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EP 33 | You’ve been playing small and it wasn’t an accident
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What if shrinking at work wasn't a confidence problem,but a design problem?
In this episode of In Her Words, I'm joined by therapist, coach, and psychological safety consultant Megan Reese for an honest, energizing conversation about why so many high-achieving folks hold themselves back at work and why it's not their fault.
We unpack the systemic forces that teach people to stay small: workplace cultures that reward compliance over authenticity, "executive presence" feedback that's really just code for conforming to cishet male norms, and the human giver syndrome that conditions us to put everyone else's needs first. We also talk about what it actually looks like to reclaim your space in your career, your leadership style, and your life.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why playing small isn't a mindset issue, it's a systems issue
- The problem with "executive presence" feedback (and what strong leadership actually looks like)
- How workplaces are designed to keep you compliant and what to do about it
- Imposter syndrome as signal, not stop sign and how to work with your inner critic
- Practical strategies for career transitions, job searching without burning out, and building toward your dream without abandoning your responsibilities
- How to start your own business when you have family, debt, and real financial stakes
- The importance of reclaiming joy, rest, and unstructured time, especially when capitalism wants you exhausted
Whether you're navigating a layoff, quietly dreaming of leaving your 9-to-5, or just tired of being told to speak up more, this conversation is for you.
Resources Mentioned:
Sign up for the summer event series
Follow Roberta on LinkedIn
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn
Connect with Roberta on LinkedIn
Grab Consciously Crafting Your Career Path: https://www.learnmindfully.co/store
If this episode sparked new insight, please consider rating, following, or reviewing the show. It’s the best way to help more people find and benefit from these vital conversations. Thanks for listening!
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By Roberta DombrowskiSend us Fan Mail
What if shrinking at work wasn't a confidence problem,but a design problem?
In this episode of In Her Words, I'm joined by therapist, coach, and psychological safety consultant Megan Reese for an honest, energizing conversation about why so many high-achieving folks hold themselves back at work and why it's not their fault.
We unpack the systemic forces that teach people to stay small: workplace cultures that reward compliance over authenticity, "executive presence" feedback that's really just code for conforming to cishet male norms, and the human giver syndrome that conditions us to put everyone else's needs first. We also talk about what it actually looks like to reclaim your space in your career, your leadership style, and your life.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why playing small isn't a mindset issue, it's a systems issue
- The problem with "executive presence" feedback (and what strong leadership actually looks like)
- How workplaces are designed to keep you compliant and what to do about it
- Imposter syndrome as signal, not stop sign and how to work with your inner critic
- Practical strategies for career transitions, job searching without burning out, and building toward your dream without abandoning your responsibilities
- How to start your own business when you have family, debt, and real financial stakes
- The importance of reclaiming joy, rest, and unstructured time, especially when capitalism wants you exhausted
Whether you're navigating a layoff, quietly dreaming of leaving your 9-to-5, or just tired of being told to speak up more, this conversation is for you.
Resources Mentioned:
Sign up for the summer event series
Follow Roberta on LinkedIn
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn
Connect with Roberta on LinkedIn
Grab Consciously Crafting Your Career Path: https://www.learnmindfully.co/store
If this episode sparked new insight, please consider rating, following, or reviewing the show. It’s the best way to help more people find and benefit from these vital conversations. Thanks for listening!