Work Truths: Off the Record

Series 2 of Work Truths: Off the Record is all about the Imposter Phenomenon — and I'm starting with a powerful conversation with Dr Katie Ford

Katie has no less than 27 letters after her name, as well as ‘Dr’ before it. Yet her story is a powerful reminder that imposter feelings don’t disappear just because someone has the qualifications, the experience, or the external success.

In our conversation, Katie opens up about what it really felt like to be the ‘clever one’ at school, then suddenly feel out of place, average, and at risk of being ‘found out’. She shares how those feelings shaped her career, how burnout and shame fed the cycle, and what it took to begin changing her relationship with herself.

What I loved most about speaking with Katie is that this isn’t a story about magically overcoming self-doubt. It’s about listening to ourselves more honestly, understanding where imposter thoughts come from, and learning how support, self-compassion, and psychological safety can change everything.

Guest Information

Dr Katie Ford BVSc(Hons) CertAVP(SAM) PGCert MSc FRCVS

Dr. Katie Ford is widely regarded as one of the veterinary profession's leading thought leaders in the space of wellbeing, imposter phenomenon and what it actually means to be human in a high-demand career.

She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, holds a Master's degree in Emotional Wellbeing, and is trained across multiple coaching modalities including somatic and trauma-informed practice and CMI Level 7 leadership. In 2020, she co-founded Vet Empowered alongside Claire Grigson, a coaching and professional development company built by vets, for veterinary professionals; they are trusted by large corporations to support their graduate schemes and colleagues.

Katie is an international keynote speaker who has taken the stage at some of the world's largest veterinary conferences, most recently in Canada. She facilitates international team builds and works with major organisations and universities.

In 2023 she received the RCVS Inspiration Award. In 2024 she was named Bright Minds Wellness Champion, voted for by over 2,000 of her peers. In 2025 she was awarded her Fellowship for Meritorious Contributions to the profession.

Katie's Social Links:

• @katiefordvet
• https://www.instagram.com/katiefordvet
• https://www.facebook.com/katiefordvet
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiefordvet/
• www.katiefordvet.com

Research Referenced:

The Impact of Self - Efficacy and Perceived Organizational Support on the Impostor Phenomenon. American Journal of Management. 15. 23-29.

Tackling Impostor Syndrome Individually and Institutionally: A Longitudinal Impostor Syndrome Curriculum for Pediatric Residents. Academic Medicine 97(11S):p S140, November 2022.

Buffering Impostor Feelings with Kindness: The Mediating Role of Self-compassion between Gender-Role Orientation and the Impostor Phenomenon. Frontiers in Psychology, 8.

"Overcoming the Fear That Haunts Your Success" - The Effectiveness of Interventions for Reducing the Impostor Phenomenon. Front Psychol. 2020 May 15;11:405.

Series 2 of Work Truths: Off the Record will launch on Wednesday 6th May! Join host Rachel Morris again, as this time she dives deep into Imposter Phenomenon. Expect another round of honest conversations bringing expert insights and personal experiences to the surface, as Rachel and her guests discuss this often-misunderstood but deeply affecting experience.

What does burning the candle at both ends really look like?

And how bad can the consequences be?

In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris speaks with Jay Asthana about his personal journey with burnout, starting from his early career as a pot washer to becoming a chef in prestigious London hotels.

Jay shares his experiences of overwork, the impact of high expectations, and the eventual diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. He reflects on the importance of support from friends and family, the challenges of recovery, and the lessons learned about self-acceptance and prioritising mental health. The conversation emphasises the need for balance and the dangers of ignoring one's well-being in pursuit of success.

Guest Information

Jaiveer Asthana has had many careers over his lifetime. Never quite knowing what he wanted to do, he threw himself into everything. Eventually he started his own company Turtle Massage where he helps athletes back into sports after injuries.

Jaiveer is a amateur film maker who will be releasing his second feature film in early 2026.

You can find more info on Jay's socials:

Instagram: @turtlemassage - Business

Instagram: @ogflavourja - Indie film

Website: Turtlemassage.com

And Jay's books:

Semi fictional life story about online dating as a create your own adventure book

https://amzn.eu/d/395YE9z

Self defense for kids

https://amzn.eu/d/2rT7XZD

What have we learnt from our guests this season?

And how do coaches work with their clients to support them before, during and on the recovery from burnout?

In the final episode of Work Truths Off the Record series 1, host Rachel Morris and coaches Julie Nelson and Amy Funkhouser Watkins discuss and draw insight from the previous episodes of the first series. They reflect on their own and other guests' experiences along with the stories from their coaching practices.

The conversation emphasises the importance of recognising early signs, the individual nature of burnout, and the critical role of support systems in recovery.

The coaches share practical strategies for helping individuals navigate their burnout experiences, highlighting the need for kindness, grace, and community support.

Guest Information

Amy Funkhouser Watkins

Amy Funkhouser Watkins is an executive coach, leadership team facilitator and founder of Hummingbird Insights, LLC. She helps leaders and teams reach their greatest potential with a focus on results and authenticity.

She brings over 25 years of experience in business and leadership helping people thrive in change and complexity, bringing her integrity, compassion, courage and curiosity to every situation.

Her LinkedIn profile is https://linkedin.com/in/amyfunkhouser.

Julie Nelson

Julie Nelson is an executive and leadership coach, accredited in coaching and change management, and a certified NLP Master Practitioner. She is the designer of the BeYou Programme, which empowers individuals to build confidence, resilience, and authentic leadership.

Julie delivers personal growth, management training, and leadership development programmes across diverse sectors, drawing on her senior leadership experience and a strong background in HR, Learning and Organisational Development. Her holistic coaching approach creates psychologically safe spaces for transformation.

Her work as a coach supports clients to prevent, navigate, and recover from burnout—helping them rediscover balance and purpose.

Julie is also an associate coach at Motion Learning, creators of the Work Truths podcast https://www.motionlearning.com/julie-nelson.

Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-n/

In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris speaks with Julianne Gilbert, a seasoned leader, about the critical issue of workplace burnout. They explore the definition of burnout, its recognition in teams, and the responsibilities of managers and organisations in addressing it. Julianne shares her insights on the signs of burnout, strategies for managers to support their teams, and the importance of creating a supportive work environment.

Key Discussion Points

Burnout can manifest in various individual ways.

Recognising burnout requires understanding team dynamics.

Leaders must be proactive in checking in with their teams.

Managers need a toolkit for supporting employees.

Creating a culture of openness is essential for addressing burnout.

Employers have a responsibility to support mental health.

Self-care for managers is vital to prevent burnout.

Good intent in management can foster a supportive environment.

Guest Information

Julieanne Gilbert is Executive Director, People at City Lit, leading the HR and Student Services team. Julieanne has over 25 years of experience working and leading teams within both private and public sectors including retail, energy and business schools.

Julieanne is known for her values-driven and human-centric approach to leadership and development. As a qualified coach, she’s passionate about empowering individuals and organisations to thrive through authentic connection, empathy, and purpose-led growth.

She would be delighted to connect and her LinkedIn profile is: www.LinkedIn/in/julieannegilbert

A content warning for today’s episode: our conversation includes two brief mentions of suicide in the context of burnout.

If you’re struggling, please reach out to Samaritans on 116 123. Take care as you listen.

In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris engages with Alexander Maxwell Cole, an expert in occupational psychology, to explore the complex topic of workplace burnout. They discuss the interplay between organisational demands and individual experiences, the importance of recognising early warning signs, and the critical role of leadership in preventing burnout. The conversation emphasises the need for supportive workplace cultures and proactive measures to address burnout, highlighting that it can be prevented with the right resources and communication.

Key Discussion Points

Burnout is stress that wasn't managed properly.

The interplay between organisation and individual is crucial.

Burnout can have profound psychological and physical effects.

Identifying early warning signs is essential for prevention.

Leadership plays a significant role in employee well-being.

Supportive workplace culture is vital for addressing burnout.

The impact of difference between rhetoric and reality in organisations.

Prioritising well-being is essential for individuals facing burnout.

Organisational responsibility includes providing adequate resources and support.

Guest Information

Alexander Maxwell-Cole is an accomplished Lecturer in Occupational and Organisational Psychology, Human Resource Management, and Organisational Behaviour, with a proven track record of fostering knowledge transfer and external engagement through strategic partnerships with industry leaders and professional bodies.

His influence extends to shaping professional practice and policy, achieved through active participation in discipline-relevant forums that bridge academia and real-world application. As an experienced practitioner in strategic human resource management and development, Alexander has spearheaded innovative initiatives and delivered impactful organisational behavioural and psychological interventions. These efforts span performance management, training and development, organisational development and change, as well as retention and employee engagement.

Additionally, he excels in leading and motivating teams while addressing workplace stress and emotional well-being, empowering organisations to thrive in dynamic environments.

How does the experience of burnout differ from person to person?

And do the signs also differ?

In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris speaks with Sophie Peaty, an expert in leadership development, about her personal experience with workplace burnout.

Sophie shares her journey through burnout, the signs she ignored, and the importance of self-care and support. They discuss the role of employers in recognising and addressing burnout, the need for vulnerability in leadership, and the significance of kindness towards oneself and others during challenging times.

The conversation emphasises that recovery from burnout is not linear and encourages open dialogue about mental health in the workplace.

Key Discussion Points

Burnout can manifest as an inability to switch off, not just exhaustion.

Personal experiences of burnout can provide valuable insights for helping others.

Recognising early warning signs, like sleep disturbances, is crucial.

Support from colleagues and managers can make a significant difference.

Vulnerability from leaders can help reduce stigma around burnout.

It's important to have open conversations about mental health at work.

Recovery from burnout is a personal journey and varies for everyone.

Employers should create a culture that supports mental well-being.

Guest Information

Sophie Peaty is a Leadership and Development Coach and the Founder of Shine Leadership.

With over a decade of experience in global retail leadership and people development, she now works with individuals and teams to grow capability and confidence, strengthen resilience, and lead with authenticity.

Drawing on her own journey of learning how to thrive and lead well in high-pressure environments, she brings a warm, practical and human perspective to her work.

An EMCC Senior Practitioner Coach, she has delivered leadership programmes to thousands of people globally.

You can find more info here:

Website: www.shine-leadership.co.uk

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/sophiepeaty

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

Do you know your legal responsibilities to your employees in relation to burnout and mental health issues?

Have you got the right type of insurance? And the right type of legal support?

In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris engages with legal experts Emma Clark and Cordelia Rushby to explore the multifaceted issue of workplace burnout.

They discuss the legal implications of burnout, how to balance policies and processes with compassion and care, and the responsibilities of both employees and employers in addressing mental health in the workplace. The conversation highlights the need for compassion, proactive management, and the significance of early intervention in preventing burnout.

Key Discussion Points

Burnout is a complex set of symptoms that can be misunderstood.

Legal insights are crucial for both employees and employers regarding burnout.

Early warning signs of burnout often include over-engagement and perfectionism.

Employers have a legal duty to ensure the mental health of their employees.

It's essential for individuals to seek medical advice and support early.

Understanding symptoms rather than labelling them as burnout is empowering.

Compassionate management can significantly impact employee well-being.

Employers should actively engage in creating a supportive workplace culture.

Training for managers is vital to recognise and address burnout effectively.

Insurance policies can provide crucial support for employees and employers.

Guest Information - Emma Clark

Emma is an employment and partnership lawyer who advises both senior executives and organisations. She has over 22 years’ experience and her expertise spans advisory work, employment litigation and corporate transactions across a variety of sectors.

She has been ranked and recognised for the last 4 years by the main legal directories (Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners).

Her LinkedIn profile is below and she would be delighted to connect:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaclarkemploymentlawyer/

Guest Information - Cordelia Rushby

Cordelia is an injury, health and insurance lawyer. She’s instructed by both insurers and senior executives in connection with workplace health and injury issues, giving her the advantage of insight and perspective when providing strategic advice, conducting audits, or managing claims.

With nearly 40 years experience, she provides a wide range of advice on commercial issues connected with the management of workforce injury and health often bridging the gap between human resources, employment concerns and claims. She provides advice on insurance coverage to both senior executives and insurers.

She has been ranked and recognised for many years by the main legal directories for Insurance and reinsurance litigation, and for Personal Injury (Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners).

Her LinkedIn profile is below and she would be delighted to connect;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordelia-rushby-a2687369/?originalSubdomain=uk

Can you recognise the physiological and psychological signs of impending burnout?

What can you do to help your body and mind to avoid burnout?

In this episode of Work Truths: Off the Record, host Rachel Morris welcomes Rachel Philpotts, award-winning author, nutritionist and mental health expert, who shares her personal journey through burnout and the significant changes it prompted in her life.

Together they explore the warning signs of burnout, the possible routes to recovery and the importance of addressing physiological as well as psychological elements with self-care, nutrition and support.

Key Discussion Points

• Burnout is a significant issue affecting many individuals today.
• The journey through burnout can lead to profound personal change.
• Understanding the complexities of burnout is crucial for recovery.
• Burnout is a physiological as well as psychological experience
• Nutrition, diet and lifestyle all play a vital role in mental health and burnout recovery.
• Self-care practices can help prevent burnout.
• Awareness of burnout symptoms is the first step towards healing.
• Sharing experiences can provide comfort to others facing similar challenges.
• Professional guidance can aid in navigating burnout effectively.
• Burnout recovery is a personal journey that varies for everyone.

Guest Information

Rachel Philpotts is the founder of re:Nu - a functional medicine clinic for burnout and beyond- and the award-winning author of The Burnout Bible: How to tackle fatigue and emotional overwhelm naturally.

Having experienced burnout in her 30s, she quit the corporate world and retrained. Now as a nutritionist, functional medicine practitioner and mood expert, she helps tired and wired career women to wake up feeling energised, focussed and ready to fulfil their true potential utilising root cause clinical testing and ultra-personalised health programmes.

Alongside her clinic work, Rachel delivers health and wellbeing workshops to the professional services sector and hosts day retreats.

You can find more info here:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-philpotts/

Website: https://renuclinic.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/renu_clinic_

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

How can organisations help when employees face burnout? How do values and behaviours affect an organisation's susceptibility to burnout?

In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris speaks with HR professional Justine Cooper about the pervasive issue of workplace burnout. They explore Justine's personal experiences with burnout, the multifaceted nature of its definition, and the importance of recognising warning signs.

The conversation delves into strategies for individuals experiencing burnout, the role of teammates in identifying it, and the responsibilities of employers in creating a supportive culture. Justine emphasises the need for connection and the evolution of leadership styles, ultimately highlighting the significance of seeking help and support in overcoming burnout.

Key Discussion Points

Everyone is susceptible to burnout, regardless of their position.

Recognising warning signs in ourselves and others is crucial.

Teammates play a significant role in spotting changes in behaviour.

Connection in the workplace is essential for mental health.

Employers must align their actions with their stated values.

Creating a supportive organisational culture can mitigate burnout.

Leadership styles are evolving towards more empathy and understanding.

Guest Information

Justine Cooper has a background of 30 years experience in the field of Human Resources, leading teams of HR professionals in high performing organisations for growth through organisational and cultural change across a diverse range of industries including retail, legal and financial services, and energy management.

In addition to developing talent management strategies to attract, develop and retain talent, she is passionate about developing trusted and inclusive cultures, where everyone thrives.

Justine has been developing strategies to build diverse teams and foster inclusive cultures since 2005, across all dimensions of diversity, cultures and geographies.

Justine holds a BA (Hons) degree in Business Studies & Information Technology and a Masters in HR Leadership. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, a Certified Fellow of the Australian HR Institute and a qualified Coach/Mentor with Distinction from the CIPD Advanced Certificate.

You can find more info here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinecooper1/