Case Study

From Imposter Syndrome to Influence

How Pavilion’s Programs, Events, and Peers uplifted Keri Pfeiffer in her role.

The challenge:

A Seat without the Stature

After nearly eight years at WeTravel, Keri Pfeiffer earned a spot on the senior leadership team. On paper, it was a milestone. In practice, it was intimidating. Suddenly, the conversations weren’t just about her team—they were about financial models, revenue strategy, and cross-functional alignment.

“I wanted to better my financial literacy and communication skills,” Keri explained. “I needed to understand what other leaders were talking about and be able to contribute. Honestly, it was imposter syndrome. I knew most of it already, but I didn’t feel like I belonged in those conversations.”

Like many rising GTM leaders, Keri realized being great at her current role wasn’t enough. She needed structure and confidence to prove she was ready for the next level.

“[The instructors] made complex topics approachable and actionable.”

- Keri Pfeiffer

The solution:

Turning Confidence into Credibility

Keri has always been a learner, but Pavilion’s GTM Leadership Accelerator felt different.

“The live sessions weren’t dry. They gave me language and frameworks I could immediately bring into leadership conversations,” she said. “I especially liked Sam Jacobs’ session on developing the theory of a business, and the module on working smarter with your CEO. They made complex topics approachable and actionable.”

Just as important, Keri was placed in a peer group of ambitious directors and managers—all chasing their first VP roles. “You realize you’re not the only one feeling imposter syndrome—and you start learning how to move past it.”

Real results:

Speaking Up and Standing Out

The biggest change didn’t show up in Keri’s management style. It showed up in how she spoke in the executive room.

“The course gave me confidence to ask better questions,” she recalled. “Even if I didn’t have all the answers, I could go to my CEO and say, ‘We’re talking about LTV in this session—how do we define it here, and why?’ That built stronger relationships and showed I was investing in myself as a leader.”

She also realized she knew more than she thought. “Some sessions confirmed I already had the knowledge. Pavilion helped me silence the imposter syndrome and prove—both to myself and others—that I belonged.”

Her leadership noticed. When she considered other options earlier this year, their response was clear: “You can’t leave. You’re too valuable.”

“Pavilion helped me silence the imposter syndrome and prove that I belonged.”