Overcoming the Fear of Judgement: Lessons from Martha Stewart and My Own Journey to Gold
By Katie Joy The Global Butterfly

They say that true growth begins when we step outside our comfort zones, but what if that step includes confronting one of our greatest fears? For so many of us, the fear of judgement is a constant companion—a shadow that follows us into our work, our relationships, and our quietest, most private moments. I’ve felt it, Martha Stewart has felt it, and I know that perhaps, you have too.

Recently, I watched Martha, the documentary on Martha Stewart’s life and business journey, and I felt an immediate connection. Here is a woman who’s built an empire on the pursuit of “perfectly perfect” and who’s faced immense public judgement, not only for her work but for her personal life as well. Seeing her journey laid bare was deeply moving, especially in how she handled what, at one point, may have been her greatest fear: not living up to people’s expectations. And yet, through her time in prison and the media storm that followed, Martha emerged with a new perspective—a realisation that she no longer needed to be the "superwoman" or the symbol of perfection. She chose to let go of control, embrace who she was, and simply be the everyday woman.

This journey deeply resonates with my own, especially as I prepare for the announcement of the Stevie Awards this week. Being a finalist is an incredible honour, but the path here hasn’t been without challenges. Like Martha, my journey has been one of overcoming expectations—those placed on me by society, by clients, and perhaps most of all, by myself.

The Inner Shift from Perfection to Purpose

Much like Martha’s journey from striving to be perfectly perfect, I’ve had my own evolution from a place of “doing it all” to a more soul-aligned path. My work with Global Butterfly was born from a deep desire to help people transform, not through an idealised version of success, but by working through what’s real—our strengths, our weaknesses, our fears.

This shift wasn’t easy. For years, I had worked hard to build my business, to serve my clients, and to create a coaching model that would set new standards in an industry often focused only on surface results. I wanted to dig deeper, to address the root causes that hold us back from living fulfilling lives. But with that mission came the fear of judgement—what if my unconventional approach didn’t resonate? What if people thought it was too “different”?

As I reflect on the journey that has brought me to the Stevie Awards, I realise that this fear was one of my greatest obstacles. Yet it was also the source of some of my most profound growth. Like Martha, I had to let go of the need for approval and shift my focus from perfection to purpose.

Confronting the Fear of Judgement

Judgement is something I’ve encountered both personally and professionally. I’ve faced moments where I doubted whether my story, my methods, or even my voice would be accepted in the coaching world. The path has been strewn with setbacks and doubts—navigating single motherhood, overcoming financial challenges, and letting go of relationships that didn’t align with my purpose. Each of these moments was a lesson in resilience, in building my strength, and in discovering who I truly am, beyond what others think.

Seeing Martha's story affirmed that judgement is often a reflection of others’ expectations rather than our own truth. When she chose to let go of that “superwoman” image and simply show up as herself, her authenticity became her strength. This is what I strive to bring into my work with Global Butterfly: an unapologetic commitment to authenticity, to helping people align with their own truth rather than the expectations placed upon them.

A Win for Authenticity

If the Stevie Awards this week bring me Gold, I’ll celebrate not just the recognition but the journey it represents—the journey of embracing authenticity, of moving beyond fear, and of finding my voice, no matter the opinions or judgements of others. And even if I don’t win Gold, this finalist position is a testament to the power of resilience, growth, and the courage to be true to myself.

To anyone out there who fears being judged, I want you to know this: Judgement is just a reminder of how far we’ve come. It’s proof that we’re challenging the status quo, stepping into our power, and redefining success on our own terms. Whether you’re building a business, embarking on a personal journey, or simply trying to live life a little more authentically, remember that judgement can only hold power over you if you let it. Like Martha Stewart, we can choose to let go, to embrace our story, and to move forward with purpose.

So here’s to overcoming judgement, to stepping into authenticity, and to celebrating every moment along the way. I am beyond grateful for this journey, and for the opportunity to share it with you. Thank you for being part of this, for believing in my work, and for allowing me to serve as both mentor and witness to your own transformations.

And as Martha has shown us all, sometimes the most powerful transformations come not from seeking perfection but from embracing who we truly are.