In this episode, Kate and Shayla sit down with author and imposter syndrome expert Alison Shamir to unpack one of the most universal, misunderstood experiences in modern work: that persistent belief that you don’t deserve your success.

Alison breaks down what imposter syndrome actually is, why high achievers are especially prone to it, and how those old origin stories from childhood quietly shape our confidence, our careers, and our sense of belonging. Together they explore why external success never fixes the internal narrative, how perfectionism and overworking keep the cycle alive, and what it really takes to rewrite the story that keeps so many brilliant people stuck.

From self-worth to self-confidence to the “trilogy of selves,” this conversation goes deep into the psychology, the patterns, and the practical tools that help people move beyond self-doubt and into grounded, evidence-based confidence.

If you’ve ever found yourself minimising your achievements, waiting to be found out, or discounting every win… this episode will feel like someone finally turned the lights on.

In this episode

• What imposter syndrome is
• Why competence isn’t the antidote and why confidence alone can’t save you
• The origin story: how early experiences shape adult self-belief
• The difference between self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence
• Why high-performing professionals mask their doubt so well
• The imposter cycles and self-sabotaging patterns Alison sees in her coaching
• How to build an evidence bank that your brain will actually believe
• The surprising role of authenticity and psychological safety at work
• What it takes to rewrite the internal narrative… and why it changes everything

Resources:

Buy the book: https://amzn.to/48yQYSP

Clance Imposter Scale test - https://paulineroseclance.com/pdf/IPTestandscoring.pdf

Connect with Alison Shamir:

Linkedin - https://au.linkedin.com/in/alison-shamir-67440b17

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alisonshamir/

Websites - https://alisonshamir.com/

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Hosted and produced by Shayla Strapps and Kate Offer