Fearless Female Leadership Blog - Mental Toughness & High Performance

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The Imposter’s Gift: Your Inner Critic Might Actually Be Your Ally (Part 3 to the 3-Part Series)

ally emotional agility imposter syndrome negative thoughts Aug 28, 2025

What if your imposter feelings weren’t an enemy… but a friend and confidant? Not just a cheerleader—but a wise, honest guide imparting wisdom.

Instead of resisting it, try this:

Acknowledge it: “I notice I’m feeling like an imposter—and that’s okay.”
Ask: “If this feeling were a trusted friend, what would it say?”

This exercise helps you defuse the shame, mine the wisdom, and access the emotional agility to lead with your full power and heart.

What if your inner critic was really your fiercest advocate in disguise? If that voice actually wanted to lift you up, what would it say? Comment below ... I would love to hear your perspective!

If you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation. http://www.sherylkline.com/meeting

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

🎯 The Imposter's Gift: Mind the Gap... and Move Through It (Part 2 to the 4-Part "Imposter's Gift" Series)

confidence imposter syndrome intentional visualize Aug 21, 2025

(Part 2 of 3 in “The Imposter’s Gift” Series)

World-class performers feel imposter syndrome too. The difference between them and everyone else?

They learn from the discomfort and get better because of it. They also perform with the end in mind.

Here’s how:
- Visualize yourself as the confident, worthy, successful version of you.
- Identify the “gap” between that version and where you are now.
- Take intentional action to bridge it.

When you honor the discomfort and reverse-engineer the path forward, imposter syndrome becomes clarity, courage, and yes—even confidence.

I’d love to hear your perspective. Who’s the future version of you that already owns the room? If you imagined yourself already there, what one shift would help close the gap?

🎥 Watch the Part 2 video and share your perspective.

This is a 4-part series, so be on the lookout for additional posts in the week to come.

Cheering you on, always!
- Sheryl

The Imposter’s Gift: How Feeling Like a Fraud Can Be Fuel (Introduction to the 4-Part "Imposter's Gift" Series)

gift high performance imposter syndrome uncertainty Aug 12, 2025

Whether you’re an Olympian, executive, or rising leader, you’ve likely felt like an imposter. I know I have! It’s not only normal, it can mean that you are pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. That makes you extraordinary!

World-class performers are comfortable in this discomfort, knowing that the only way to their next level is through.

Imposter syndrome, imposter phenomenon, or whatever it’s currently being called has received a bad rap. By trying to diminish it or get rid of it, we are attempting to banish thousands of years of cultural, social, religious, cultural, and even generational indoctrinations.

Maybe it’s time to stop fighting this enormous battle and instead, with compassion, look for the wisdom in the feeling.

If you feel like you don’t belong in the room you’ve worked so hard to be in, don’t worry. You have an ally.

Here’s something that I’ve learned from researching and working with world-class athletes, Olympians, and some of the most prolific female executives in S...

Corporate Leader to Thought Leader - an Interview with Sara Connell, Author, TEDx Speaker, Coach and Founder, Thought Leader Academy

imposter syndrome mindset resilience thought leadership May 13, 2025

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the true pleasure of speaking with Sara Connell, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, coach, and Founder of Thought Leader Academy, about the transformative journey from corporate leader to thought leader. Sara’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of claiming your voice — and using it to create meaningful, lasting impact.

Sara’s career began in the corporate world at a top advertising agency, where she quickly realized that while the training was invaluable, the culture was toxic. It took a mental and physical health crisis for Sara to finally make the leap out of corporate life — a leap inspired by a chance encounter with a life-changing book she discovered in an airport bookstore. That single book inspired her to commit to writing the stories and messages she wished had existed for her, and ultimately to empower other leaders to do the same.

Throughout our conversation, Sara spoke candidly about the mindset shif...

The Imposter’s Gift: Your Inner Critic Might Actually Be Your Ally (Part 3 to the 3-Part Series)

🎯 The Imposter's Gift: Mind the Gap... and Move Through It (Part 2 to the 4-Part "Imposter's Gift" Series)

The Imposter’s Gift: How Feeling Like a Fraud Can Be Fuel (Introduction to the 4-Part "Imposter's Gift" Series)

Corporate Leader to Thought Leader - an Interview with Sara Connell, Author, TEDx Speaker, Coach and Founder, Thought Leader Academy

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