Taming Your Inner Critic: A Leader's Guide to Self-Compassion

Ever stood at your own success party and talked people OUT of celebrating you? That"s exactly what I did at my own book launch, paralyzed by a merciless inner critic that had me rewriting the same book SIX times over SEVEN years. In this raw and revealing episode, I pull back the curtain on my battle with self-criticism and share the exact moment I realized my inner critic (whom I named "Esmeralda") was sabotaging my leadership and creative voice. Even after coaching C-suite executives at Fortune 200 companies, that voice telling me "I"m not good enough" still tried to drown out my achievements. The journey to authentic leadership isn"t about silencing your critic forever—it"s about recognizing it and moving forward anyway.  In this episode, we cover:Why your inner critic gets loudest right before your most important leadership moments, and the counterintuitive approach that turns down its volumeMy embarrassing confession about what I said to guests at my own book launch party (and how it reveals the sneaky way imposter feelings show up even after achieving success)The simple naming technique that instantly creates distance between you and your critical inner voiceHow trying to avoid criticism actually smothers your authentic leadership voice and creative expressionThe question I ask myself whenever self-doubt creeps in that instantly reconnects me with my leadership purpose and silences criticism Connect with me on LinkedIn or join my monthly newsletter for exclusive strategies that go beyond what we cover in the podcast—because your leadership journey matters, especially when your voice shakes. About the Leadership Presence podcast Leadership Presence | Mastering the Inner Work of Leadership is your guide to leading with less ego and more soul. Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership and human development expert, sought-after coach, advisor to global executives, and former executive with experience in four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she digs into the real deep work and empowers leaders to show up with authenticity, build emotional intelligence, and lead in a way that leaves a lasting impact. Connect with Janet Ioli: Website: janetioli.com Linkedin: Janet Ioli Instagram: @janetioli Janet is the founder of Leadership Presence. She helps leaders ground themselves with confidence, connection, and purpose and lead with Less Ego, More Soul. If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your deeper values in just 21 days. Check out Janet Ioli’s book Less Ego, More Soul: A Modern Reinvention Guide for Women. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think. Produced by Ideablossoms