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“Beneath the Surface: Understanding the Imposter Phenomenon with Dr. Kate Atkin | Monday Night Live”
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How Self-Doubt Holds High Achievers Back — And What To Do About It
🎙️ Monday Night Live with Dr. Kate Atkin: Unmasking the Imposter Phenomenon 👩🎓🧠
In this compelling episode of Monday Night Live, host Derek Arden welcomes Dr. Kate Atkin, a celebrated speaker, trainer, and now PhD graduate whose research dives deep into the Imposter Phenomenon — a silent struggle faced by even the most accomplished individuals.
🎓 With a fresh doctorate under her belt and years of experience on the subject, Dr. Atkin reveals the science, stories, and solutions behind a challenge that affects up to 70-80% of people at some point in their careers.
💬 What Is the Imposter Phenomenon?
Forget “Imposter Syndrome” — Dr. Atkin deliberately uses the term phenomenon to reflect the temporary and situational nature of this experience. It’s not a mental health disorder, but rather a common psychological occurrence where successful people struggle to internalize their achievements, fearing they’ll be exposed as a “fraud.”
Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, chances are you’ve felt it: “I don’t deserve this,” or “One day, they’ll find out I’m not really that good.”
🔍 Key Highlights from the Discussion:
1. A Personal and Academic Journey 👩🏫
Kate shares how she went from not having a first university degree to achieving a PhD — an inspirational arc that reflects the very subject she now researches. Her latest book, The Imposter Phenomenon, is a readable deep dive rooted in her doctoral findings.
2. Who Experiences It — And Why? 👥
While popular statistics suggest women are more affected, Kate unpacks the nuance. Her research and meta-analyses suggest that men and women experience imposter feelings differently. Women may hold back; men may push through — both paths can lead to stress and burnout.
3. Social Media and the Comparison Trap 📱
Instagram and other platforms have amplified the problem, especially among younger generations. Seeing only the “highlight reels” of others can intensify feelings of inadequacy. But as Kate says, “Compare yourself to yourself, not to others.”
4. The Workplace Matters 🏢
Supportive managers and inclusive environments significantly reduce imposter feelings. A lack of representation — being the “only one like you” in the room — heightens self-doubt. Organizations have a key role in addressing this.
5. Overworking and Overqualifying 📚
One common response to imposter feelings is over-preparation — spending hours ensuring you can answer every possible question. Another is seeking yet another qualification to prove worth. While preparation is good, Kate distinguishes between adaptive and maladaptive coping.
🛠️ Coping Strategies That Work:
- Internalize Positive Feedback: Don’t just hear compliments — believe them. Save specific, detailed praise and refer back to it.
- Be Specific with Praise: Generic “great job” comments don’t help. Feedback like “Your attention to detail made the project a success” is far more impactful.
- Know When ‘Good Enough’ Is Enough: Perfectionism feeds the imposter phenomenon. Sometimes “good enough” truly is.
- Plan — But Not Too Much: Preparation should serve you, not stress you.
- Talk About It: Sharing your feelings normalizes the experience and reduces its power.
📚 About the Book
Dr. Kate Atkin’s new book, The Imposter Phenomenon, releases in July and is available for pre-order now. It’s packed with practical advice based on academic insight and lived experience. For more info, online events, or to get in touch with Kate directly, visit her website or follow her social media channels.
🎯 Final Thought:
“You don’t need to be perfect to feel capable. The real power lies in accepting your strengths — and knowing that self-doubt doesn’t define you.”
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