Episode 6: Fraud Thoughts & Funky Feelings

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt at Work

In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caroline Esterson dives into the murky waters of imposter syndrome and shows you how to swim straight through it.

Because here’s the truth: imposter syndrome isn’t proof that you’re failing, it’s often a sign you’re actually doing something right. You’re stretching, growing, stepping outside your comfort zone... and your (prehistoric) brain is freaking out.

Caroline gets real about the evolutionary roots of self-doubt, the danger of confidence myths, and why your gremlin thoughts aren't red flags, they’re neon signs pointing to growth.

You’ll laugh, probably nod a lot, and definitely walk away with practical tools to stop the spiral and start moving, even when the voice in your head says, “Who let you in?”

No toxic positivity. No fake-it-till-you-make-it fluff. Just strategy, psychology, and the kind of real talk your career’s been waiting for.

Key Takeaways

• Confidence is not a pre-requisite, it’s a side effect of action
• Imposter syndrome isn’t a flaw, it’s survival wiring from your cave-dwelling ancestors
• Growth often feels uncomfortable because it’s meant to
• Your inner critic gets loudest right before the breakthrough
• You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to keep moving with the fear

Sound Bites

“Discomfort isn’t danger. It’s your stretch zone kicking in.”
“You’re not faking it, you’re just not fluent yet.”
“Confidence is earned. Coping is the real flex.”
“You don’t need a £400 cardigan to prove you belong.”
“If your gremlin’s shouting, good news, you’re doing something it hasn’t seen before.”

Quickfire Career Moves You’ll Learn

• Say it out loud. Interrupt the spiral. Shrink the shame.
• Revisit your receipts. Your Happy File has the evidence.
• Move with the fear. The wobble is the win.
• Ask the question you’ve been holding back, it might be your boldest move yet.

Tools + Extras

As always, you will find your Bold Moves Brief, transcript and Big Conversation Starter kit right here

Download the Gremlin Check-In , your brutally simple, fill-in-the-blank worksheet to help you name the thought, reframe it, and take a bold micro-move anyway.
(Perfect for when your brain’s doing the Cha Cha Slide of self-doubt.)

→ Grab it at inspireyourgenius.com/podcast

Listen if You’re:

• Newly promoted and wondering if it was all a mistake
• Secretly convinced someone’s going to “find you out”
• Tired of pretending you’re fine while Googling acronyms under the table
• Ready to stop spiralling and start owning your brilliance, even with wobbles

Want to bring this kind of truth-telling, high-impact energy into your organisation? Let’s talk. [e-mail]

#careertips #careeradvice #personaldevelopment

Ready to make your next bold move? Grab the free Bold Move Audit at www.inspireyourgenius.com/podcast and join the insider crew.

Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at [e-mail] - I read them all.