Community is not a nice-to-have—it’s a requirement. In this conversation, Bridgett Battles reflects on how community shaped her leadership, clarified her vision, and anchored her through moments of doubt and growth. From building a trusted personal board to redefining success as peace, Bridgett shares honest insights on what it means to lead with confidence, live on your own terms, and stop being afraid of your own shadow. Her story is a reminder that no one builds a meaningful life or legacy alone.
The Personal Board That Tells the Truth
How has community played a part in who you are, the roles you have played, and how you have gotten to where you are today?
Community is essential. It is a requirement. Having community is what helped me clearly identify and articulate my path. In the beginning, when I relocated from North Carolina to where I live now, I struggled a bit. Moving from a smaller city to a larger one was a big change, and part of that challenge was finding my people, my tribe, the people I could be transparent with.
I needed a safe space where I could be vulnerable and say, “This is what I’m thinking. This is what I envision,” without someone responding, “Are you crazy?” Instead, they became my first line of support, while also holding me accountable.
For me, community has evolved into what I like to call my personal cabinet or personal board. They not only hold me accountable, but they tell me the truth, whether I like it or not. I know it comes from a place of love, and from believing in my dreams just as much as I do.
When you are a creative, a visionary, or a businesswoman, having people in your corner who believe in your outcome is critical. They may not see the vision exactly the way you do, but because they believe in you, they support it. No one can see your vision the way you see it.
Community has been my sounding board, my accountability, and the space where I can test my thinking. One thing I love about my personal board is that it is diverse. It includes different ethnicities, different backgrounds, and different experiences. None of us do the same work, but we all want each other to win. We understand that part of leadership is cultivating and creating other leaders.
When Success Stops Being Loud and Starts Being Peaceful
What is your definition of success today?
My definition of success changed the moment I turned 50. I will be 53 next year. Success for me now means living life on my own terms, but it also means peace.
As you get exposed to different people, spaces, and opportunities, you start receiving accolades. You work hard for them, and when you achieve them, you feel accomplished. But then you start digging deeper into the impact of the work you are doing, and success moves beyond recognition.
For me, success is going to bed every night knowing I did right by people. Even if I made a mistake or did not get something exactly right, knowing I gave it my all is what matters.
Success also means sharing. I am a process person. I am not attached to the biggest or prettiest outcome. I find joy in figuring out the process that leads to the solution. Being able to share that process matters to me. I often say my life is a beautiful disaster. It is beautiful now, but it was chaotic getting here.
Owning that process has given me peace. That is why success, to me, means peace.
Building a Life Through Firsts, Pauses, and Gratitude
What does a life you love look like, and are you currently living it?
I am in the thick of creating the life that I love. Creating that life requires openness. I am living a life my parents did not live and experiencing things I was not exposed to growing up. Times have changed, and I am creating a life that I desire and love.
I grew up in a small town and was the first in my family to go to college and to live out of state. I have done a lot of “firsts.” Because of that, I had to learn what I like, what I do not like, where I want to travel, and what brings me joy.
As you begin to experience success, it can become addictive. You finish one thing and immediately move on to the next without celebrating. That was true for me. Now, I make space to pause. I ask myself, “What does it feel like to accomplish this?”
I created what I call a gratitude wall. It holds emails, thank-you notes, compliments, and reminders of meaningful moments. On days when doubt creeps in, I go to that wall. It brings me back to the facts. It quiets the negative stories and realigns me with the path I am on.
So yes, I am living a life I love. It continues to evolve. I get to share my brilliance, feel deeply, and experience impact in ways I never had before. It is a good ride.
Why Self-Doubt Sneaks In and How to Shut the Door
What do you think keeps people from taking opportunities when they are offered?
Sometimes we do not prioritize our vision. Sometimes comparison creates self-doubt, even when doubt does not belong there. We bring it in and give it control.
When opportunities are unfamiliar, or when no one in your family has done something similar, you may feel undeserving. That is why it is important to ask real questions of people who have accomplished things. Do not ask what it feels like to be successful. Ask how they became successful. Their process tells you everything.
Owning your dream sometimes means pitching yourself. Sometimes it means explaining how you can add value. One of my closest friends says, “You cannot read the label when you are inside the jar.” Other people help you see what you cannot. But they cannot help if they do not know you are there. That means you have to show up.
Stop Running From Your Own Shadow
What is a hard lesson you have learned along your journey?
Do not be afraid of your shadow. There were moments when I should have jumped and did not. I backed up instead. Do not fear your shadow, and do not stop dreaming just because your dream is big.
Confidence That Spreads Beyond You
What legacy are you hoping to leave?
My legacy is twofold. First, I ask people to describe themselves in one word. Mine is “contagious.” I want my confidence to transfer to anyone I interact with. I want it to magnify in others.
The second part of my legacy is encouraging people not to be afraid of their own shadow.
Stillness, Boundaries, and Intentional Communication
What habits allow you to do your work and have the impact you do?
I journal often and set goals. I consume a lot of self-development content. I have also built the habit of sitting in silence. That did not come easily. I used to feel like everything needed an immediate response.
Sitting in silence helped me defend my calendar and set boundaries. These are habits I practice daily now.
Also, one technique I use for effective communication is using the first 30 seconds of any conversation to figure out what type of communicator someone is. That helps me decide whether to be relational, analytical, energetic, or direct. Understanding how people receive information allows me to deliver it in a way that lands and can be used.
Mentors, Sponsors, and the Courage to Try
What advice would you give younger women as they build leadership and confidence?
Get a mentor and then a sponsor. Try everything once, whether in career, lifestyle, or experience. You cannot know what you like until you try it.
A mentor shows you how leaders pour into others so you can do the same. A sponsor advocates for you when you are not in the room. Get a mentor, get a sponsor, and try everything once.
About Bridgett Battles
Bridgett Battles, Executive Presence Strategist and Speaker, specializes in helping high-achieving women executives bridge the gap between their proven expertise and commanding the C-suite recognition they deserve.
