E40: Owning Your Value Without Credentials: A Generalist’s Guide to Confidence and Connection with Lynn Ladd.

Why Listen: 
For anyone feeling pressured to “prove” themselves: Hear how to embrace your generalist strengths and connect meaningfully in any room.

Episode Description: 
We explore how impostor syndrome shows up for generalists and what it takes to move past it—without losing the curiosity and humility that make generalists thrive. Lynn Ladd, Chief of Staff at OTUS Group and an active leader in the nonprofit sector, shares her journey from feeling “the person in the background” to being recognized as “the connector” in Ottawa’s nonprofit space. She offers practical networking strategies, advice for finding your professional “blue jeans” fit, and a reminder that invisible work can be the glue holding organizations together. Whether you’re navigating career transitions, seeking to build more authentic connections, or learning to own your value without the traditional credentials, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom. 

Key Highlights:

• Impostor Syndrome: How lacking “fancy credentials” can impact confidence—and ways to counter it. 

• Networking Skills: Why asking the right questions can spark meaningful connections. 

• Finding Your Fit: Recognizing when an organization truly values your generalist strengths. 

• Overcoming Self-Doubt: Building trust in your value through action and coaching. 

• Invisible Work: Embracing and owning the behind-the-scenes contributions that make a difference. 

About Lynn: 

Lynn Ladd is Chief of Staff at OTUS Group, where she leads business growth and operations while helping clients—especially purpose-driven organizations—navigate finance and governance with confidence. A lifelong resident of Ottawa with a degree in Economics from the University of Ottawa, Lynn’s career spans leadership roles in retail, financial management, and the nonprofit sector, including her time at the Ottawa Board of Trade.   

She’s is an active volunteer, serving on the board of KLEO and Kiwanis Air Cadet Squadron. She has recently been appointed to the Board of Planned Parenthood Ottawa, and the CDH2 Foundation of Canada. 

 When not working or giving back, she enjoys life with her husband, their Lab, two rescue cats, and regular visits with their grown kids in Calgary and Halifax. 

 Find Lynn Here: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnladd/ 

• Website: https://nonprofitcfo.ca/ 

 Find Us:

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

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