In this episode of the 9-to-5 Imposter, hosts Andy and James welcome Brandon Bischoff, a seasoned IT professional whose career journey from a help desk in to a senior cybersecurity leader offers a refreshing look at professional evolution. Brandon shares his personal history as a "latchkey kid" of the '90s, exploring how early independence fostered a habit of "consolidating boxes", fitting into various religious, professional, and social personas to find belonging. He introduces a powerful perspective on high-stakes roles like IT, law, and medicine, noting that while professionals are often expected to have all the answers, true mastery lies in knowing how to problem-solve and "fake it" effectively through recognition. Tune in to hear Brandon’s take on the ultimate opportunity to shed the masks, embrace authenticity, and realize that, in the end, everyone is just figuring it out as they go.

In this episode of the 9 to 5 in Five, Andy uses a high-impact clip from Andrew Ting to illustrate the "Growth Tax Theory", the psychological price we pay every time we level up in our careers. Andrew, a dual Harvard degree holder, argues that total comfort often signals a lack of growth, suggesting that a healthy dose of doubt keeps professionals sharp and accountable. By blending rigorous over-preparation with the ability to improvise and maintain a sense of humor. This clip serves as a brief but powerful reminder that feeling like an imposter isn't a sign of failure, but rather a byproduct of pushing past your comfort zone.

In this episode of the 9 to 5 Imposter Podcast, hosts Andy and James are joined by ten-year tech veteran Chloe Burton to decode the psychological hurdles of navigating a career pivot from psychology to cybersecurity. Chloe provides a masterclass in professional resilience, sharing her lived experience as a woman of color in tech and revealing how "transparent mentorship” is the ultimate antidote to the imposter syndrome that often plagues the modern "9 to 5." By diving into the tactical importance of grounding yourself, the value of being an openly imperfect mentor, and the strength found in self-reflection, this conversation transforms self-doubt from a professional "tax" into a competitive advantage for long-term growth. Chloe’s insights offer a powerful reminder that self-awareness and transparency are the true hallmarks of a high-performing career in today’s tech landscape.