16 Apr The Second “I” — A Powerful Shift for Entrepreneurs
First, I want to apologize for the radio silence.
After the Palisades Fire on Jan 7th, we lived in several hotels and finally relocated to Studio City so my daughter could be closer to school.
Kailani attends Harvard-Westlake, and what used to be an hour-long bus commute is now just a few minutes.
It’s been a big shift moving to the Valley after living on the west side for almost three decades, but the extra time and rest have been such a gift for her—and for us.
In the midst of settling in, I had the chance to interview Brian Smith, the founder of UGGs, for the EO Wonder Podcast. We talked about resilience, brand building, and what it really takes to lead through tough times. During our conversation, Brian recommended a book that deeply influenced him: The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman.
Of course, I picked up the book immediately.
And I’m so glad I did.
Todd’s concept is powerful—he explains how creating an “alter ego” can help you access the most confident, focused version of yourself. It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about tapping into traits you already have but might hold back in high-pressure moments.
It reminded me of something I studied years ago: Cicero, the Roman philosopher, believed we all have two selves. One is shaped by the world around us. The other—the second I—is who we become when we act from inner strength, reason, and clarity.
This newsletter is about how we, as entrepreneurs, can step into that second I when it matters most. I’ll walk you through Todd Herman’s framework, a step-by-step guide, and a simple worksheet to help you create your own powerful inner identity.
And yes—I’ll let you know the moment the podcast episode with Brian goes live. It’s full of insight you won’t want to miss.
Let’s begin.
The Alter Ego Effect: Bringing Your Second I to Life
Todd Herman, a performance coach to Olympians, CEOs, and entrepreneurs, writes:
What if the moment that creates the most doubt in you could actually be your moment of greatest performance?
He explains that high achievers often call on a hidden identity to act with more purpose and less fear. These alter egos aren’t costumes—they’re containers for courage, traits we all have but often keep tucked away.
There is no fake it till you make it. There is only activate and initiate. – Todd Herman
Think of Beyoncé’s “Sasha Fierce” or Kobe Bryant’s “Black Mamba.” These personas help them step into clarity, presence, and confidence when it counts.
As entrepreneurs, your version might be the Visionary, the Strategist, the Closer, or the Calm Problem Solver. Once you name it, you can start calling on it.
Step-by-Step Guide: Activate Your Second I
- Name the Challenge
What situation stirs self-doubt? Is it fundraising? Giving feedback? Speaking publicly?
Fear lives in the gap between your real identity and your performance identity. – Todd Herman
- Define the Traits You Need
What would help you in those moments? (Clarity, focus, humor, energy, directness) - Create Your Alter Ego
Give your alter ego a name. Who are they? What do they wear? What’s their tone of voice?
Heroes are a powerful shortcut to the traits we want to call up.
Let it be someone real, fictional, or even a future version of you.
- Choose a Trigger
Pick something physical or symbolic to help you step into the role—a bracelet, glasses, a song.
Totems aren’t just items. They’re anchors
- Practice Stepping In
Visualize your second I taking over. Feel how they would walk, speak, and act. - Reflect
What felt different? What surprised you? How did you feel afterward?
You don’t rise to the occasion. You fall back on your training. So train your identity.
The 4 Layers of the Alter Ego
Todd explains that every effective alter ego is built with four layers:
- Core Drivers
These are your values and motivators. Your alter ego should reflect what you care about deeply—truth, courage, kindness, precision. - Belief System
This version of you has no room for limiting beliefs. What do they believe about success? Setbacks? Self-worth?
Your alter ego doesn’t carry the wounds of your past. It acts in the now.
- Superpowers
List the traits that shine when this version of you is active. (Decisiveness, patience, joy, command, vision) - Field of Play
Where do you need this version of you the most? You don’t need to use it all the time—just in your highest-pressure moments.
Need help discovering your Second I?
I help entrepreneurs build clarity, confidence, and calm through coaching, strategy, and storytelling.
Let’s bring your second I forward—so you don’t get stuck when it matters most.
Book a free discovery call:
https://calendly.com/Kalika
Wishing you all the very best always,
(P.S. I’ll let you know as soon as the podcast episode with Brian Smith goes live!)
Female Founders Mentorship Circle
Are you tired of feeling like you’ve created a job for yourself instead of building a thriving business?
Do you dream of achieving the freedom and flexibility that comes with being your own boss while also juggling personal and family commitments?
RECOMMENDED WORKSHEET
This worksheet helps you create and activate your second I—the version of yourself that performs with more focus, ease, and trust.
RECOMMENDED PODCAST
From Nike to the global stage, Swan Sit shares her journey from corporate exec to digital creator with 3.7M+ followers. Tune in to this EO Wonder Podcast episode for insights on branding, speaking, and reinvention.
