Legal Imposters

Caroline Flanagan
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Welcome to Legal Imposters - the podcast for lawyers who are making Imposter Syndrome their strength and using it to their advantage in their career. If you've ever felt like a fraud or that your success is down to luck; if you ever have that fear that you're going to be found out - you're in the right place. I'm Caroline Flanagan, ex-lawyer and proud Imposter, and I'm here to show you that Imposter Syndrome isn’t here to hold us back. It’s here to distinguish us. To elevate us. We were never meant to blend in with those who feel entitled to be here We are not interested in being excluded. We don’t need permission to succeed. We are Legal Imposters. We are meant to stand out. Our value lies in who we are and what makes us unique. We're changing what it means to succeed in this industry. We don’t succeed in spite of our Imposter Syndrome. We succeed because of it. Welcome to the club. Are you ready?

  1. Episode #121 Capable of Anything

    6D AGO

    Episode #121 Capable of Anything

    What if you were capable of anything you set your mind to? What if this has always been true? What if it were true now? How would you approach that piece of work you've been avoiding differently? How would you show up in that upcoming meeting differently? How would you be different? In todays episode of Legal Imposters we're talking about your Infinite Capability. That is, you being capable of anything you set your mind to. "I am capable of anything I set my mind to" is a belief I hold deep in my core about who I am and what is possible for me. This belief not only helps me overcome challenges, it has me setting bold ambitious goals and blowing my own mind about what is possible for me. It can do the same for you. It hasn't always been this way. I used to have a capability ceiling - a belief (I was certain!) that somewhere just above my head was a limit to what I could do and I needed to be very careful not to hit it. The effects of this self-limiting thinking were exhausting: a constant fear of being found out (a classic sign of imposter syndrome) and going to extreme lengths - excessively checking my work, spinning in indecision, avoiding opportunities unless I was 100% ready (all secret signs of Imposter Syndrome) to ensure I never was. But the minute I was willing to investigate this ceiling, everything changed. I realised that I had been capable all along. Not just a little bit capable. Capable of anything I have set my mind to. That's when everything changed. Not only did I discover more and more evidence that this was true. I started showing up to my goals, my failures and my work as if it were true. The result - the evidence of its truth gets stronger and stronger. My belief grows deeper and deeper. The same will happen for you. In this episode: Why believing you are infinitely capable is so important (and what happens when you don't)What the Capability Ceiling is and how it's keeping you stuckWhat it takes to develop this level of belief in yourselfThe resistance to expect (from your own brain!) when you go to do this work, and how to get past itThe best place to do this transformative work and my recommended place to start P.S. On 1st May I'm opening the doors to the new Be The First Membership, where lawyers of colour come together to overcome Imposter Syndrome, claim their space and lead with authenticity. If you're a black lawyer, aspiring or practising, join us. Save the date, stay tuned to the podcast and follow me on social media so you don't miss the details.

    56 min
  2. Episode #120 Choosing Version 2

    FEB 4

    Episode #120 Choosing Version 2

    The next time you have an experience that leaves you feeling disempowered or victimised, look for version 2. In episode 120 of Legal Imposters I explain why and I show you how. There's always a version of your experience that leaves you feeling powerless and frustrated (version 1). And for every version 1, there's always a version 2 - one that will take you out of victimhood and leave you feeling empowered and motivated to keep progressing to your goal. I've coached on this ALOT inside Be The First this week. One client experience left them feeling traumatised and undervalued; another client was left feeling invisible and disrespected. In both cases I challenged their stories of what happened and helped them to see how the version of events that left them hurt and disillusioned (version 1) was just that: one version, one interpretation. I showed them that there was a second, equally valid version (version 2) of that same event that would leave them feeling motivated and empowered. And then I invited them to choose - How do you want to feel? And if you felt like that, what would you do? And if you were to do that, what outcome could you expect? Exploring version 2 isn't about making you wrong or distorting the facts. In fact, it's often about revisiting the facts - only this time, stripping away the emotion that so easily distorts them and bends them into our worst fears. Fears that leave us diminished, defensive and small. Fears we have the power to choose not to feel at all. To learn more about the transformative power of version 2 look no further than the philosophy, mindset and call to action I teach that is be the first. "I'm the only one" is version 1. "I'm the first" is version 2. Same circumstances. 2 versions - each leading to completely different sets of feelings, actions and outcomes. This one packs a punch. Be sure to tune in. P.S. Finding version 2 of your experience of being a black lawyer is a skill I teach you inside Be The First and the earlier in your career you start learning, and the longer you continue to reinforce it, the better. On 1st May 2026 I'm opening the doors to the Be The First Membership - a monthly pay as you go membership programme giving you online access to a library of resources and coaching support to connect, support and empower you to thrive as a black lawyer. Save the date. Watch this space.

    49 min
  3. Episode #119 What it takes part 5: The Tools

    JAN 28

    Episode #119 What it takes part 5: The Tools

    Whatever the task or goal you want to achieve, it pays to ask: How can I make this easier? Is there a way to do it quicker? How do I increase my chances of success? The answer is almost always: find the right tools. It's no different when it comes to progressing your career. The right tools won't just get you there faster. Because they help you navigate the challenges of the black experience, they also increase your likelihood of success. That's why among the most valuable things you get inside Be The First are the tools I've created and curated to support you in your journey. Welcome to episode 119 of Legal Imposters. This week I bring you the final part of a 5-part series on What It Takes to succeed as a black lawyer. In recent episodes I gave you: Part 1: Ownership (episode 114), Part 2: the Skills (episode 116), Part 3: the Mindset (episode 117) and Part 4: the Emotions (episode 118). Here in Part 5, we're talking Tools. And the message I want you to take away from this episode is that, whatever your goal, you don't have to figure it out on your own. I've created and curated a toolkit powerful enough to make even the most daunting journey feel both accessible and achievable. I can't wait to share it all with you inside Be The First. Here's what you'll get from this episode: An understanding of what tools are and the different types of tools available to youThe 9 tools I give you inside Be The First, including the challenges they help you overcome and how they work.Details of the next enrolment for Be The First so you can add this to your calendar and be ready in plenty of time.There's so much of value here you're going to want to dive in right away. Happy listening P.S. inside Be The First I give you everything it takes to succeed as a black lawyer and I coach and support you every step of the way. If you're a mid to senior level black lawyer and you're wondering how to progress your career this year, let's talk. Book a free consultation with me and I'll help you decide your goal and get clear on where to start. Book directly into my calendar via this link now: https://calendly.com/carolineflanagan/be-the-first_free-strategy-call

    54 min
  4. Episode #118 What It Takes Part 4: The Emotions

    JAN 21

    Episode #118 What It Takes Part 4: The Emotions

    There are invisible forces behind all you do. They impact how you work, what you say, what you do, how you react - and because of that they have a direct impact on your ability to succeed as a black lawyer. And in this video I'm going to tell you exactly what they are. Welcome my friends, to Emotions. Specifically, the emotions you need to feel if you want to progress to the next level. This is part 4 of a 5-part series on What It Takes to succeed as a black lawyer, so if you haven't done so already, be sure to watch parts 1-3 in previous videos. So let's start by acknowledging the reality: While some of you may have awareness of your emotions and would willingly talk about them, the nature of being a lawyer and working in a fast paced, competitive, time-pressured environment means that the majority of you simply don't have time to think about your emotions on a day to day basis, let alone feel them and have authority over them. But when we ignore our emotions we miss out on a powerful part of our nature as humans which not only helps explain why we're not where we want to be, but can also be used to help us get here we want to go. It's the emotions that will help you get to where you want to go that are the focus of these episode. In it you'll learn about the 5 emotions you need to feel in order to progress as a black lawyer. These are: desirecouragediscomfortconfidence (in who you are)empowerment Each of these motions has a powerful role to play in motivating you to achieve your goal, supporting you to navigate the black experience and activating you to do what it takes to succeed. Here's what you'll learn Why emotions are important and never to be ignoredThe top 5 emotions you need to succeed and why you need themAn easy way to identify those emotions from other areas of your life so you can learn to generate them when you need themWhat you learn about managing your emotions inside Be The First If you're a mid to senior level black lawyer and you want to progress your career to the next level, let's talk. Jump on a free strategy call with me where I'll help you decide your career goal, get clear on your next steps and feel motivated and empowered (and find the right emotions!) to get started. Click this link now to book straight into my calendar https://calendly.com/carolineflanagan/be-the-first_free-strategy-call

    37 min
  5. Episode #117 What it takes part 3: The Mindset

    JAN 15

    Episode #117 What it takes part 3: The Mindset

    You're doing all the right things, so why aren't you gaining traction? Why aren't you getting results?  If you've invested time and effort in your professional development and followed all the right steps to achieve that career goal, but nothing seems to be working - this one is for you. Welcome to episode 117 of Legal Impostors. I'm Caroline Flanagan, the Black Lawyers' Coach, and today I'm bringing you part 3 of a 5 part series on what it takes to succeed where you are and keep progressing all the way to the top. In Part 1 we talked about Ownership (episode 114). In Part 2 we talked about Skills (episode 1116). Now let's talk about the thing that's the easiest of all to ignore, be oblivious to and overlook: Mindset Here's what you'll learn: What mindset is and why it mattersThe Be The First Mindset I recommend you adopt as a black lawyer to help you achieve your potential in a white world The empowering thoughts I choose to think about myself and which I invite you to try on and seeThe work required to develop a new mindset and what to expect when you doHow to work with me to develop the Be The First Mindset that will guarantee your success in this industry. P.S. If you're a black lawyer and you want to progress to the next level, let's talk. Book a free career consultation with me and I'll help you decide your goal and get clear on your next steps. Click this link to book direct to my calendar: https://calendly.com/carolineflanagan/be-the-first_free-strategy-call

    37 min
  6. Episode #116 What it takes part 2: The Skills

    JAN 12

    Episode #116 What it takes part 2: The Skills

    It's the beginning of a new year and, even if you don't know exactly what goal you want to achieve this year, you do know that you want to progress this year. If this is you, you're in the right place. Welcome to Part 2 of What it takes - a 5 part series designed to tell you everything you need to know about progressing your career as a black lawyer this year. This week I introduce you to The Skills - those 5 essential progression skills that as a black lawyer you simply can't afford to ignore. Here's what I cover: What you think it takes to progress and why focusing on this is a mistakeThe reason you should focus on the skills you need to progress instead of the action you need to takeThe 5 vital skills for progressing as a black lawyer - what they are and why they matter. If you're a mid to senior level black lawyer and any of this resonates, let's talk. Book a free strategy call directly into my calendar and l'll help you get clear on your goal and hatch the plan to get you there. Click here to book. https://calendly.com/carolineflanagan/be-the-first_free-strategy-call?month=2025-09

    32 min
  7. Episode #115 How to Progress when you're the Only One

    12/17/2025

    Episode #115 How to Progress when you're the Only One

    There's a way to progress without working twice as hard. 5 simple steps. 1 secret sauce. That's it. As a black lawyer you don't need to do everything to get promoted. You just need to do the right things, with the right mindset. This week on Legal Imposters I'm sharing the replay of my free webinar where I tell you everything you need to know to progress as the only one - the steps to take; the mindset to adopt and the skills to build - so you can navigate the challenges and keep progressing, all the way to the top. P.S. The January 2026 class of Be the first! Progression Coaching is now open for enrolment. The deadline for applications is 5th January. If you're a mid to senior level black lawyer and you're tired of feeling stuck in your career, this is the career coaching programme for you and now is the perfect time to join. Watch to the end of the webinar to learn more of click here for details.

    1h 32m
  8. Episode #114 What it takes part 1: Ownership

    12/11/2025

    Episode #114 What it takes part 1: Ownership

    What does it take to progress as a black lawyer? That's the question Ill be asking and answering in a 5-part series here on the Legal Imposters podcast. First up and the subject of this week's episode: Ownership  It's easily overlooked and yet it's impossible to progress in any meaningful way without it.  As you'll discover in this episode, ownership starts with the awareness that you are not where you want to be in your career and ends with the acceptance that you must be the one to change it.  Here's what you'll learn from this episode : The 5 stages of ownership and why each one mattersThe role of Coaching as the fastest most effective ownership tool there isHow you can start taking ownership today by registering for my upcoming free webinar (Click here to go straight to the registration page) Happy listening  P.s. Doors to Be The First progression for black lawyers open Tuesday 16th. If you're a mid to senior level black lawyer and you want to progress in 2026, this is the room to be in and now is the time to join. Click here for details on who it's for and how to join.

    54 min
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About

Welcome to Legal Imposters - the podcast for lawyers who are making Imposter Syndrome their strength and using it to their advantage in their career. If you've ever felt like a fraud or that your success is down to luck; if you ever have that fear that you're going to be found out - you're in the right place. I'm Caroline Flanagan, ex-lawyer and proud Imposter, and I'm here to show you that Imposter Syndrome isn’t here to hold us back. It’s here to distinguish us. To elevate us. We were never meant to blend in with those who feel entitled to be here We are not interested in being excluded. We don’t need permission to succeed. We are Legal Imposters. We are meant to stand out. Our value lies in who we are and what makes us unique. We're changing what it means to succeed in this industry. We don’t succeed in spite of our Imposter Syndrome. We succeed because of it. Welcome to the club. Are you ready?

Information

  • Creator
    Caroline Flanagan
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    123
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Legal Imposters