Dear Reader,

Many CEOs have shared with me their experiences with imposter syndrome. Apparently, 70% of executive women have felt it. When I first started apprentice-coaching at the FDA, I was told to not feel intimidated by people’s titles, GS levels, education, or experience, and to coach them like they put their pants on one leg at a time, just like the rest of us. Thankfully, I could.

Over the years, I have had the chance to share a stage with some leaders with a bit of celebrity status, like Sonja Lyubomirsky, researcher & author of The How of Happiness and Robyn Benincasa, Adventure Racing World Champion. I was able to hold my own and did not judge my merit as a human against theirs.

But now, 12 years later, I just met 2 of my idols. It was a different story.

Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal, The 5 Practices of Highly Resilent People: Why Some Flourish While Others Fold

Dr. Robert Cialdini, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (and 6 others)

Their books have been at the tops of the charts, and Warren Buffet even says that Influence is on his own top 3 business book favorites. One of Dr.Robert Cialdini's books was the first leadership book I read and fell in love with.

I have talked about both of these folks and their work extensively. I’ve gifted their books to colleagues. In preparation of meeting them, I listened to their podcast, re-listened to some of their books, watched Ted Talks & videos, and studied them on LinkedIn.

When the countdown clock of 5 minutes started, I tried to calm my overzealous smile & “just be cool.” What was remarkable to me, is how they just wanted to talk. Like colleagues. Without ego. It seemed that the best remedy for imposter syndrome that was rooted in comparison was to meet them and see how human they were. Connecting, real, and generous with their time, talent & curiosity.

I am currently writing a book about how leaders can couple story and strategy to be more influential, they shared great wisdom that I plan to include.

If you’d like to see an AI generated transcript of Dr. Taryn Marie & I's conversation, check it out here.

And check out what Dr. Robert Cialdini is up to here. And Silke Krueger, thank you so much for the introduction.

With gratitude - Julie

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Sneak Peek: DEI Video Recording

We are excited to share a sneak peek of our new Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion video. Here are some pictures from behind the scenes... let us know if you're interested in bringing DEI to your team.

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