Are you tired of feeling like an imposter, questioning your abilities, and holding unrealistic expectations? Do you have these myths floating in your head, like - Everyone else has it all figured out, Success means never doubting yourself, and Competence requires perfection? In this episode, our guest expert, Dr. Valerie Young, co-founder of the Impostor Syndrome Institute, will debunk these myths and share the truth about building realistic expectations and accepting self-doubt. Dr. Young is widely considered the leading thought leader on impostor syndrome and its impact on individuals' lives. Her expertise and insights have made her a highly sought-after speaker and author, and she continues to make significant contributions in the field.
Through her work, Dr. Young discovered that at the core of impostor feelings lies the presence of unrealistic and unsustainable expectations about competence. Armed with this knowledge, she embarked on a mission to help individuals recognize and challenge these beliefs, ultimately empowering them to overcome self-doubt and embrace their true capabilities.
Whether you struggle with imposter syndrome or know someone who does, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Young's wisdom and guidance will help you gain self-awareness, build realistic expectations, and navigate the challenges of impostor syndrome. So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired and empowered.
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Highlights
01:00 - Dr. Young's Journey
07:08 - Overcoming Fears and Limiting Beliefs
10:05 - Becoming a Humble Realist
14:38 - Competence Types
17:08 - Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
18:59 - Perspective on Competence
21:10 - Feedback and Failure
28:35 - Imposter Syndrome and Women Supporting Women
42:35 - Staying in Contact and Following Dr. Young -
Quotes
Don't wait until everything is perfect. Half-ass is better than no-ass. Get version one out the door and course-correct along the way. - Dr. Valerie Young
Recognize that people who don't feel like imposters are not any more intelligent or competent than the rest of us. They just have a realistic understanding of what it means to be competent. - Dr. Valerie Young
The only way to stop feeling like an imposter is to stop thinking like an imposter and become a humble realist. - Dr. Valerie Young
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Lightning Round Questions
- “Making a Living Without a Job” by Barbara Winter and “Games Mother Never Taught You” by Betty Lehan Harragan
- “Being realistic is the most traveled road to mediocrity.” – Will Smith
- Determined
- Recognizing and wanting to have control of my life to the degree possible.
- “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys
What book has greatly influenced you?
What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
- “Making a Living Without a Job” by Barbara Winter and “Games Mother Never Taught You” by Betty Lehan Harragan
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About
Dr. Valerie Young is co-founder of Impostor Syndrome Institute. Widely considered the leading thought leader on impostor syndrome, she has spoken at over 100 colleges and universities including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Wharton, and Oxford’s Said business school. A former manager at a Fortune 200 company herself, she’s also shared her highly relatable and practical advice at such diverse organizations as Pfizer, Google, Boeing, P&G, Siemens, Space Telescope Science Institute, Intel, BP, YUM Brands, Microsoft, JP Morgan, Federal Reserve of Kansas City, Diageo, Trane, Molson Coors, NASA, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Basketball Association to name a few.
Valerie’s work has been cited around the world in publications such as Time, Newsweek, Psychology Today, Science, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Irish Independent, Sydney Morning Herald, Globe & Mail, on BBC radio and the Ten Percent Happier podcast.
She’s author of the award-winning book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: And Men, Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It with Crown Business, published in six languages and is a contributor to an upcoming book on impostor phenomenon published by the American Psychological Association.
Valerie earned her doctoral degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she studied internal barriers to women’s achievement. Although her research subjects consisted of a racially diverse group of professional women, much of her original findings have proved directly applicable to anyone with impostor feelings.
Links:
Website: https://impostorsyndrome.com/valerie-young/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerieyoung/