Turning Imposter Syndrome Into Your Superpower with Jen Coken

Imposter syndrome—that nagging feeling that you’re not good enough, that one day you’ll be “found out,” that you’re faking it—is one of the most common internal struggles leaders face. And yet, no one really talks about how to use it. In this episode of Reflect Forward, I sit down with executive coach, speaker, and author Jen Coken to reframe imposter syndrome as a powerful signpost: you're growing, stretching, and stepping into bigger arenas. Instead of running from it or trying to eliminate it, Jen shows us how to lean into it, understand where it comes from, and even transform it into fuel for confident, authentic leadership. Her book, Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower, is filled with deeply personal stories, research-backed insight, and practical strategies. During our conversation, we both open up about our own “why me?” moments, including how our childhoods shaped our self-doubt, and how mindfulness, self-inquiry, and storytelling help us lead through it. We also talk about: • Where imposter syndrome really comes from (hint: it’s usually before age 12) • How the brain creates protective patterns that show up in moments of high pressure • The role of mindfulness and micro-moments of stillness in rewiring self-doubt • The power of pause, presence, and play to disrupt those old stories • What it means to lead from your heart—even when it feels vulnerable This is a raw, honest, and empowering conversation that I know will resonate with so many of you navigating self-doubt while leading in uncertain times. Favorite Quotes from the Episode “You can have ‘why me’ over for a drink, but don’t let it sleep in your bed—because you’ll want to chew your arm off in the morning.” — Jen Coken “Your suffering lies in your stories. Change the story, and you change your experience.” — Jen Coken Key Takeaways: How to Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower 1. Recognize it’s not you—it’s your brain. Imposter syndrome is an amygdala hijack, not a reflection of your capabilities. Awareness is the first step. 2. Trace it back. Most imposter patterns begin with childhood experiences that shaped our beliefs about worthiness and safety. Get curious, not judgmental. 3. Pause and reflect. Use mindfulness to create space between the feeling and your response. Micro-moments of stillness build long-term resilience. 4. Tell a better story. Reframe your narrative. When self-doubt creeps in, challenge it by telling yourself three more empowering stories about what could happen. 5. Visualize success—and feel it. Don’t just see yourself succeeding, embody the feeling of confidence. Your nervous system believes what you feel. If you’re ready to stop letting self-doubt call the shots and start owning your brilliance, this episode will help you reframe imposter syndrome as the growth companion it truly is. Connect with Jen Coken • Website: www.jencoken.com • Book: Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower – available on Amazon or request it from your local indie bookstore or Barnes & Noble • Speaking & Workshops: Invite Jen to your organization, team offsite, or book club If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a fellow leader who might be struggling with imposter syndrome or self-doubt. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more people find these powerful conversations. This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok! Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/