Stephanie Tran, Edupreneur, Founder, and CEO of Tutor Route, pushed through imposter syndrome and the expectations of others to create her business and helps education professionals level up to become entrepreneurs. Her 6-Figure Tutor Masterclass, which launched in November 2021, focuses on instructing teachers and counselors to create and launch their own business in 30 days.
Imposter Syndrome: What It Is
Harvard Business Review defined imposter syndrome in 2008, as “a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success.” Imposters suffer from chronic self-doubt and a sense of intellectual fraudulence that override any feelings of success or external proof of their competence.
Tran experienced this feeling throughout her life. She broke through this feeling for good, empowering others to do the same so they can continue to grow, create successful businesses, and extend beyond their limiting beliefs.
Stephanie Tran: The Real McCoy
Tran is an Asian-American champion figure skater-turned-educational entrepreneur (‘edupreneur’) whose identity shifted upon immigrating to the United States with her parents caused an ongoing tug-and-pull with imposter syndrome. On the one hand, Tran is a responsible daughter who understands her immigrant parents’ reservations of risky ventures and preferred secure careers (doctors, lawyers, etc.). On the other hand, Tran knew in her heart that she was destined for a different course, one of entrepreneurship, which many see as a risky adventure.
Here she is today, the ‘real McCoy’ with proud (albeit relieved) parents and a metaphorical badge that says ‘Real Entrepreneur’ — or in her case, ‘Edupreneur.’
It didn’t happen overnight: Tran suffered career-ending injuries when she was a champion figure skater in her early years, causing a mild identity crisis that spurred her pivot to educational pursuits. (Um, can you say Disney movie?!)
“I had so much going through my mind at the time,” Tran explained. “‘I can’t be an Olympic figure skater now; what am I going to do? — Who am I? — Was I even good enough to go for gold in the first place? What if my next career choice is a bust? And then when I became a figure skating coach and an academic tutor in college, I thought, ‘Why are these kids and parents even listening to me?’ When I started my business, the imposter syndrome came back ten-fold: Who am I to run a business? Do I really know what I’m doing, even if it’s working? Are people going to see right through me?”
Of course, Tran’s self-questioning was natural and expected, but she pushed onward and upward.
“That’s the funny thing about imposter syndrome,” Tran went on. “In some way, many folks have experienced it at least once. Nobody fully knows what they’re doing at first. This is what I’ve come to realize whenever I learn anything new. It’s about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable when we experience paralysis by analysis. Just get started and keep taking daily actions until you build a momentum of successful habits and reach your goals.”
She couldn’t be more correct. Living on your own for the first time, buying your first home, going to college, having children, and starting a business are massive deals that we are all as capable as the next person to achieve. It’s not that we are all winging it. It’s that the same information is available for everyone, should we seek it out. Tran’s 6-Figure Tutor Masterclass seeks to eliminate doubt in prospective tutor-business owners’ minds, so they can move forward feeling prepared and supported to run a successful business.
“I want to empower education professionals to push towards their personal and professional goals — to believe in themselves as they redefine themselves as entrepreneurs by beginning with a successful side hustle,” Tran explained.
She pushed past the cultural norms of her parents, having overcome imposter syndrome, and defined herself on her own terms, bridging the gap between her upbringing and her ultimate dream life. Tran built her identity based on experiencing many roles over different episodes and seasons of her life.
“I braved the uncomfortable learning moments,” Tran said. “This feeling is natural, and we have the power to embrace a growth mindset and be free of our mental prison of doubts. In the end, we are the only ones who can guide our path to happiness and feel confident in our capabilities. I encourage my fellow educators to embark on their own journeys and make a conscious choice to be the main characters in their own stories, regardless of any imposter syndrome that may arise.”
More About That Masterclass!
Educators, teachers, tutors, instructors, whatever you call them, one thing is for sure: These individuals have the power to change lives. Knowledge is power, and humanity’s ability to cultivate more knowledge throughout a lifetime is beautiful. For that reason, Tran’s message for clients who participate in her masterclass is for them to ‘Cash in on Changing the World!’
Course deliverables and training topics include:
- Understanding what is and creating your minimum viable brand (MVB)
- How to attract and tailor your service to your target market·
- How to consult confidently and close deals
- How to manage necessary business administration work comfortably
- How to produce content like a boss
And it doesn’t stop there. Special features highlighted in the masterclass are the ability to go at your own pace, live coaching with Tran herself, and the empowerment to tutor others in a myriad of skills, not just math and English.
“Anyone who has a marketable personality and skills to share can take this masterclass,” said Tran. “If they implement my method, they will see success. Take the first step in your side hustle while I hold your hand through it. That is a promise.”
About Stephanie Tran
Stephanie Tran, Edupreneur, Founder, and CEO, mentors educators to become successful Tutorpreneurs with her masterclass by creating, launching, and growing their tutoring businesses. Tutor Route is a team of certified teachers, counselors, consultants, and masterclass instructors serving students, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Tutor Route’s goal is to support lifelong learners every step of their journey. For more information about Tran’s 6-Figure Tutor Masterclass, please visit https://6figtutormasterclass.localtutorroute.com/6-figure-tutor-masterclass or download the TutorRoute App on Apple or Android
