What does it really mean to own your seat at the table—especially when part of you is still wondering whether you belong there?

In EP116, Jess and Claude sit down with Dr. Christiane Schroeter, leadership strategist, TEDx speaker, author, and creator of Petite Practice®, to talk about confidence, imposter syndrome, and why waiting until you feel completely ready can keep you stuck.

Christiane shares her STEP approach to building confidence through small, repeatable actions: simplify the goal, tell someone what you want, examine the next step you can take, and praise your progress along the way.

The conversation gets personal when Claude shares how comments about her accent early in her career stayed with her for years and affected the way she felt about presenting—even long after she knew she was capable.

Together, they explore how to stop letting old narratives determine how you show up, speak up, and take up space at work.

You’ll also hear:
• Why confidence often comes after you start—not before
• Why high achievers still experience imposter syndrome
• How to speak up when you’re questioning whether you belong
• How to share your accomplishments without feeling like you’re bragging
• Why your “ta-da” list may matter as much as your to-do list
• How Work Besties can help each other see the wins they may be missing
• How leaders can build confidence rather than unintentionally crush it
• One simple practice that can boost your confidence in less than a minute

Owning your seat at the table doesn’t mean you never feel nervous, uncertain, or uncomfortable.

It means you stop letting those feelings decide whether you show up.

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband