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Ever feel one mistake away from being “found out”? You’re not alone. Former NASA propulsion engineer Maureen Zappala shares how imposter syndrome secretly affects high performers and provides practical strategies to overcome self-doubt that holds us back from our full potential.

Maureen shares her journey from melting equipment at NASA’s jet engine test facility to becoming the first female and youngest manager of its Propulsion Systems Lab. Despite her impressive credentials, she constantly questioned her worth, even believing she was hired only because she was a woman.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Maureen's practical framework for tackling imposter syndrome. She outlines five powerful strategies that begin with recognizing the symptoms and culminate in connecting with your deeper purpose. Along the way, she dismantles common misconceptions, explaining why imposter syndrome isn't something you "solve once and for all," but rather a recurring challenge that requires ongoing awareness and vigilance.

The conversation explores how imposter syndrome shows up across professions—from healthcare to leadership, creative work to entrepreneurship—revealing both personal struggles and costly organizational consequences, like a supervisor’s silence leading to defective products.

Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or simply someone striving for excellence in your field, this episode offers both comfort and actionable insights. Her message is clear: imposter syndrome isn’t a one-time fix but an ongoing challenge—and one you can learn to navigate with confidence. As Maureen says, “Imposter syndrome is not the end of the road.”

Guest: Maureen Zappala, keynote speaker and an incredible author

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS

https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership/conquering-imposter-syndrome-with-maureen-zappala

The Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.

https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership

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Join us in this insightful episode of "The Anatomy of Leadership" as we explore the challenge of winning at work and family life with Randy Gravitt, CEO of Lead Every Day.

When was the last time you examined the connection between your leadership at work and your life at home? In this eye-opening conversation, Randy Gravitt, CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) of Lead Every Day, reveals that our greatest superpower isn't talent or expertise—it's our ability to choose.

The conversation explores the fundamentals of creating an integrated life where leadership principles seamlessly flow between professional and personal domains. Gravitt introduces his "love first, live last" philosophy alongside practical guidance for creating a family blueprint—a strategic vision similar to what effective organizations use. "If you win at work and lose at home," he cautions, "I think you still lose."

Discover how authentic leadership starts at home and learn practical strategies to achieve harmony in both personal and professional spheres.

Join us, this is a great listen.

Guest:
Randy Gravitt, CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) of Lead Every Day

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios

https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership/winning-at-work-and-home-with-randy-gravitt

The Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.

https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership

Send us a text

In this conversation, Dr. Trisha Welstad shares her philosophy on leadership, highlighting the importance of healthy leaders who can heal the world, demonstrating how personal pain can shape a person's purpose, and highlighting the value of reflection in leadership.

Dr. Trisha Welstad explores how purpose emerges from our deepest wounds and why healthy leaders can heal the world through their wholeness. She shares her belief that purpose isn't a luxury, but a necessity for our identity, one that develops throughout all stages of life.

Dr. Welstad also addresses the challenges leaders face in nonprofit and faith-based sectors and shares insights on finding vocation in the second half of life. Ultimately, Chris and Trisha emphasize the importance of personal responsibility in discovering one's purpose and making a positive impact in the world. Join us—this is a great listen.

Show Highlights

• Everyone has a purpose—it's not just for the self-actualized but necessary for our identity foundation
• Our pain shapes our calling when we're willing to examine and heal from it
• Healthy leaders heal the world by living from their center and creating ripple effects
• Many leaders suffer from isolation, burnout, and mission drift due to blurred boundaries
• Purpose comes at all stages of life, requiring a new vision in transitions like retirement
• Integration over information—people don't just want knowledge, but transformation
• Healing-centered leadership begins with emotional and spiritual health
• We create our worlds through the language we use—shifting from "have to" to "get to"
• We're experiencing a crisis of purpose accelerated by AI and consumption culture
• The journey toward wholeness involves acknowledging we're not the center of everything
•. Purpose comes at all stages of life.

The Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.

https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership