Who are you without the job title? Without the inbox? Without the performance reviews?

In this week's episode, I’m talking about something I’ve lived through - and something I see again and again in my coaching work: what happens when we over-identify with our jobs. When our sense of worth gets so wrapped up in performance, productivity, and title... that we forget who we are underneath it all.

What I Talk About:

• My personal experience with identity loss and rediscovery
• How our culture conditions us to tie worth to work
• The emotional impact of layoffs and change
• What coaching has taught me about identity and fulfillment
• Questions to ask when you're feeling lost in your role
• How to start separating what you do from who you are

I was inspired to record this after reading an incredible article on Substack titled “You Are Not Your Job, and Soon You Won’t Have One.” It hit me hard, particularly given all the layoffs that seem to happen constantly.

It put words to so much of what I’ve been feeling and thinking - about identity, career change, cultural shifts, and how fragile our sense of self can become when it’s built entirely around work. Highly recommend reading it.

And if you'd like to explore working together, here are my links: https://linktr.ee/amykiernan

In this episode, I’m talking about something most of us struggle with - feedback. Even when it’s well-intentioned, it can feel incredibly personal, especially if we’ve tied our sense of worth to how we show up, perform, or succeed.

I share a challenging feedback story from early in my career that really stayed with me, and how it helped me understand why feedback can land so hard. I also offer two simple but powerful questions I now use to process feedback with more clarity and self-trust - without spiraling or shutting down.

This isn’t about pretending feedback doesn’t hurt. It’s about creating enough space between who you are and what you do, so you can stay open, grounded even when the feedback stings.

If you’ve ever replayed a comment over and over in your mind, or felt a pang of self-doubt after someone “helpfully” pointed something out, I hope this offers a shift in perspective.

Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/amykiernan

You can also find more reflections over on my Substack, where I share a weekly companion post to this podcast for discussion: https://the10minuteshift.substack.com

In this episode of The 10-Minute Shift, I’m exploring fear, uncertainty, and the quiet (or not-so-quiet) voices that rise up when we move toward something we really want.

Fear has many faces - rejection, failure, visibility, not belonging. For me, it often shows up right at the edge of growth, when I’m trying something new or stepping into a new version of myself. So I’m sharing a few reflections from that edge, and what’s helped me stay in motion without needing the fear to disappear.

Inside this episode:

• A simple mantra that anchors me
• The deeper roots of fear - worthiness, acceptance, self-trust
• How I’ve learned to let fear be part of the process without letting it decide for me
• Ways I reconnect with my values when uncertainty clouds the path

If this episode resonates, feel free to share it, subscribe, or explore the other episodes. You can connect with me further here: https://linktr.ee/amykiernan

Confidence is one of the most common things people tell me they want more of - and honestly, it’s something I’ve spent years exploring for myself too.

In this episode, I’m sharing a fresh, practical take on confidence:

• Why confidence isn’t just a feeling you wait for — it’s something you build.
• The three ways I think about confidence that have changed everything for me (and for the people I coach).
• How to stretch yourself into real self-trust without tipping into overwhelm.

If you enjoyed the episode:
It would mean so much if you subscribed, rated, and reviewed — and if you have a topic you'd love for me to cover, just reach out!

Connect further with me here:

https://linktr.ee/amykiernan

This episode of The 10-Minute Shift is a gentle, grounding reflection on creativity, fear of judgement, and letting go.

I talk about why FOPO (fear of other people’s opinions) stifles expression, how to create for joy rather than validation, and what happens when we trust the creative process instead of trying to control it.

Why you might enjoy it:

• You’re a creator who struggles with fear of judgement.
• You’ve hesitated to share something important.
• You crave a mindset shift that invites freedom and expression.
• You love thoughtful, grounded content that reconnects you with yourself.

This one’s a quiet nudge to trust yourself, and let go.

My links: https://linktr.ee/amykiernan

In this episode, I’m diving into external validation - why we crave it, why it feels so annoyingly good, and how it can quietly take over if we’re not paying attention.

I share some thoughts on where this need comes from (hint: it’s very human), how it shows up in work and life, and a few gentle shifts that have helped me build more self-trust and internal steadiness.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Do they like me?” more than "Do I like them?" this one’s for you. ❤️

Chapters

00:00

The Craving for External Validation

03:19

The Dangers of Seeking Approval

05:51

Mindfulness and Self-Trust

09:02

Embracing Rejection and Self-Acceptance

Find me here:
✨ Website: amykiernan.com

✨ LinkedIn: ⁠@AmyKiernan⁠

✨ Threads: ⁠@HeyCoachAmy

✨ Instagram: @HeyCoachAmy

Discomfort is where growth actually happens - if you can stay with it long enough. In this quick episode, I talk about imposter syndrome, the “tunnel of frustration,” and how to build the muscle of discomfort tolerance.

This isn’t about pushing through; it’s about knowing what’s worth stretching for. If you’re doing something new, scary, or bold - this episode is for you.

Find me here:
✨ Website: amykiernan.com

✨ LinkedIn: ⁠@AmyKiernan⁠

✨ Threads: ⁠@HeyCoachAmy

✨ Instagram: @HeyCoachAmy

Struggling with imposter syndrome? Feeling like you don’t belong in a new job, leadership role, or version of your life? You’re not alone - and you’re not an imposter.

In this episode of The 10-Minute Shift, I offer a new perspective on imposter syndrome. What if it’s not something to fix, but a sign that you’re growing? That your identity is expanding, and you’re in the in-between - no longer who you were, not yet who you’re becoming.

We’ll explore identity gaps, the myth of needing to “feel ready,” and why having a beginner’s mindset isn’t a weakness - it’s part of the journey. If you’ve ever felt like you’re pretending, this is your reminder: you’re not pretending. You’re evolving. And you’re allowed to be new.

Where to Find Me:

✨ Website: amykiernan.com

✨ LinkedIn: ⁠@AmyKiernan⁠

✨ Threads: ⁠@HeyCoachAmy

✨ Instagram: ⁠@HeyCoachAmy

In this episode of The 10-Minute Shift, I explore what happens when your identity is tied to your work - and what to do when that role changes or disappears. Drawing on personal experience and coaching insights, I share three powerful ways to reconnect with your core self beyond job titles. If you've ever felt lost after a layoff, a new role, or a career pivot, this one’s for you.

Where to Find Me:

✨ Website: amykiernan.com

✨ LinkedIn: ⁠@AmyKiernan⁠

✨ Threads: ⁠@HeyCoachAmy

✨ Instagram: ⁠@HeyCoachAmy

In this first episode of The 10-Minute Shift, I introduce myself - Amy Kiernan, a leadership coach and entrepreneur - sharing my journey from corporate life at Twitter to embracing my passion for coaching and creating a life rooted in authenticity and fulfillment.

I talk about why I created this podcast, my obsession with voice notes, and my mission to explore powerful insights in bite-sized episodes. I also share a glimpse into my own struggles with identity, confidence, and the pursuit of feeling "enough."

Tune in if you're curious about confidence, leadership, imposter syndrome, self-acceptance, and discovering your own path with more clarity and courage.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share it with anyone you think might benefit from these conversations. I’d love to hear your feedback, so feel free to reach out and suggest topics you’d like me to cover.

Thanks for being here, and I’ll catch you next time.

Where to Find Me:
✨ Website: amykiernan.com

✨ LinkedIn: ⁠@AmyKiernan⁠

✨ Threads: ⁠@HeyCoachAmy

✨ Instagram: ⁠@HeyCoachAmy