Imposter Syndrome: Why High Achievers Still Feel Like Frauds

Imposter Syndrome: Why High Achievers Still Feel Like Frauds

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] Ever felt like you’re about to be “found out” despite having the qualifications, experience, and evidence to prove you’re capable? You’re not alone. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the psychology behind imposter syndrome - that persistent feeling of self-doubt that can affect students, professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, and even CEOs. Despite success on paper, many people continue to question whether they truly deserve their achievements. We discuss why imposter syndrome is so common, how it differs from healthy self-reflection, and whether it stems from internal thought patterns, external biases, or a combination of both. We also examine the role of perfectionism, workplace culture, social media, and career transitions in fueling feelings of inadequacy. Joining me are: 🔹 Dr Ronina Stevens – Clinical Psychologist specialising in anxiety, depression, trauma, and wellbeing 🔹 Sapna Makwana – Counsellor and Psychotherapist who shares her personal experience of imposter syndrome during a major career change 🔹 Eileen Coupin – Executive Leadership Coach and Keynote Speaker Together, we unpack why so many talented people feel like frauds and how to stop self-doubt from holding you back. In This Episode We Discuss: * What imposter syndrome actually is — and what it isn’t * Why high performers often experience it most * The link between perfectionism and self-doubt * How social media fuels comparison and insecurity * Whether sexism, racism, and bias contribute to imposter syndrome * Why career transitions can trigger feelings of being a fraud * The difference between healthy humility and chronic self-doubt * When imposter syndrome becomes harmful * Practical strategies to build confidence and resilience Key Takeaways * Imposter syndrome is common and does not reflect actual competence. * Thoughts and feelings are not always facts. * High achievers, leaders, and CEOs often experience self-doubt. * Comparison, perfectionism, and social media can intensify imposter syndrome. * Growth often requires stepping forward before you feel fully ready. * Confidence is built through action, not certainty. * A small amount of self-doubt can encourage reflection and learning. Tough times are hard to navigate. We share experiences, feelings and tools to cope and become resilient. Unpack what weighs us down - loss, grief, anxiety, panic, low self-esteem, disappointment, sadness and change. Feel less alone and take away ideas to lift that dark cloud and face the future. Sprinkled with humour. Creator / Host: Ella Sherman & Clinical Psychologist: Dr Jonathan Marshall with Two Special Guests per episode. 🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@EllasPodcasts-z9v?sub_confirmation=1  🔗 Stay Connected With Us. Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/816892014485089  ============================= 🎬Suggested videos for you: ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCqS0f0cwbE  ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgaf77yQ2EQ  ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbUgWPRRsNA  ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSj-OtNqX4I  ================================= ✅ About Ella Podcasts. Welcome to Ella Podcasts, a space where we openly talk about tough times and the struggles that come with them. Hosted by Ella Sherman and clinical psychologist Dr. Jonathan Marshall, this podcast shares personal experiences, feelings, and practical tools to help you cope and build resilience.  We discuss topics like loss, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, and life changes, offering support and understanding. Each episode includes insights from two special guests to help you feel less alone and find ways to face challenges with hope and a touch of humor. Join us for honest conversations that lift the weight off your shoulders and guide you through life's difficult moments. 🔔 Looking for real talk about life’s struggles? Subscribe for honest conversations, expert advice, & helpful tools to help manage life’s toughest moments. https://www.youtube.com/@EllasPodcasts-z9v?sub_confirmation=1  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]

Women, Ageism & The Workplace: Why Experience Is Being Overlooked

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] Does society value women less as they get older? Why are men often seen as experienced “silver foxes” while women are judged as being past their prime? In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the reality of ageism facing women in the workplace and wider society. From hiring bias and career progression to appearance standards and workplace stereotypes, we examine why so many highly skilled, experienced women feel overlooked despite having decades of knowledge, resilience, and expertise to offer. Many women reach midlife only to find themselves being labelled as “too experienced,” overlooked for opportunities, or feeling pressure to maintain a youthful appearance to remain visible and valued. The impact can affect confidence, identity, career progression, and mental wellbeing. Joining me are: 🔹 Dr Ronina Stevens – Clinical Psychologist 🔹 Nataly Papadin – Global Transformation Leader 🔹 Latha Prasad – Corporate Change Consultant and Midlife Career Coach Together, we discuss the hidden realities of age discrimination, why older women are often underestimated, and how experience, confidence, and adaptability can become some of the greatest strengths of midlife. Who Is This Video For? This episode is for women navigating midlife, career transitions, workplace bias, menopause, leadership challenges, or questions about ageing and professional identity. It’s also valuable for employers, leaders, and HR professionals seeking to build more inclusive workplaces. In This Episode We Discuss: * Why ageing affects men and women differently at work * The hidden forms of age discrimination women experience * Whether diversity and inclusion efforts overlook older women * The pressure to maintain a youthful appearance in professional settings * How ageism impacts confidence, wellbeing, and career choices * Why many experienced women are leaving corporate careers to start businesses * The benefits of ageing, including confidence, resilience, and authenticity Key Takeaways * Ageism remains one of the least discussed workplace biases. * Experience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence often increase with age. * Feeling overlooked can significantly impact confidence and mental wellbeing. * Organisations risk losing valuable talent when experienced women are undervalued. * Ageing can bring greater self-awareness, confidence, and perspective. Conclusion Growing older should not make someone less visible or less valuable. This episode challenges outdated assumptions about women and ageing, while highlighting the wisdom, resilience, and leadership that often come with experience. #Ageism #WomenInLeadership #WomenAtWork #CareerDevelopment #MidlifeWomen #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #MentalHealth #CareerTransition #WomenEmpowerment #MenopauseAtWork #EllaPodcasts Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]

Does Sex Get Better After 45? The Truth About Intimacy, Desire & Middle Age

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] People often celebrate the passion of young love, but what happens to sex, desire, and intimacy as we move into our 40s, 50s, and beyond? In this honest and thought-provoking episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore one of society’s most overlooked topics: sex in middle age. Many assume aging means declining libido, less intimacy, and fewer opportunities for connection. Yet for many people, midlife brings greater confidence, deeper self-awareness, and a richer understanding of pleasure than they ever experienced when they were younger. Joining me are Dr Jonathan Marshall, leading clinical psychologist and former professor, Louise Sullivan, somatic coach and Sexological Bodyworker, and Shi Min, founder of Waves of Pleasure, who helps individuals and couples explore intimacy, connection, and sexuality. Who Is This Video For? If you’re navigating menopause, dating, long-term relationships, body confidence, changing desire, or simply wondering how sexuality evolves with age, this episode offers honest insights and practical perspectives on intimacy in midlife. Together, We Discuss: * Does sex really improve with age? * How menopause and hormonal changes affect libido * Why confidence often increases in midlife * The difference between sex, intimacy, and connection * How curiosity can reignite desire * Why communication is crucial for long-term intimacy * The impact of body image and aging on attraction * Affairs, emotional connection, and feeling desired * Exploring kink, fantasy, and sexual curiosity later in life * Rediscovering pleasure and intimacy after years of routine Key Takeaways * Sex doesn’t automatically decline with age, many people find it improves. * Confidence and self-acceptance often grow in midlife. * Desire is influenced by stress, connection, communication, and curiosity. * Feeling desired and emotionally connected matters deeply. * Many sexual challenges have support and treatment options available. * Midlife can be an opportunity to rediscover pleasure, not lose it. Quotes “By the time you get to your 50s, it’s much less about performance and much more about pleasure.” - Louise Sullivan “People don’t miss the sex itself. They miss being desired, being seen, being wanted.” - Louise Sullivan Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:13 Does Sex Really Get Better With Age? 06:03 Menopause, Libido and Desire 08:20 Aging Bodies and Bedroom Confidence 10:00 Rediscovering Your Sexual Mojo 13:42 Curiosity, Adventure and Desire 14:24 Affairs, Intimacy and Feeling Desired 17:18 Kink and Sexual Exploration 20:08 Advice To Our Younger Selves 22:39 Final Thoughts Conclusion Aging changes our bodies, but it doesn’t have to diminish intimacy, pleasure, or connection. For many people, middle age is a chance to let go of performance pressures, embrace curiosity, and build deeper, more authentic relationships. Sexuality doesn’t end with age-it evolves. #SexAfter50 #MiddleAgeRelationships #Menopause #Libido #Intimacy #SexualWellness #HealthyRelationships #DatingOver50 #AgingWell #RelationshipAdvice #MentalHealth #EllaPodcasts Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]

Why Corporate Workers Lose Their Creativity (And How to Get It Back)

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] Few of us realise how much of ourselves we leave behind in the pursuit of stability. Careers grow, responsibilities increase, and somewhere along the way, creativity - once natural and instinctive - quietly fades into the background. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore what happens when we disconnect from our creative selves, why so many people abandon artistic passions as they enter the workforce, and what it really means to reconnect with that lost part of who we are.  This is a deeply reflective and human conversation about identity, self-expression, and the tension between security and authenticity. Because creativity is not just about art - it is about connection to self. And when that connection is lost, it can impact confidence, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and even our sense of purpose. In this episode, we discuss why creativity is often seen as impractical or indulgent in a performance-driven world, and how many people feel they have to hide this part of themselves in professional environments. We explore the psychological effects of rediscovering creativity later in life, the fear of judgment, and the internal conflict between stability and fulfilment. At the same time, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: creativity is not a talent reserved for a few - it is a fundamental part of being human. And reconnecting with it can bring joy, healing, perspective, and a deeper sense of meaning. Joining me, Ella, are:  🔹 Dr. Jonathan Marshall – Clinical psychologist and former professor (Stanford & Harvard graduate)  🔹 Kristina Pakhomova – Actress, producer, and executive presence coach  🔹 Svetlana Fedotova – Former finance professional turned registered art psychotherapist Together, we explore the emotional, psychological, and practical sides of creativity - from corporate burnout and identity loss to healing, expression, and rediscovery. Who Is This Video For? If you feel disconnected from your passions, stuck in routine, or curious about reconnecting with your creative side, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and practical perspective. It’s for professionals, creatives, and anyone navigating identity, purpose, or self-expression in a fast-paced, performance-driven world. In This Episode, We Discuss: • why so many people abandon creativity when they enter the workforce  • the link between creativity, identity, and emotional wellbeing  • how corporate culture can suppress self-expression  • the psychological impact of rediscovering creativity later in life  • why creativity is often misunderstood as “non-productive”  • the role of creativity in processing emotions and reconnecting with self  • how fear of judgment stops people from exploring creative outlets  • simple ways to bring creativity back into everyday life  • why creativity benefits mental health, confidence, and resilience  • the difference between performance-driven success and authentic fulfilment Key Takeaways: • Creativity is not a talent - it is a natural part of being human  • Disconnecting from creativity can impact identity, joy, and wellbeing  • Reconnecting with creativity can feel uncomfortable, but also deeply rewarding  • The process matters more than the outcome — expression over perfection  • Small, consistent creative acts can significantly improve mental health  • Fear of judgment often prevents people from exploring their true interests  • Creativity can enhance problem-solving, communication, and self-awareness  • You do not need permission to reconnect with what makes you feel alive Conclusion: Losing touch with your creative self doesn’t happen overnight - and reconnecting with it doesn’t require a dramatic life change. Sometimes it starts with something small: curiosity, play, or simply giving yourself permission to explore again. Because creativity isn’t about producing something perfect - it’s about feeling human, connected, and alive. If this episode reminds you of a part of yourself you’ve been missing, it’s already doing its job. Keywords: creativity, reconnecting with creativity, creative burnout, corporate burnout, self expression, identity and purpose, art therapy, mental health, emotional wellbeing, creative hobbies, executive presence, personal growth, confidence, authenticity, workplace culture Hashtags: #Creativity #MentalHealth #SelfExpression #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #ArtTherapy #CareerIdentity #Wellbeing #CreativeLife #EllaPodcasts Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]

The Psychology of Selling: Trust, Confidence & Human Behaviour in Business

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] Selling is not just about persuasion, targets, or closing deals. It is deeply connected to psychology, emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, and understanding human behaviour. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the psychology behind influence, negotiation, confidence, rejection, and why some people consistently succeed in high-pressure business environments while others struggle to build trust and connection. The conversation explores the emotional realities behind sales performance, the pressure of rejection, how desperation can quietly damage trust, and why authenticity and emotional intelligence matter more than ever in modern business. As consumer behaviour evolves, people are no longer simply buying products or services. They are responding to confidence, connection, trust, reputation, and how understood they feel during interactions. Joining me are Ella Sherman, Dr Jonathan Marshall, Gary Brookes, and Nuwanthie Samarakone. Who Is This Episode For? If you work in sales, leadership, recruitment, business development, consulting, customer relationships, or communication-focused roles, this conversation offers insight into the emotional and psychological realities behind influence and trust-building. We explore how rejection impacts confidence, why resilience matters in competitive environments, and how emotional intelligence increasingly shapes professional success. Topics include sales psychology, negotiation, communication, consumer behaviour, storytelling, trust, authenticity, online reputation, confidence, relationship-building, and why human connection still matters enormously in modern business. Whether you work in corporate sales, leadership, recruitment, entrepreneurship, or simply want to better understand how people make decisions, this episode offers practical and psychological insight into human behaviour and influence. 💬 Quotes: • “People buy from people they trust.”  • “Resilience matters more than perfection in sales.”  • “Desperation is often easier to detect than people realise.”  • “Human connection still matters enormously in business.” 🔑 Key Takeaways: • Trust and emotional connection strongly influence buying behaviour.  • Rejection and performance pressure can significantly affect confidence and resilience.  • Emotional intelligence and communication are becoming increasingly valuable business skills.  • Authenticity builds stronger long-term relationships than aggressive selling tactics.  • Storytelling and emotional connection often influence decisions more than hard data alone.  • Social media and online reputation now heavily shape consumer trust and perception.  • Adaptability, curiosity, and relationship-building remain critical in modern business environments.  • Strong communication skills continue to separate high performers from average performers. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction  1:03 The Psychology Behind Sales  2:46 Trust & Consumer Behaviour  5:32 The Emotional Pressure of Sales Targets  8:14 Rejection, Confidence & Resilience  11:26 Why Desperation Damages Negotiations  14:43 Communication & Relationship-Building  18:37 Storytelling, Emotion & Decision-Making  21:04 Social Media & Consumer Trust  24:52 Human Connection in Modern Business  27:56 Final Reflections Conclusion: Sales is rarely just about products, pricing, or persuasion. More often, it comes down to trust, emotional intelligence, communication, resilience, and understanding human behaviour. This episode explores the psychological realities behind influence, rejection, confidence, negotiation, and relationship-building in modern business. While technology and consumer behaviour continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: people still want to feel understood, respected, and emotionally connected before making decisions. For many professionals, success is no longer about having the loudest pitch. It is about authenticity, adaptability, trust, and the ability to build genuine human relationships in increasingly competitive environments. If this conversation helps even one person communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, or better understand the psychology behind influence and trust, then it has achieved exactly what it set out to do.  🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and join our Ella Podcasts community for more honest conversations about business, psychology, leadership, communication, and modern working life.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]