent and helped launch a brand refresh across three channels. I’m excited about roles where I can bring strategy and creativity together to drive growth.”
See the difference?
Same person. Same background. Completely different impression.
You don’t need more credentials. You need better language.
And that’s exactly what the Elevator Pitch Template gives you.
If You’ve Ever Thought, “But My Story’s Complicated…”
I hear this all the time.
You’ve had pivots. You’ve worked jobs that paid the bills, not the passion. You’ve reinvented yourself a few times.
You’re not alone. And you don’t have to water it down.
This template helps you create a clear, compelling intro without erasing the complexity of your journey.
It won’t box you in. It will give your brilliance structure.
Whether you’re walking into a job interview, a team meeting, a networking event, or even a casual LinkedIn connection call… you’ll be ready.
Final Thought
You’re not just “figuring it out.”
You’re not someone who needs to wait until everything is perfect.
You already have what it takes. You just need the words to match your value.
So the next time someone says, “Tell me about yourself,”
You won’t hesitate.
You’ll step forward with clarity and presence.
Your story is powerful. Say it like it is.
P.S. If you’re building your confidence this year and want a powerful way to track your growth, check out the Rise365 Guided Career Planner. It’s the perfect companion to help you set goals, stay visible, and reflect on your leadership journey.
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