I was just guessing at numbers and figures

I deeply respect Mark Zuckerberg. His success tells me he must be a somewhat intelligent individual and his story in general is an inspiring one. I recently decided, however, that I do not find him to be an inspiring person. Put simply, when I see people like Steve Jobs or President Obama addressing an audience, I think Wow, I want to be that (not specifically the chairman and CEO of Apple or the President of the United States, but more loosely, an engaging, influential, inspiring, motivational speaker, and in turn, person). But when I see Mark Zuckerberg speak (or try to speak), I am exceptionally underwhelmed.

Recently, Facebook hosted what it called a "Town Hall" in which Zuckerberg hosted President Obama. While introducing the event and the President, Mark stuttered then made a comment that was something to the effect of, "I'm sorry, I'm a little nervous. I mean, this is the President of the United States!" To me, this statement was self-deprecating. It was a roundabout way of publicly saying, "I feel like a rookie." As the world's youngest billionaire and a Time Person of the Year, Mark Zuckerberg certainly has no reason to feel insignificant.

At this time, I don't have plans to meet the President, but I know that if I did tomorrow, I certainly wouldn't start by telling him that he is the President of our country and that I'm nervous to meet him. Honored, yes, but nervous, no (though I'd no doubt be melting inside).

A couple months ago, a friend and I met Rainn Wilson. I wanted to say, "Holy $#@%#! I love you on The Office." But I remained calm. We instead had a conversation about the beauty of friendship (deep, I know). My friend and my ability to present ourselves as composed, slightly intellectual human beings rather than crazed fans probably made the experience more bearable and dare I add, pleasant for Rainn (yes, we're on first-name terms).

The truth is that in any situation, the way you carry yourself, the way you come across to others, is half the battle. Not even confidence, but the facade of confidence, will take you a long way. And for the record, I did the crazed fan thing after I was out of Rainn's sight.

I attended a private high school with a strong (strong is an understatement) focus on academics. Teachers were truly invested in students' intellectual growth, and students were driven with an innate thirst for knowledge. And if they weren't, they were wasting a lot of their parents' money. I have lost count of the number of times that people have said to me, "Wow, you went to Harker?! You must be really smart." This statement makes me uncomfortable. I never know how to respond (so maybe I'm not so smart after all). To me, this is the Zuckerberg telling Obama he's President of the common man.

It's been a little less than a year since I graduated from college. I still feel like a rookie in the corporate world, mostly because I am one. There are still several lessons for me to learn, a boatload of experience for me to gain, and uncountable skills for me to master. But while I chug along, to some extent, I have to "fake it until I make it." Bringing attention to my newness at every opportunity will only discourage me and belittle what I have to offer.

Last week, I started taking a Hindi audio language course as I drive to and from work. Though I understand the language quite well, I have always lacked the confidence to speak it. My excuse was that it just didn't sound good when I spoke. This course is perfect for me. As I repeat after the teachers in the privacy of my own car, I do so confidently. I obviously realize I'm not a pro-Hindi speaker, but pretending I am one while I learn will only get me to the pro-level faster.

The other day, a senior executive asked me for feedback on her presentation. Shouldn't it be the other way around? I wondered. Why would she want a n00b's thoughts? Determined not to pull a Mark, I gave her my honest opinion. I made myself pretend I was her equal and that we were just chit-chatting. She responded almost immediately, "Yes, I felt that. Next time I'll approach the presentation a different way."

It was in that very presentation that she provided the audience with very relevant advice: Feel comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. We all have our insecurities. Situations and types of people that we generally avoid. But those who expect and plan to be uncomfortable, who come across as confident (while remaining humble and willing to learn), are just that much more successful.

Learning to "fake it" is well worth the time. Because when you finally make it, you'll know how to act -- especially when you meet the President.