26 min

How to manage imposter syndrome with Hamish Mackay-Lewis, leadership & life coach founder How To Start Up by FF&M

    • Entrepreneurship

In this episode, we hear from Hamish Mackay-Lewis, founder of a leadership coaching company. Through his work, Hamish supports individuals to step into leadership roles as well as working with teams to support their growth.
Hamish shares his advice on how to understand your imposter syndrome, explains why it is actually an experience rather than a syndrome and some simple things you as a founder can do to manage those sometimes sabotaging thoughts that can come into your head when going out on your own. 
Hamish’s advice: 
Impostor experience is very common: feelings of inadequacy which can come and goOne advantage of these feelings is that you will prepare thoroughly and be highly motivatedThe disadvantage however can be feeling constantly anxious, doubting yourselfIt’s important to celebrate yourself, not to constantly compare yourself with othersDon’t set yourself unreasonable goalsObserve your thoughts; if you are noticing self-doubt, check in with others to get an  objective opinion about your achievements - and trust their opinionsRecognise where this self-doubt stems from (often from childhood) and come to terms with thisDon’t bury the sadness / frustration / nerves; learn to accept and understand these uncomfortable feelings.  Face up to what is causing themConsciously choose your response to life; practise daily to be in the momentUnderstand what is important about your business, its bigger purpose, quite apart from any financial rewardsKeep a diary to record your satisfactions and frustrations and be attentive to what gives you energy and joyBe kind to yourself; remembering you are not alone with these feelings can give you resilienceAccept that you will always have nagging doubts and may never feel good enough; and at the same time recognise that you are, of course, perfectly good enough!If you'd like to contact Hamish you can reach him via hamish@hamishmackaylewis.com

Fallow, Field & Mason enables you to own your PR in-house for the long term. This saves you money on monthly PR agency retainer fees and allows you to build your own press network. 
FF&M also offers an end-to-end podcast production service for businesses, brands and individuals to reach and connect with new audiences while further raising their profiles.  

Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on Instagram @fallowfieldmason. 
Let us know how your startup journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. 
FF&M recommends: 
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.For contracts check out Law Depot.Recorded, edited & published in 2023 by Juliet Fallowfield founder of PR & podcast production consultancy Fallow, Field & Mason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &
Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail
Support the Show.

In this episode, we hear from Hamish Mackay-Lewis, founder of a leadership coaching company. Through his work, Hamish supports individuals to step into leadership roles as well as working with teams to support their growth.
Hamish shares his advice on how to understand your imposter syndrome, explains why it is actually an experience rather than a syndrome and some simple things you as a founder can do to manage those sometimes sabotaging thoughts that can come into your head when going out on your own. 
Hamish’s advice: 
Impostor experience is very common: feelings of inadequacy which can come and goOne advantage of these feelings is that you will prepare thoroughly and be highly motivatedThe disadvantage however can be feeling constantly anxious, doubting yourselfIt’s important to celebrate yourself, not to constantly compare yourself with othersDon’t set yourself unreasonable goalsObserve your thoughts; if you are noticing self-doubt, check in with others to get an  objective opinion about your achievements - and trust their opinionsRecognise where this self-doubt stems from (often from childhood) and come to terms with thisDon’t bury the sadness / frustration / nerves; learn to accept and understand these uncomfortable feelings.  Face up to what is causing themConsciously choose your response to life; practise daily to be in the momentUnderstand what is important about your business, its bigger purpose, quite apart from any financial rewardsKeep a diary to record your satisfactions and frustrations and be attentive to what gives you energy and joyBe kind to yourself; remembering you are not alone with these feelings can give you resilienceAccept that you will always have nagging doubts and may never feel good enough; and at the same time recognise that you are, of course, perfectly good enough!If you'd like to contact Hamish you can reach him via hamish@hamishmackaylewis.com

Fallow, Field & Mason enables you to own your PR in-house for the long term. This saves you money on monthly PR agency retainer fees and allows you to build your own press network. 
FF&M also offers an end-to-end podcast production service for businesses, brands and individuals to reach and connect with new audiences while further raising their profiles.  

Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on Instagram @fallowfieldmason. 
Let us know how your startup journey is going or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss in future episodes. 
FF&M recommends: 
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.For contracts check out Law Depot.Recorded, edited & published in 2023 by Juliet Fallowfield founder of PR & podcast production consultancy Fallow, Field & Mason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &
Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail
Support the Show.

26 min