In this conversation, Kendra Dahlstrom discusses the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome, emphasizing that it affects a significant portion of the population, particularly in leadership roles. She outlines three key steps to transform feelings of unworthiness into strengths: recognizing imposter syndrome as a passing thought, exploring its sources with curiosity, and taking actionable steps to close the gap in skills or self-perception. Kendra highlights the importance of self-awareness and community support in overcoming these challenges, ultimately advocating for a leadership style that embraces authenticity and resilience rather than perfection.

She discusses:

• Feelings of unworthiness can make leaders more relatable.
• Imposter syndrome is common, affecting 80% of people.
• Recognize imposter syndrome as a passing thought.
• Curiosity about feelings can uncover growth opportunities.
• Self-awareness is crucial for personal change.
• Take action to address skill gaps and self-perception.
• Reflecting on past achievements builds confidence.
• Authentic leaders act despite discomfort and imperfection.
• Normalize discussions around imposter syndrome.
• Leadership is about being adaptable and resilient.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Imposter Syndrome

02:50 Transforming Imposter Syndrome into Strength

06:08 Leading with Authenticity and Courage

🧠 Curious what’s driving your leadership—inner wisdom or imposter thoughts?
Take our free self-assessment to uncover whether you're leading from grounded emotional intelligence or quiet self-doubt.
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Note: This quiz is for self-reflection and informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool or substitute for professional mental health care.

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In this episode of the Unworthy Leader podcast, host Kendra Dahlstrom speaks with Jorge Titinger, founder and CEO of Tintinger Consulting, about the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome in leadership. Jorge shares his personal journey from being a professional soccer player to a tech executive, discussing how self-doubt has influenced his career. The conversation explores the importance of acknowledging imposter syndrome, leveraging networks, and the impact of the pandemic on trust and connection in the workplace. Jorge emphasizes the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership, and offers practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt and building confidence. The episode concludes with a discussion on the role of AI in the future of work and the importance of being adaptable in a rapidly changing environment.

We discuss...

Imposter syndrome is a common experience for many individuals.

Acknowledging self-doubt is the first step to overcoming it.

Building a strong network can help mitigate feelings of inadequacy.

The pandemic has impacted trust and connection in the workplace.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial for effective leadership.

Cultural perspectives can shape our understanding of gender and leadership.

Taking action is essential for building confidence.

Keeping an achievement journal can help reinforce self-worth.

Vulnerability and transparency are key traits of effective leaders.

AI has the potential to transform the workplace, but human skills remain essential.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jorge Titinger and Imposter Syndrome

03:04 Jorge's Journey: From Soccer to Silicon Valley

09:32 Understanding Imposter Syndrome

16:38 The Role of Networks in Overcoming Self-Doubt

19:32 The Impact of the Pandemic on Trust and Leadership

22:38 Exploring Jorge's Books on DEI and Leadership

24:10 The Evolving Nature of Trust and Inclusion

26:47 Navigating Identity and Imposter Syndrome

30:33 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Taking Action

33:19 Building Confidence Through Achievement

38:45 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership

40:23 AI: A Tool for Empowerment, Not Replacement

44:36 riverside_tulp_outro_the_unworthy leader.mp3

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In this episode of the Unworthy Leader podcast, Kendra Dahlstrom interviews Madeline Blanchard, a pioneer in the coaching profession. They discuss the intricacies of coaching, the impact of self-doubt and imposter syndrome on leadership, and the importance of resilience in overcoming failures. Madeline shares her insights on navigating anxiety, the trends in self-doubt among younger leaders, and the complexities faced by business leaders today. The conversation emphasizes the need to normalize feelings of self-doubt and anxiety, encouraging leaders to embrace their vulnerabilities and focus on the impact of their actions rather than their fears.

Takeaways

• Coaching is a blend of art, science, and technology.
• Imposter syndrome is common among high achievers.
• Self-doubt can be a motivator rather than a hindrance.
• Resilience is key to overcoming failures.
• Feeling scared is a normal part of growth.
• Young leaders face unique pressures and anxieties.
• Complexity in leadership is increasing due to technology.
• Normalization of self-doubt can lead to greater authenticity.
• Leaders should focus on the impact of their actions.
• Embracing discomfort is essential for personal development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt

05:24 The Journey of a Coach: Personal Development and Failures

08:27 Understanding Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

12:37 Resilience and the Role of Feedback

17:08 Nerves vs. Anxiety: A Performance Perspective

20:26 Navigating Self-Doubt in Leadership

20:54 Understanding Anxiety in Today's Youth

22:56 The Complexity of Leadership

26:34 Embracing Discomfort and Self-Doubt

29:10 Transformative Experiences and Self-Worth

32:45 The Blanchard Leadership Coach Certification Program

To listen to more podcast episodes or follow, search "The Unworthy Leader Podcast" on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, I Heart Radio, Amazon Music, Deezer, Listen Notes, or Podcast Index.

You can find Kendra Dahlstrom on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendradahlstrom/

Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kendra.dahlstrom/

Please join our mailing list at kendradahlstrom.com

#coaching, #leadership, #imposter syndrome, #self-doubt, #resilience, #anxiety, #personal growth, #emotional intelligence, #complexity, #trends in leadership, #unworthiness, #executivecoaching #transformation

🧠 Curious what’s driving your leadership—inner wisdom or imposter thoughts?
Take our free self-assessment to uncover whether you're leading from grounded emotional intelligence or quiet self-doubt.
👉 Take the quiz now

Note: This quiz is for self-reflection and informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool or substitute for professional mental health care.

2025 Copyright of The Unworthy Leader Podcast and Kendra Dahlstrom Leadership, LLC

In this conversation, Becca Chambers shares her journey with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, particularly as a neurodivergent leader. She discusses the importance of authenticity in leadership, the impact of having a supportive advocate, and how embracing her differences has empowered her both personally and professionally. Becca emphasizes the need to redefine failure and encourages others to lean into their unique strengths, fostering a culture of openness and understanding in the workplace. In this conversation, Becca Chambers and Kendra Dahlstrom explore the themes of failure, societal expectations, neurodiversity, and the importance of authenticity in leadership. They discuss how personal failures can be perceived differently based on societal pressures and the impact of rejection sensitivity, particularly in individuals with ADHD. The dialogue emphasizes the need to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and the power of being different. They also touch on the role of AI as a tool for empowerment and the significance of creating psychological safety within teams to foster collaboration and innovation.

Takeaways

• Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and psychological safety within teams.
• Advocacy from others can help individuals recognize their own strengths.
• Neurodiversity should be normalized in the workplace to enhance productivity.
• Leaning into one's unique differences can lead to greater success.
• Failure should be reframed as a learning opportunity rather than a setback.
• Open communication about neurodivergence can improve team dynamics.
• Embracing vulnerability can empower others to do the same.
• Finding a supportive community is crucial for personal growth.
• It's never the right time to start; taking risks is essential for innovation. Failure can be perceived as a learning opportunity or a personal defeat.
• Societal expectations can skew our perception of success and failure.
• Rejection sensitivity can significantly impact how individuals process feedback.
• Context matters when evaluating personal failures.
• Embracing the possibility of failure can lead to greater learning and growth.
• Being different should be celebrated, not stigmatized.
• Authenticity in leadership fosters psychological safety within teams.
• AI can enhance productivity and learning when used effectively.
• Creating a culture of psychological safety is essential for team success.
• Imperfection is a natural part of the human experience and should be embrace

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

02:14 Embracing Authenticity in Leadership

09:06 The Impact of Neurodiversity on Self-Perception

12:21 Finding Strength in Differences

15:29 Leaning into Your Unique Brand

21:27 Redefining Failure and Learning from It

22:17 Navigating Personal Failures and Societal Expectations

25:12 Understanding Rejection Sensitivity and Perfectionism

27:38 Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity

29:10 The Power of Being Different

32:18 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

36:03 AI as a Tool for Empowerment

41:51 Creating Psychological Safety in Teams

👍 Listen, Follow, Like, and Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, RSS, YouTube, X, YouTube. Join our mailing list and see free resources at kendradahlstrom.com

#self-doubt, #imposter syndrome, #neurodiversity, #authenticity, #leadership, #personal branding, #failure, #ADHD, #vulnerability, #empowerment, #failure, #rejection sensitivity, #perfectionism, #AI, #psychological safety, #learning, #empowerment

2025 Copyright of The Unworthy Leader Podcast and Kendra Dahlstrom Leadership, LLC

In this conversation, Kendra Dahlstrom and Steve Mellor explore the concepts of optimal self, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. They discuss how individuals often neglect their true potential due to societal pressures and personal fears. Steve shares his journey from being a successful Olympic coach to realizing the importance of self-reflection and personal growth. The discussion emphasizes the need to acknowledge and befriend self-doubt rather than ignore it, as well as the significance of understanding one's optimal self in achieving fulfillment and success. In this conversation, Steve Mellor and Kendra Dahlstrom explore the themes of self-doubt, authenticity in leadership, and the importance of personal growth through reflection and accountability. They discuss how leaders can navigate their insecurities, the role of education in personal development, and the necessity of normalizing self-doubt as a part of the leadership journey. The dialogue emphasizes the need for leaders to embrace their authentic selves and use their experiences, including doubts and failures, as opportunities for growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Optimal Self and Imposter Syndrome

06:04 The Connection Between Self-Doubt and Unworthiness

08:59 The Impact of Results-Oriented Mindset

11:58 The All-or-Nothing Mindset in Life and Sports

14:59 Understanding Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

18:05 Befriending Doubt and Resistance

21:03 The Role of Self-Reflection in Overcoming Doubt

25:49 Befriending Doubt: Embracing Self-Reflection

29:23 The Authentic Leader: Embracing Your True Self

30:41 Self-Doubt: A Path to Curiosity and Growth

31:33 Education vs. Authenticity: The Balance of Learning

33:19 The Role of Curiosity in Overcoming Self-Doubt

34:19 The Comfort Zone: Knowledge vs. Action

36:50 Using Doubt as a Teacher: Lessons from Competition

38:06 The Spectrum of Performance: From Doubt to Confidence

41:23 Normalizing Self-Doubt: A Conversation Starter

42:59 The Stigma of Imposter Syndrome: A Collective Challenge

44:26 Exceptions to the Rule: Redefining Success

46:20 Owning Your Journey: The Importance of Accountability

48:15 The Power of Reflection: Insights from Coaching

To listen to more podcast episodes or follow, search "The Unworthy Leader Podcast" on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, I Heart Radio, Amazon Music, Deezer, Listen Notes, or Podcast Index.

You can find Kendra Dahlstrom on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendradahlstrom/

Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kendra.dahlstrom/

Please join our mailing list at kendradahlstrom.com

#optimal self, #imposter syndrome, #self-doubt, #executive coaching, #personal growth, #mental health, #leadership, #performance, #results-oriented mindset, #all-or-nothing mindset, #self-doubt, #leadership, #authenticity, #coaching, #personal growth, #vulnerability, #performance, #education, #curiosity

🧠 Curious what’s driving your leadership—inner wisdom or imposter thoughts?
Take our free self-assessment to uncover whether you're leading from grounded emotional intelligence or quiet self-doubt.
👉 Take the quiz now

Note: This quiz is for self-reflection and informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool or substitute for professional mental health care.

2025 Copyright of The Unworthy Leader Podcast and Kendra Dahlstrom Leadership, LLC

Trigger Warning: Today's episode touches on some sensitive topics including family dynamics, trauma, sexual abuse, and emotional and verbal abuse. We don't go into graphic details, but if these subjects feel heavy for you, please take care while listening or feel free to skip this altogether. Do what's best for you. If you feel that you are in a tough spot, please seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. And if you have any thoughts of suicide, please get help and dial 988. Thank you so much for being here.

Welcome to The Unworthy Leader Podcast, Episode 6! In this powerful and eye-opening episode, host Kendra Dahlstrom dives deep into the raw and often messy journey of embracing imperfections and leading with authenticity. Joined by special guest Benisha Stein, Kendra explores how confronting feelings of unworthiness can transform both personal and professional leadership.

Owning Unworthiness as a Strength

Kendra opens up about her personal history, sharing the struggles and trauma that shaped her leadership path. From childhood adversity to battles with imposter syndrome, Kendra’s story is a testament to resilience. She highlights how the pressure to seek external validation and people-please left her feeling unworthy, but pivotal moments—like becoming a mother—sparked a shift in perspective and career trajectory.

Her honest reflections on emotional triggers and healing provide invaluable insights. Kendra discusses how tools like yoga, therapy, and self-help literature helped her better understand her sensitive and intuitive nature. This episode underscores the importance of embracing emotional complexity rather than running from it.

Redefining Leadership Through Vulnerability

Benisha and Kendra engage in a thought-provoking discussion about how unworthiness impacts professional life. Kendra challenges the traditional notion of leadership, advocating for a more authentic and transparent approach. She emphasizes that leaders who acknowledge self-doubt and vulnerability foster deeper trust and connection within their teams.

By reframing unworthiness as a catalyst for growth, Kendra encourages leaders to lean into their imperfections rather than be paralyzed by them. The conversation explores how embracing vulnerability can dismantle shame and empower leaders to create supportive, high-performing work environments.

Exclusive Sneak Peek: Kendra’s Upcoming Book

Kendra teases her upcoming book, which will delve deeper into the themes explored in this episode. The book promises to offer practical tools and strategies for overcoming feelings of unworthiness and imposter syndrome, making it a must-read for anyone on a leadership journey.

Join the Unworthy Leader Community

This episode is more than just a personal narrative—it’s a resource for anyone seeking to lead with authenticity and confidence. Whether you’re grappling with imposter syndrome, exploring your leadership style, or looking to support others, this episode offers guidance and solidarity.

👉 Subscribe to The Unworthy Leader Podcast today and join a growing community of leaders committed to authenticity, vulnerability, and human connection. Don’t miss the chance to redefine your leadership path with Kendra and her inspiring guests!

References
Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness by Sharon Salzburg - Purchase here

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Welcome to another eye-opening episode of The Unworthy Leader Podcast! In this transformative conversation, host Kendra Dahlstrom sits down with leadership consultant Benicia Stein to tackle a challenge many professionals face but rarely discuss—self-doubt and unworthiness in leadership.

Navigating Rejection & Impostor Syndrome in 2024

Benicia shares her deeply personal journey of navigating the 2024 job market, where repeated job rejections forced her to confront ingrained feelings of impostor syndrome. Instead of allowing these setbacks to define her, she chose to see them as opportunities for inner healing and growth. Her story is a testament to the resilience required to reframe rejection as redirection.

Together, Kendra and Benicia dive into the emotional toll of self-doubt, the role of societal expectations in shaping our self-worth, and how embracing vulnerability can transform the way we lead. This candid conversation challenges the traditional notion that strong leaders must exude confidence at all times—instead, it champions the idea that true leadership thrives in authenticity and emotional awareness.

The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

Many leaders struggle silently with feelings of inadequacy, fearing that admitting self-doubt could undermine their credibility. However, Kendra and Benicia shed light on why embracing vulnerability is not a weakness, but rather a leadership superpower. By owning our struggles and showing up as our authentic selves, we foster deeper trust, collaboration, and innovation within our teams.

They discuss practical strategies to overcome impostor syndrome, including:
✔ Reframing rejection as growth opportunities
✔ Challenging negative self-talk and internalized expectations
✔ Cultivating supportive communities that celebrate imperfection
✔ Leading with transparency to inspire confidence in others

Redefine Leadership with Us

If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t “enough” for the position you hold or questioned your achievements, this episode is for you. It’s time to move beyond self-doubt and into a leadership style that embraces imperfection and authenticity.

👉 Join the conversation by subscribing to The Unworthy Leader Podcast today! Be part of a growing community of leaders who are ready to redefine success on their own terms. Don't forget to share this episode with others who need to hear this empowering message!

Connect with Benicia Stein - YouTube | LinkedIn

2025 Copyright of The Unworthy Leader Podcast and Kendra Dahlstrom Leadership, LLC

Welcome back to The Unworthy Leader Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Kendra Dahlstrom sits down with Jackson Greer, a former University of Tennessee baseball player and owner of JG Training Academy, to explore the profound impact of mindset in athletics and how mental resilience shapes success on and off the field.

Mastering the Mental Game in Sports & Leadership

Jackson shares his journey from a multi-sport athlete to a focused baseball career, opening up about the challenges of imposter syndrome and the mental traps of comparison. Together, Kendra and Jackson discuss how embracing self-doubt rather than fighting it can lead to personal growth and high performance with gratitude.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or leader, this conversation provides valuable insights into the power of vulnerability, confidence, and authenticity in achieving excellence.

Key Takeaways

🎯 Mindset in Athletics: Jackson reflects on how mental training techniques could have positively influenced his early career. He now teaches young athletes the importance of mental strength for success both in sports and life.

⚖️ Comparison: Motivator or Trap? While observing others can drive improvement, Jackson warns about the dangers of unhealthy comparison, which can erode confidence and performance.

🔥 Handling Nervousness: Instead of suppressing nerves, Jackson reframes them as excitement—the body's natural preparation for competition. Recognizing and embracing nervous energy can elevate performance.

🏆 Leaving a Legacy: Beyond skills and statistics, Jackson stresses building character and supporting teammates. His philosophy? True leadership is defined by the lives we positively impact.

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

📖 The 5 AM Club – Robin Sharma
📖 Mastery Manual – Robin Sharma
📖 The 10X Rule – Grant Cardone
📖 The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari – Robin Sharma

Redefine Leadership with Us

If you’re striving for excellence in sports, business, or leadership, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you embrace vulnerability, develop mental strength, and create a lasting impact.

👉 Subscribe to The Unworthy Leader Podcast and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it! Let's redefine leadership through authenticity and resilience.

Connect with Jackson Greer - Website

2025 Copyright of The Unworthy Leader Podcast and Kendra Dahlstrom Leadership, LLC