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Life After Corporate


Nov 5, 2024

Have you ever felt like an imposter in your career or struggled with leaving a meaningful legacy? 

In this episode of Life After Corporate, host Deb Boulanger sits down with Jen Coken to unravel the complexities of imposter syndrome and authentic leadership. Jen's journey from a political career to becoming an acclaimed coach provides invaluable insights into overcoming self-doubt and embracing genuine authority. Together, they explore how early-life experiences shape our professional lives, the challenges of transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurial worlds, and practical advice on mindfulness and self-discovery. 

Tune in to discover how to transform imposter syndrome into your superpower and leave a lasting legacy, no matter where your journey begins.

 

 [00:05- 14:54] Legacy and Authenticity in Leadership  

  • Jen Coken discusses the importance of leaving a legacy, stressing that it doesn't require fame or vast impacts.

  • Authority is defined as confidence and authenticity, not merely power or status.

  • Coken brings attention to the pervasive nature of imposter syndrome, comparing it to a pandemic that leaders face.

  • Jen shares a story of a woman who lost her identity by conforming to traditional expectations in a male-dominated industry.

   

[14:55 -22:19] Imposter Syndrome and Corporate Challenges  

  • Imposter syndrome is described as a phenomenon involving an amygdala hijack, leading to reactions like fight or flight.

  • She advises leaders to be curious rather than assume, particularly in meetings and professional settings.

  • Strategies include asserting oneself and sharing personal context deliberately and strategically.

  • Jen recounts her personal pivot from corporate life, illustrating her initial struggles with visibility and imposter syndrome.

   

[22:20 - 33:14]  Mindfulness and Personal Development     

  • Mindfulness is highlighted as a tool to observe rather than control emotions, aiding in rewiring neural pathways.

  • Coken speaks about the 6-year-old self's influence on present-day decisions and behaviors.

  • The power of being an observer of emotions to foster new ways of being is underscored.

  • Jen Coken shares insights on transforming imposter syndrome into a superpower and embracing it as a driver for success.

 

[33:15 - 39:02] Communicating and Dealing with Insecurity  

  • Coken suggests recording and analyzing thoughts to separate fact from fiction, a method she calls "The Power Code."

  • Emphasizes the significance of owning one's stories and making bold decisions despite uncertainties.

  • "Fake fear" vs. "real fear" is a concept discussed to manage internal insecurities.

  • Utilize self-acceptance and authenticity to combat self-doubt in crowded markets.

 

Connect with Jen Coken

Email:  jen@jencoken.com

Website:  Jen Coken Coaching - Author | Lifestyle Coach | Comedian

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coken/

Instagram: @jencoken

Facebook: Jen Coken Coaching



Jen’s Books

“Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower”   www.jencokenbook.com

“When I Die, Take My Panties”  Amazon.com: When I Die, Take My Panties: Turning Your Darkest Moments into Your Greatest Gifts eBook : Coken, Jennifer: Kindle Store

 

Barnes & Noble Link

If you buy the book PREsale from Barnes & Noble, you’ll receive a special gift from Jen: Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower: The Ultimate Guide for Women in STEM to Lead with More Authority, Influence, and Impact by Jen Coken, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®



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Tweetable Quotes:

“The brain's never dealing with reality ever. The brain is consistently taking in information, comparing it, compartmentalizing it."... Jen Coker on Neuroscience Revelations

“And imposter syndrome came in because I had a big contract with a big tech company, and I was sucked into the toxic culture without realizing it, which is so easy for us to do."... Jen Coker on Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Toxic Work Culture

 

**TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST**

 

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