The Art Of Saying No

Stop Believing The Story In Your Head

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289053/fan_mail/new] Your brain is a world-class storyteller, and under stress it becomes a sloppy fact-checker. We’re laying the foundation for our new series on the stories we tell ourselves, the assumptions we default to, and the quiet way those internal narratives shape leadership decisions, workplace relationships, and even our creativity. We talk through moments almost everyone recognizes: rereading an email to guess tone, assuming someone’s silence means disapproval, or building a worst-case scenario before a hard conversation even happens. Using Brené Brown’s “the story I’m making up is” framework, we unpack why the brain fills gaps for certainty and safety, how negativity bias ramps up in survival mode, and why curiosity can vanish when fear takes over. We also share personal examples of how family patterns, early mentors, and old labels can echo into adult work life, sometimes pushing us to overprotect, overreact, or shrink ourselves. From a practical leadership coaching lens, we offer simple tools you can use immediately: pause before reacting, name what you know versus what you’re assuming, ask what else could be true, and check whether you’re reacting to facts or fear. We also connect this to inclusive leadership and psychological safety, reminding ourselves that different processing styles, neurodiversity needs, and life stressors can change how people show up at work. If you want better communication, fewer avoidable conflicts, and a steadier leadership presence, this conversation gives you a clear starting point. Subscribe, share the show with someone who overthinks like we do, and leave a review so more leaders can find the series. What’s the most common story you catch yourself repeating? Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/ www.jolyean.com www.katieervin.com Check out Rhonda's Etsy shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThingsForge Order Dr. Katie's books:  * 52 Weeks of LEADERship:  https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=afiG9oMq4YoXnvxsSD9PDjTrezQvZd6A7vBE1T2yaGz * You Might Be an Asshole: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=O4ZMvNNamwFzFFUAjJB1s6pjudAiHrUlcUX0iMUlzI6 Learn more about Catalyst LEADERs Institute:  www.katieervin.com/leaders   Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/ [https://emmajo.rocks/]

What If Doubt Is Proof You Are Growing

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289053/fan_mail/new] Imposter syndrome has a sneaky way of showing up right when you are doing the work that matters most: presenting in a big meeting, taking a new role, leading a team through change, or simply being seen. We talk honestly about why that doubt does not automatically mean you are unqualified. Sometimes it is the signal that you are stretching, learning, and building a growth mindset. The goal is not to eliminate imposter syndrome forever, but to manage the negativity bias so it does not run your decisions or shrink your voice. We break down practical leadership tools you can use immediately: building a real support system and advisory group, “borrowing confidence” when you need it, and keeping an evidence list of wins and hard things you have already survived. We also challenge comparison, especially the trap of measuring your beginning against someone else’s polished middle, and we explain why asking questions is a strength that creates psychological safety. If you have ever felt pressure to perform rather than serve, we offer a cleaner focus: impact over image. Then we go deeper into nervous system regulation, because overwhelmed humans do not lead well. We share approachable ways to reset through creativity practices, journaling and reflection, aesthetic engagement, and making room for fun and pleasure without guilt. From there, we zoom out to the team level: how insecurity can look like disengagement, why belonging drives contribution, and how a feedback culture built on coaching helps confidence grow. If this helps you, subscribe, share it with a colleague who is stretching into something new, and leave a rating and review so more leaders can find the show. What triggers your imposter syndrome most right now? Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/ www.jolyean.com www.katieervin.com Check out Rhonda's Etsy shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThingsForge Order Dr. Katie's books:  * 52 Weeks of LEADERship:  https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=afiG9oMq4YoXnvxsSD9PDjTrezQvZd6A7vBE1T2yaGz * You Might Be an Asshole: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=O4ZMvNNamwFzFFUAjJB1s6pjudAiHrUlcUX0iMUlzI6 Learn more about Catalyst LEADERs Institute:  www.katieervin.com/leaders   Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/ [https://emmajo.rocks/]

Stop Faking It And Start Learning It

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289053/fan_mail/new] You can be talented, prepared, and respected and still hear that inner voice whisper, “Do I belong here?” We get real about imposter syndrome in leadership, why it spikes during busy seasons and big transitions, and how it can distort the way we speak up, set boundaries, and show up for our teams. We unpack why “fake it till you make it” often backfires for leaders who care about authenticity, and we offer a better frame: learn it while you earn it. Drawing on neuroscience and lived experience, we talk about negativity bias, how the brain overestimates threats, and why uncertainty can feel like danger. We also look at perfectionism as a common signal, especially for high achievers, and why imposter feelings are not the same thing as incompetence. Comparison is a major accelerant, and social media makes it constant. We explore how other people’s wins can land in our nervous system like loss, why imposter syndrome can feel lonelier the higher you climb, and what leaders can do to change the culture. That includes psychological safety, honest feedback loops, and the kind of grounded vulnerability that builds trust and boosts engagement. You’ll also hear a powerful reminder to stop shrinking: sometimes your voice is inconvenient, and it still needs to be heard. If this resonates, share it with a leader who needs it, then subscribe, rate, and review the show so more people can find these conversations. What’s one moment when imposter syndrome shows up for you most? Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/ www.jolyean.com www.katieervin.com Check out Rhonda's Etsy shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThingsForge Order Dr. Katie's books:  * 52 Weeks of LEADERship:  https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=afiG9oMq4YoXnvxsSD9PDjTrezQvZd6A7vBE1T2yaGz * You Might Be an Asshole: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=O4ZMvNNamwFzFFUAjJB1s6pjudAiHrUlcUX0iMUlzI6 Learn more about Catalyst LEADERs Institute:  www.katieervin.com/leaders   Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/ [https://emmajo.rocks/]

Whose Trance Is Running Your Leadership

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289053/fan_mail/new] Leadership gets messy the moment we pretend to be someone we’re not. That’s why we invited evolutionary astrologer Jason Dilts to help us use astrology as a leadership tool, not for fortune telling, but for self awareness, communication, and growth you can actually apply at work. We start with the basics that most people never get beyond: your Sun sign is only one piece. Jason breaks down the Big Three of a birth chart: Sun (identity and expression), Rising (your instinctive operating system and how others experience you), and Moon (your emotional landscape and what creates safety). From there, we connect the chart to leadership development and real workplace dynamics including how Mercury placements shape communication style, how different houses point to career visibility and leadership, and why two “Capricorns” can still lead in totally different ways. Then we zoom out to the bigger shift many teams are feeling right now. Jason frames the Age of Aquarius as a move away from command and control toward empowerment, authenticity, and community. We also explore generational astrology through Pluto placements, why younger generations are challenging old power structures, and how leaders can respond without falling into judgment or fear. If you’ve been curious but skeptical, we talk about why pop horoscopes turn smart people off, and how to explore astrology in a grounded way through your chart and current transits, including what Mercury retrograde is really inviting you to do. Subscribe for more leadership conversations, share this with a colleague who loves personal development tools, and leave a review so more leaders can find the show. Connect with Jason on social media at https://www.instagram.com/tegakaldeep/ or https://www.tiktok.com/@tegakaldeep Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/ www.jolyean.com www.katieervin.com Check out Rhonda's Etsy shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThingsForge Order Dr. Katie's books:  * 52 Weeks of LEADERship:  https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=afiG9oMq4YoXnvxsSD9PDjTrezQvZd6A7vBE1T2yaGz * You Might Be an Asshole: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=O4ZMvNNamwFzFFUAjJB1s6pjudAiHrUlcUX0iMUlzI6 Learn more about Catalyst LEADERs Institute:  www.katieervin.com/leaders   Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/ [https://emmajo.rocks/]

What If Rest Were A Leadership Skill

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289053/fan_mail/new] Your calendar might look full, but your brain might be emptier than you realise. When every “day off” becomes laundry, errands, email catch-up, and prep for Monday, we never truly power down and it shows up everywhere: short patience, fuzzy thinking, reactive leadership, and that feeling of being too tired to make one more decision. We dig into the “French Sunday” concept, the idea of protecting time for rest, pleasure, and connection, and why it can be a legitimate leadership skill. We talk burnout prevention through a neuroscience lens: decision fatigue, dopamine dips, chronic stress, and how emotional regulation gets harder when you stay always on. We also explore third spaces and novelty, why leaving the house and being in community can shift your energy, and why slowness often unlocks creativity and better problem-solving. Stillness is not one-size-fits-all, so we share options that work for different nervous systems, including alternatives to meditation and small ways to reduce sensory overload. From a leadership perspective, we get practical about boundaries that build psychological safety: modelling recovery, avoiding after-hours emails, and using delayed send so you can rest without creating urgency for your team. We end with simple homework: carve out a non-negotiable rest window and remove one “setup day” habit from it, then notice how your mindset and leadership presence change. If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review with the “French Sunday” habit you’re trying next. Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/ www.jolyean.com www.katieervin.com Check out Rhonda's Etsy shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThingsForge Order Dr. Katie's books:  * 52 Weeks of LEADERship:  https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=afiG9oMq4YoXnvxsSD9PDjTrezQvZd6A7vBE1T2yaGz * You Might Be an Asshole: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=O4ZMvNNamwFzFFUAjJB1s6pjudAiHrUlcUX0iMUlzI6 Learn more about Catalyst LEADERs Institute:  www.katieervin.com/leaders   Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/ [https://emmajo.rocks/]