Fake it Until You Make It

How Alexis Morgan Mitchell, M.S., BCMAS, Built Confidence, Credibility, and Leadership in Healthcare

In an industry where women remain underrepresented in senior leadership, rising healthcare leader Alexis Morgan Mitchell, M.S., BCMAS, has a message for the next generation:

“Fake it until you make it.”

It’s not about pretending to be something you’re not—it’s about stepping into opportunities before you feel “ready,” trusting your potential, and refusing to let doubt or societal expectations limit your trajectory.

Now recognized as one of the Most Influential Women of 2025, Mitchell embodies the power of earned confidence, resilience, and bold self-belief.

A Philosophy Rooted in Confidence and Courage

Ms. Mitchell explains:

“My advice to young women entering the industry is to ‘fake it until you make it.’ Cultivating confidence early on can empower you to make bold decisions, pursue opportunities that align with your true interests, and advance your career—rather than being limited by societal expectations.”

For her, “faking it” never meant dishonesty. It meant embracing challenges before feeling fully prepared, raising her hand in rooms where she was the youngest—or the only woman—and projecting confidence until it became authentic.

It evolved into both a leadership philosophy and a survival strategy.

A Journey That Required Strength and Self-Belief

Mitchell’s path demanded confidence again and again:

As a molecular biology major balancing the Army National Guard, Army ROTC, Delta Delta Delta sorority, and pre-med studies at the University of Kansas
As a seven-year Army veteran, completing four years of officer training, becoming a Platoon Leader, and ultimately serving as Executive Officer of a medical company in Wichita, Kansas
As a 4.0 graduate of Oklahoma State University’s Master of Biomedical Science program
As a Doctorate of Healthcare Administration (DHA) candidate pursuing C-suite leadership
As a Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) and clinical-scientific leader
As an active contributor in ACHE, OKC Young Professionals, MAPS, the U.S. Pain Foundation, and the Million Veteran Program

Each chapter required stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men—often without a roadmap or a mentor who looked like her.

Her advice to other women is straightforward:

Don’t wait to feel ready. You’ll wait forever.

Why “Fake It Until You Make It” Matters for Women in Healthcare

Ms. Mitchell believes this mindset is especially critical in healthcare leadership, where:

Women often underestimate their qualifications
Confidence gaps limit advancement more than skill gaps
Imposter syndrome disproportionately affects high-achieving women
Leadership roles historically favor assertiveness over collaboration
Patient outcomes improve when women lead, yet opportunities remain uneven

“Women are conditioned to wait for permission,” she explains. “But leadership isn’t given—it’s taken. And sometimes that first step requires acting confident before you fully believe it.”

Turning Confidence Into Impact

Ms. Mitchell’s philosophy has helped her step into—and excel in—roles that shape the future of healthcare, including:

Wellness Committee Member at Regenesis Biomedical
Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS) Member
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) contributor and OK Chapter Website Committee participant
Volunteer leader working directly with Nicole Hemmenway, CEO of the U.S. Pain Foundation
Million Veteran Program volunteer, advancing genomic research for veterans
OKC Young Professionals Member, strengthening community leadership

These experiences have built a leadership foundation grounded in authenticity, service, and strategic vision.

Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders

Ms. Mitchell’s message to young women is simple but powerful:

Take the opportunity, even if you’re nervous.
Walk into the room, even if you feel unqualified.
Speak up, even if your voice shakes.
Believe you belong there—because you do.

“Confidence comes from action,” she says. “The more risks you take, the more you grow. And one day, you’ll look back and realize you’re no longer faking it—you’ve truly made it.”

Mitchell’s journey proves that with courage, resilience, and unapologetic ambition, women can redefine the leadership landscape of healthcare—and far beyond it.