Being self-sufficient is wonderful.
One single point of failure — you.
Sounds empowering, right? Often, it is.

But here’s the real talk:
Backing yourself isn't just about confidence.
It's about clarity. It’s about knowing when to move forward, when to pause, and when to get out of your own way.
It’s about integrating insight.

Knowing:

I often say, when asked — “Yes but… does reverse mentoring really work?”
Well yes. I believe in it so much that I left my corporate career to spread the word about how this tool can transform cultures when introduced with due care and process.

And let’s be real — entrepreneurs have a different level of risk appetite. You have to.
We’re the ones betting on ourselves every single day. Sometimes with shaky hands, but still — we bet.

🔍 Radical Self-Awareness: The Real Superpower

Stripping away a strong corporate identity meant I had to get crystal clear on who Patrice was without the job title, the corner office, or the clout.

That took some real soul work. I had to question my patterns.
Face my habits.
And confront the parts of me I’d hidden behind success.

What I’ve learnt is this:
Self-awareness is your compass. Feedback is your map.
If you’re not checking in with both regularly, you’re navigating blind.

Here are some tools I’ve used (and recommended to clients) to deepen that awareness:

✅ Johari Window – What’s known, what’s hidden, what’s blind, what’s still emerging? Ask three people to describe you in five words. Compare. Reflect.
✅ 360 Feedback – It’s not easy, but it’s essential.
✅ CliftonStrengths or Strengths Profile – Go beyond “good at” — what actually energises you?
✅ The Energy Audit – What fuels you? What drains you? Track it for a week.
✅ Learning Needs Matrix – What mindset, skillset, and network gaps are holding you back?

Pro tip: Don’t do this in a vacuum. Journaling, voice notes, therapy, coaching — pick your poison. But stay in the practice.

Community as Catalyst (and Caution)

When I stepped into entrepreneurship, I didn’t just lose a job title — I lost a ready-made ecosystem.

So, I had to build my own.
Some communities supported me.
Some “supported” me.
Some absolutely did not work.

But each experience sharpened my self-awareness.

Right now, I’m part of Virgin StartUp, WeConnect International, MSDUK, Female Founders Rise, Forbes BLK, Black Rise, Soho Works, and Soho House — to name a few.

None are perfect.
But the goal isn't perfection — it’s alignment.

And what I’ve learnt is this:
You have to show up as the version of yourself you’re growing into — not the one you left behind.
That’s the real power of backing yourself.

💥 The Bit That Stopped Me in My Tracks

I had a conversation this week that stuck with me.
Someone told me about some feedback they’d received from a person they deeply respected. It went something like this:

“There are people out there with less than half your talent making some serious waves.”

Now — this wasn’t said to discredit those people.
It was said to remind this person: Step out. Stop hiding. Bet on your brilliance.

And it got me thinking…
I know that feeling. I’ve felt that little green tinge of envy before.
When it shows up, I don’t push it away anymore. I ask why.

Every time, the answer is the same:
I’m not backing myself enough.

📓 This Week’s Homework

When you start to feel envious, pause and really think about the underlying why of that feeling.
I bet a 30-minute call with you that it’s because you’re not showing up for yourself enough.

📍 This week’s reflection:

🔗 Resources to Keep You Aligned

🎥 I love Caroline Wanga -straight talking at its best. She doesn’t know it, but she is both my hype woman and accountability coach, whispering in my ear on the days where I doubt myself.

📚 The Seat of the Soul – Gary Zukav (Yes, I know this is like the 10th time I have recommended this - have you read it yet?)
📚 Range – David Epstein
📚 The Untethered Soul – Michael Singer

💭 Final Reflections

Backing yourself isn’t bravado.
It’s not noise. It’s not chest-beating.

It’s a quiet, daily decision to stay close to your truth — even when the next step isn’t clear.
It’s choosing your growth over your comfort. Every time.

You’re not meant to have it all figured out.
But you are meant to keep figuring yourself out.

That, my friends, is how we elevate.

I’d love to hear. Reply to this email, tag me, DM me — but don’t keep it to yourself.

With Peace, Love and Flow

In case you missed it: This is the highlight reel from my session last week in Jamaica

Plus: We are now less than 2 weeks away from SXSW London!