What If It's Not Imposter Syndrome?

A mindset reframe for leaders navigating self-doubt What if your self-doubt isn’t a flaw, but a sign you’re growing? In this solo episode of Leading You, I’m flipping the script on imposter syndrome. We talk a lot about confidence, courage and mindset on this podcast, but what if what we call “imposter syndrome” is actually something else? What if that discomfort you’re feeling isn’t a red flag... but an invitation? I share a personal story about the self-doubt that hit me hard while planning a women’s leadership event, and the tools I used to shift from stuck to showing up. We also explore why the labels we give ourselves (like “perfectionist” or “people pleaser”) can limit us, and how naming your inner critic might just be the most powerful move you make this week. This episode is a mindset reframe, a call to action, and a deeply practical toolkit for any leader who’s felt not-good-enough, not-ready, or like they don’t belong. In this episode, we cover: Why not all self-doubt is imposter syndrome The neuroscience of labels, and how they shape our identity What to do when confidence is nowhere to be found The surprising upside of naming your inner critic Three tools to help you shift out of fear and into aligned action Why “ready enough” is often the only kind of ready that matters How to anchor into your values when doubt creeps in   Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and a reframe of imposter syndrome 01:00 – Why imposter syndrome thrives in high-achievers 03:00 – What if doubt is growth in disguise? 04:00 – Behind the scenes: My leadership dinner doubts 06:00 – The danger of labels and over-identifying with them 08:00 – Why the brain clings to identity (even if it holds us back) 11:00 – Meet “Maude”: my inner critic 12:00 – The 3 mindset tools I rely on when I feel stuck 14:00 – You don’t need to feel 100% ready 15:00 – Final reframe and invitation to lead from growth, not fear   Tune in now for a powerful mindset shift that’ll move you from paralysis to progress. Because the next version of you? She’s already on her way.   Links: Join us for the Lead.Her Collective Dinner Get the Clarity Compass Mini Program Connect with Julie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/ Instagram: @juliehydeleads Website: https://juliehyde.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.