The Impostor Syndrome Files
Do you ever feel like a fraud? Are you living with chronic self-doubt? Do you question whether you deserve to be in your role? If so, you're not alone! As a leadership coach and lifelong struggler with impostor syndrome, I wanted to create a space where professionals can tell their personal stories and unburden themselves of the silent shame that comes with this experience. I also wanted listeners to be able to hear themselves in others and realize that they are not alone. On this podcast, we'll share the stories of professionals from different backgrounds who've struggled with and learned to manage impostor syndrome. We'll also learn from experts on how to better manage ourselves and our environments to minimize the overall threat of impostor syndrome. Let's erase the stigma and stop feeling ashamed of these very normal experiences. And let's come together to share our challenges and strategize how to effectively rise above them.
The Impostor Syndrome Files
When You Feel Too Young
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about feeling too young at work. Have you ever felt too young at work? Maybe people thought they were complimenting you by pointing out how young you look. Or they made condescending comments that made you feel different or unwelcome. My guest this week is Leslie Alvarez, community management leader and author of the book, “When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Tamales”. Here Leslie shares her experience of regularly being made to feel too young. Having graduated from high school at 15, built a career in her teens and had her first child at 20, Leslie has consistently encountered people and situations that have made her feel too young. We also explore how she’s learned to manage these insecurities and what she recommends to others with similar experiences.
About My Guest
Leslie has been a community management leader for over 26 years. A native Texan and single mother of two, Arianna (26 years) and AJ (23 years), their small family of 3 has lived through multiple challenges that have brought her to her knees. But she believes in the magic of a big comeback, and that plotting the comeback begins while you are on the floor.
Leslie holds a BBA from Texas Woman’s University, having graduated as an adult learner at the age of 41. She hopes to help those struggling, recognize that they are not alone and their comeback strategy is in their hands.
Leslie self-published a short story of her life offering various tips on overcoming both imposter syndrome and anxiety by pushing through adversity on Amazon titled, When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Tamales. Scott served on the board of the International Leadership Association, Association of Leadership Educators, and Management and Organizational Behavior Teaching Society. He was named an ILA Fellow by the International Leadership Association in 2021.
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Connect with Leslie:
Website: www.lesliealvarez.com
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Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:
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