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. caroline@inspireyourgenius.com

#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 caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.

Not confidence. Not cleverness. Curiosity is your secret weapon.
The boldest, most unexpected careers aren’t powered by perfect plans. They’re built by people who stay curious - strategically, unapologetically, and often just a little cheekily.

What’s Inside:

• Why curiosity (not confidence) is your best career edge
• The 5 types of curiosity (and how to use them on purpose)
• Real-life story of Captain Sully and the 208 seconds that changed everything
• Listener dilemma: “Am I flaky if I want to try something new?”
• 3 Quickfire Career Moves to stretch your curiosity (without setting off alarms)
• This week’s Career Quote Crime: “Jack of all trades, master of none” gets the truth treatment

Big Idea:

Curiosity isn’t a fluffy trait, it’s a high-performance skill. It helps you:

• Adapt faster
• Spot the right opportunities
• Build influence without shouting

Most importantly, it helps you move—even if it’s messy.

You can take our 'How are You Curious?' Quiz here

Quickfire Career Moves:

1. Use Curiosity as a Visibility Strategy
   Frame your questions to show proactive intent, not flight risk vibes.
2. Ask Smarter Questions in Meetings
   Try: “What’s the one thing we’re assuming that could be wrong?”
3. Create a Curiosity Calendar
   Monthly 15-minute chats with someone outside your usual bubble.

Career Quote Crime:

“Jack of all trades, master of none”
Actually: “…oftentimes better than master of one.”
Versatility isn’t dilution, it’s dynamite.

Listener Dilemma:

“I want to try something totally different, but will it damage my ‘reliable’ reputation?”
Auntie Caro’s take? Stretch. Test. Pilot. Don’t quit, just investigate.

Words of Encouragement:

“You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to stay curious long enough to find out what’s possible.”

#careertips #careeradvice

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 caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.

In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caroline Esterson gets gloriously real about the messy truth of career paths, emphasising that success is not linear, no matter what the old-school career ladder crowd wants you to believe. Instead, we’re talking zigzag moves, surprise sliding doors moments, and the wild power of zigging when you're told to zag.

Caroline takes aim at the myth of the straight line and hands you a better map, one where detours, pivots, and “Wait, how did I end up here?” moments are actually rocket fuel for personal and professional growth. If you've ever felt like you took the long way round, good news: you’re not lost, you’re levelling up.

You’ll walk away with practical advice, a dash of cheek, and full permission to define success on your own (gloriously unpredictable) terms.

Key takeaways

• Careers are not straight lines; they are weather systems.
• Success is often found in unexpected pivots.
• Recognising sliding doors moments can change your career trajectory.
• The traditional career ladder is becoming obsolete.
• Zigzagging through your career can lead to valuable experiences.
• Chase experiences rather than titles or positions.
• Curiosity and awareness are key to spotting opportunities.
• It's important to trust patterns over rigid plans.
• Don't let conventional wisdom limit your potential.
• Progress is not always perfect, but it is still progress.

Sound Bites

"Progress doesn't always look like sunshine."
"Chase experiences, not jobs."
"Start trusting pattern over plan."

Quick Fire Career Moves You’ll Learn

• Stop asking “Is this the right move?”, start asking “What will I learn?”
• Trust the pattern over the plan. Your instincts are wiser than your CV.
• Ask people how they really got where they are. Note to self: it’s never the five-year plan.

Listen if You’re:

• Second-guessing a job change that doesn’t look neat
• Tired of chasing titles and ready to chase truth
• Trying to explain your zigzag to your Dad, your boss, or your inner critic
• Ready to make the brave, weird move… and own it

Resources + Extras

Download the Bold Moves Brief for this episode

Download The Career Story Prompt Pack

Run the Big Conversation session with your team

Want to bring this energy into your organisation? Let’s talk. caroline@inspireyourgenius.com

Subscribe + Share
Love this? Forward it to someone who’s quietly plotting a bold pivot.
Please rate & review so the algorithm sends it to the brave ones.

Because success doesn’t come from staying put, it comes from knowing when to zag.

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 caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.