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AJ Lauer, EdD: From Shoveling Snow in a Blizzard to Coaching Scientists Through Imposter Syndrome
AJ Lauer, EdD: From Shoveling Snow in a Blizzard to Coaching Scientists Through Imposter Syndrome: a Story of Knowing When to Walk Away
What do snow shoveling, hurricanes, and a room full of grandmothers on a ferry have in common? They're all part of Dr. AJ Lauer’s winding, real-life journey to becoming a leadership coach for scientists, engineers, and STEM professionals.
In this episode, AJ shares her incredible path — from her first job trudging through Wisconsin snowstorms to standing on stage as an executive coach and author of My Monster Mungo, an illustrated book about imposter syndrome. We talk about the grit it takes to leave a toxic workplace, the courage to rebuild your confidence, and the power of knowing when it’s time to walk away.
Whether you’re in a leadership role, navigating burnout, or wondering if you really belong in the room — AJ’s story will hit home. She opens up about long-distance love, writing her dissertation while raising two babies, and why speaking up (even when it’s hard) matters more than ever.
🎧 You’ll love this if you:
- Feel like you're doing all the right things but still not getting recognized
- Are battling imposter syndrome (or coaching people who are)
- Want to hear a real, messy, inspiring story of reinvention
- Need a reminder that you can walk away and still rise
Get to know AJ:
With over 2 decades of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, 10+ years developing the future science and technology workforce, and multiple publications on DEI in STEM, Dr. AJ Lauer is a leading expert on workforce development in science and technology fields.
Dr. Lauer regularly coaches professionals at the executive level on how to create more inclusive and productive workplaces. Her 1:1 clients have held leadership roles at Amazon, Stitch Fix, The Ohio State University, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and the American Meteorological Society.
Her new book, My Monster Mungo: A Story About Imposter Syndrome, uses relatable characters, humor, and engaging illustrations to present a fresh new way to think about the dreaded imposter syndrome — your Imposter Monster.
Connect with AJ:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ajlauer
Website: http://www.thrivingibis.com
Book: My Monster Mungo on Amazon (amzn.to/43WWEUj) and Bookshop (bookshop.org/a/103170/9798992394214)
Info about Imposter Monsters, upcoming workshops, and coaching: https://www.thrivingibis.com/imposter-monsters
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:
Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd
Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
View all episodes
By Candice MitchellAJ Lauer, EdD: From Shoveling Snow in a Blizzard to Coaching Scientists Through Imposter Syndrome: a Story of Knowing When to Walk Away
What do snow shoveling, hurricanes, and a room full of grandmothers on a ferry have in common? They're all part of Dr. AJ Lauer’s winding, real-life journey to becoming a leadership coach for scientists, engineers, and STEM professionals.
In this episode, AJ shares her incredible path — from her first job trudging through Wisconsin snowstorms to standing on stage as an executive coach and author of My Monster Mungo, an illustrated book about imposter syndrome. We talk about the grit it takes to leave a toxic workplace, the courage to rebuild your confidence, and the power of knowing when it’s time to walk away.
Whether you’re in a leadership role, navigating burnout, or wondering if you really belong in the room — AJ’s story will hit home. She opens up about long-distance love, writing her dissertation while raising two babies, and why speaking up (even when it’s hard) matters more than ever.
🎧 You’ll love this if you:
- Feel like you're doing all the right things but still not getting recognized
- Are battling imposter syndrome (or coaching people who are)
- Want to hear a real, messy, inspiring story of reinvention
- Need a reminder that you can walk away and still rise
Get to know AJ:
With over 2 decades of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, 10+ years developing the future science and technology workforce, and multiple publications on DEI in STEM, Dr. AJ Lauer is a leading expert on workforce development in science and technology fields.
Dr. Lauer regularly coaches professionals at the executive level on how to create more inclusive and productive workplaces. Her 1:1 clients have held leadership roles at Amazon, Stitch Fix, The Ohio State University, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and the American Meteorological Society.
Her new book, My Monster Mungo: A Story About Imposter Syndrome, uses relatable characters, humor, and engaging illustrations to present a fresh new way to think about the dreaded imposter syndrome — your Imposter Monster.
Connect with AJ:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ajlauer
Website: http://www.thrivingibis.com
Book: My Monster Mungo on Amazon (amzn.to/43WWEUj) and Bookshop (bookshop.org/a/103170/9798992394214)
Info about Imposter Monsters, upcoming workshops, and coaching: https://www.thrivingibis.com/imposter-monsters
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:
Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd
Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com