Welcome to the very first episode of The Female Dominated Podcast!
We’re kicking things off by getting real about something nearly every woman in STEM has felt — imposter syndrome.

In this episode, we dive into the messy, mindset side of being a woman in STEM: the self-doubt, the pressure to prove yourself, and the anxiety that can come with visibility. We talk about what it means to set boundaries, advocate for yourself, and build the kind of confidence that doesn’t depend on external validation.

You’ll hear how both of us have faced (and still face!) moments of “am I really cut out for this?”— and how shifting your mindset, managing your energy, and speaking up can change everything.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, perspective, and giving yourself permission to take up space.

🔑 Big Takeaways

• You’re not alone — imposter syndrome is wildly common among women in STEM.
• Mindset isn’t fluff; it’s the foundation for resilience and growth.
• Boundaries aren’t selfish — they’re leadership in action.
• Visibility at work isn’t bragging; it’s how your impact gets recognized.
• Confidence comes from doing, not waiting to “feel ready.”
• Managing anxiety starts with awareness and self-compassion.
• Advocacy matters — for yourself and for other women coming up behind you.

🕒 Chapters

00:00 – Mindset & Imposter Syndrome in STEM
00:51 – Navigating Gender Dynamics in Engineering
03:25 – Recognition & Gender Bias
06:37 – Imposter Syndrome: A Personal Reflection
09:56 – Tools for Overcoming Anxiety & Building Confidence
15:50 – Finding Balance: Managing Stress & Expectations
21:41 – Setting Boundaries: The Power of Saying No
28:34 – Advocating for Yourself: The Importance of Visibility
36:20 – Boundaries at Work
37:25 – Communicating Priorities Effectively
40:11 – Building Confidence Through Resilience
43:21 – Overcoming the Doom Spiral
46:06 – Taking Action to Build Confidence
48:50 – Mindset as the Foundation for Success
48:55 – Empowering Women to Speak Up
50:20 – The Importance of Contribution
52:04 – Closing Thoughts & Future Directions

This episode is for every woman who’s ever sat in a meeting and thought, “Do I even belong here?”
You do. You always have.
And it’s time the room knows it, too.