You Are Good - Even If No One Ever Told You

I have always had a passion for inclusion.

I hold a master’s degree in the field, have taught and tutored SENCOs on the National Award, and have spent years coaching and supporting staff to recognise their strengths and their value. That belief has always extended to children too and to families working alongside them to find outcomes that truly fit their needs.

And yet, for a long time, I couldn’t see those same strengths in myself.

Several years ago, an incredible Executive Headteacher asked me a simple question:

“Why haven’t you gone for a promotion?”

I remember answering honestly that it hadn’t even crossed my mind.

She paused, looked at me and said something that has stayed with me ever since:

 “Why not, Ro? You are good. You know you are good.”

The truth is - I didn’t.

Not because I lacked ability or experience, but because no one had ever said it out loud. No one had ever named my strengths. And I had never slowed down long enough to reflect on my own impact.

Like so many people working in education and support roles, I was busy doing the work, carrying responsibility, caring deeply, giving my best without ever stopping to ask:

What do I bring?

What am I good at?

What value do I hold?

That moment planted a seed.

Since then, my work has become about more than inclusion as a system or a framework. It has become about inclusion of the self helping staff believe in themselves, recognise their strengths and understand the impact they have every single day.

Because I’ve learned this:

So many talented, capable, compassionate professionals are quietly doubting themselves.

Not because they aren’t good enough but because no one has ever told them they are.

I am passionate about supporting people to:

• See their value

• Understand their strengths

• Step into the best version of themselves

• Walk confidently in what they already do well

  
  

My journey hasn’t been smooth or perfect. I’ve had hiccups, missteps, moments of self-doubt and lessons learned the hard way. But I’ve also been shaped by working alongside some of the kindest, most gifted people, colleagues, leaders, families and children who have taught me what strength really looks like.

This is why I’ve decided to write more openly about my journey.

Not because I have all the answers, but because I know how powerful it can be when someone finally says:

“You are good enough. And you matter.”

Sometimes, that’s all it takes to change the direction of a career or a life.

If this resonated, and you’re someone who has spent years giving to others while quietly doubting your own worth, you’re not alone.

I work with educators and leaders through coaching and learning spaces that focus on inclusion, wellbeing and recognising the strengths you already carry.

If you’d like to explore that support, you can find me here: https://www.rowenahicks.com/