---
title: "“i Just Knew I Was Going to Surpass These Guys I Was Working For”"
description: "Kara Swisher's new mantra and mine too: \"I'm not too confident. I'm fantastic.\""
date: "2019-08-20T00:00:00.000Z"
canonical: "https://www.antonsten.com/articles/i-just-knew-i-was-going-to-surpass-these-guys-i-was-working-for/"
---

> When I was just starting out, I’d see some of the decisions my early bosses made and I’d think, I’m not experienced, but this is how I’d do it. I was beginning to get an inkling of my own tastes and judgment. I just didn’t have the certainty and maturity to act on it. I wasn’t a prodigy personality who is like, “Get out of my way, I’m doing this.” I was a little bit uncertain about my skills. But I just knew I was going to surpass these guys I was working for. I remember once I interviewed for an internship at the Washington Post, and a guy said I was too confident. I was like, “Why don’t you retire now, because you’ll be working for me?” Men are always trying to drag women down. I said, “I’m not too confident. I’m fantastic.” I was always, always like that. And I appreciate that about myself, I have to say.
>
> — [“I Just Knew I Was Going to Surpass These Guys I Was Working For”](https://slate.com/human-interest/2018/10/kara-swisher-interview-best-worst-bosses.html)

"I'm not too confident. I'm fantastic." is my new mantra.