The Human Side of Change Episode 2 In episode 1, we explored what we should do when AI can do more of the work that once helped us develop our skills, judgement, and experience. In this episode, we take the conversation somewhere more personal: Who are you without your job title, with Erris Langer Klapper, executive coach and organizational psychologist, to explore the complicated relationship between work, identity, and self-worth. We talk about why we so often introduce ourselves through what we do, how job titles can become a form of social currency, and why even highly accomplished people can struggle with imposter syndrome. We explore what happens when your identity becomes too closely tied to work, how AI and job loss can challenge our sense of self, and what it really means to have balance. Not just between work and life, but between all the identities that make us who we are. Erris also shares a story from early in her career that asks a simple but powerful question: 20 years from now, what will you remember more, the work you finished, or the moments you missed? QUESTIONS WE EXPLORED Why do we introduce ourselves through our jobs? Because our job titles can act as social currency, quickly signaling our status, competence, and place in the world. When does a job title become part of our identity? When our work becomes more than what we do, it becomes how we define ourselves and how we want others to see us. Why do high achievers experience imposter syndrome? Erris explains how imposter syndrome can make capable, successful people discount their achievements, doubt themselves, and even self-sabotage. What happens when work is no longer a source of confidence If our identity is completely tied to work, losing or changing our job can leave us with little to fall back on. The question becomes: who are we beyond our careers? How can we build an identity beyond our careers? By recognizing and investing in our other identities—family, friends, interests, values, and the relationships and experiences that matter outside work. About Erris Langer Klapper Erris Klapper is an attorney, writer and certified professional coach and consultant, with a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology. She is also a prolific writer, and her articles have appeared in numerous media outlets including Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Yahoo News, Country Living, Esquire, House Beautiful and more. Erris has presented widely on Imposter Syndrome at conferences and professional meetings, has appeared on podcasts and has written and been widely quoted on this topic. She is the host of Beyond Your Job, a podcast geared towards exploring work, life, balance and everything in between. She hosts professionals from diverse industries to explore relationships, work-life-balance, leadership, legacy and more. Erris leverages her multidisciplinary background to promote communication skills by blending a deep understanding of the legal and corporate landscape with the intricacies of human behavior at work. She is experienced in coaching executives to accomplish goals, including personal growth and leadership development, strategy, team management, improving dynamics, engagement, work-life balance and more. She specializes in Imposter Syndrome navigation and management. You can check out Erris’ podcast, Beyond Your Job, and connect with her on her website https://errisklappercoachingandconsulting.com, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram, Music License Code CN4AYAE3AZ4QQK7I What resonated with you today? What topics or guests should we feature next? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn @Mind-Blend, Instagram Mindblendpodcast or mindblendpodcast [@] gmail.com. Follow Mind Blend to get notified when new episodes are released!
