Send us Fan Mail Have you ever walked into a room and immediately thought, “What am I doing here?” Maybe you were waiting for someone to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Ma’am, there has been a mistake. You do not belong here.” Congratulations, friend, you have met imposter syndrome—and in this episode, we are calling it out for exactly what it is: a big, fat lie. In this episode of Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie, Julie Burch and Mallory Herron dig into the sneaky, exhausting, and wildly common experience of feeling like you are not enough, even when all the evidence says otherwise. From leadership rooms and networking groups to big speaking stages, award galas, salary conversations, and career risks, imposter syndrome has a nasty little habit of showing up right when you are trying to grow. Julie and Mallory talk about how negative self-talk fuels self-doubt, why comparison is gasoline on the imposter syndrome fire, and how even wildly successful, talented, high-achieving people can still feel like they are one wrong move away from being “found out.” They also share real stories about feeling out of place, questioning their own value, underpricing themselves, and learning to reframe discomfort as a sign of growth instead of proof that they do not belong. This episode is packed with practical tools to help you stop spiraling and start taking back control. You will hear how to use the Five Whys to get to the root of your insecurity, how to name your inner critic, how to create a confidence file, and why focusing on action instead of identity can help you move forward even when you do not feel ready. Because spoiler alert: confidence does not come from knowing everything. Confidence comes from taking action, figuring it out, and keeping the promises you make to yourself. Julie and Mallory also introduce their new Fan Mail Five segment, answering a listener question about feeling trapped, ambition, workplace politics, and tough career choices. Their answer brings it all back to agency over self: identifying what you can control, choosing your next move with intention, and refusing to hand your power over to people, systems, or situations that do not get to define you. Whether you are a leader, entrepreneur, speaker, professional, working mom, career changer, or just someone who has ever thought, “Who am I to do this?”—this episode is your reminder that you are not alone, you are not a fraud, and you are not required to wait until you feel 100% ready before you make your next bold move. It is time to stop letting imposter syndrome run the meeting, set the price, silence your voice, or keep you out of rooms you were invited into for a reason. Listen now and learn how to shut down self-doubt, own your value, and break through to the next version of you. If you want your question answered on Fan Mail Five, you can ask Mallory and Julie a question by clicking the button at the top of the show notes and send us a text message or voicemail and you may end up on the air! You can also reach us on our website breakthroughwmj.com or our social media!
