Hey, it's Rachel Cook, your modern mentor. I'm the founder of Lead Above Noise, a firm

specializing in activating workplaces, helping you discover ways to amplify performance and employee

engagement. Together, we do leader boot camps, keynotes, and post checks. Just let us know what you

need. Okay, quick question for you.

Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome?

I am guessing yes, only because most people around me tend to nod in the face of that question.

So what would you think of me if I told you that I have lots of challenges, because I do,

but that imposter syndrome just isn't one of them. Would you think,

wow, Rachel's ego is out of control, or that I'm clearly short on self-awareness, that my confidence has no limits? Maybe, but you'd be wrong. Truth is, my secret to not struggling

with imposter syndrome is kind of the opposite. It comes from

my having a lot of humility, from knowing exactly where and when I fall short, and from being so

super clear on what I am not equipped to do, that frankly, the syndrome has gotten bored with me.

But I'm pretty sure I'm in a minority on this. So today, if you've ever struggled with feeling

like an imposter in your own world, I'd like to leave you equipped to slam the door in its face.

Because while I don't know how to do everything, I do know how to do this.

First, I see an ask for what it really requires. I do have confidence in myself. Don't get me wrong.

It's reasonable and healthy, but it has its boundaries. Want me to design and run a killer meeting?

To activate your team or help you lead them effectively through change? No problem.

Want me to remove your kidney or fly you to Geneva? Pass. Okay, the flying and surgical references are a stretch,

but stick with me here. Because there's a difference between things that might intimidate or

challenge me and things I'm just not qualified or even certified to do. And I always force

myself to see those distinctions clearly. I know, for example, that I think in slides over

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