Episodes
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In this reflective conversation, Leila explores the themes of regret, uncertainty, and unfinished business as they relate to personal growth and decision-making.
Drawing inspiration from Dickens' A Christmas Carol, she discusses how psychological 'ghosts' can guide us in making better choices. Leila emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty, the potential of regret as a motivator, and the necessity of accepting imperfection in our lives. Through her own experiences, she illustrates how tackling unfinished tasks can lead to a sense of relief and momentum, while also acknowledging that not everything needs to be completed immediately. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to recognize their psychological ghosts and use them as tools for progress rather than obstacles.
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In this episode I'm joined by Collette Philip who runs multi award-winning anti-racist brand and strategy consultancy, Brand By Me. Brand by Me help organisations harness the power of brand strategy to embed anti-racism, drive equity and tackle injustice.
In the first half of the podcast we hear from Collette about social justice, social responsibility through the work of her consultancy, we discuss what this means for small and micro businesses and Collette leads by example sharing how she's audited her own consultancy which is now in it's eighth year, and how you can do the same.
In the second half we start to think about online spaces, racism, psychological safety and positionality (and why this is more helpful than thinking of privilege), and we do this by taking a look the words one of my black participants used to describe being 'pushed up a ladder' and how harmful ultra visibility can be for black women in online spaces when leaders expect minoritised people to work for free to effect change.
This is honestly such a brilliant conversation, with metaphors about sharks, scarcity mindset and much more.
Collette and I mention the following people, and reccomend their books and blogs as further reading
Skin In The Game by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Nova Reid on substack
Sway by Pragya Agarwal
Scarcity by Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir
You can also find Collettes blog 'Doing the work' over on substack
For more psychological insights and to connect with Leila Ainge, visit www.leilaainge.co.uk and follow her on Instagram @leilaainge / Linkedin and substack
Psychologically Speaking is proudly produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative www.decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative /
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode Leila is in conversation with Ayo Abbas, award-winning built environment Marketing Consultant, Speaker and Trainer at Abbas Marketing, talking about all things visibility in online spaces and communicating techincal information.
Ayo and Leila describe how they met at the DIFTK (Doing it for the kids) networking event just before the pandemic, and got chatting over their experience of working in engineering spaces.
Ayo describes her approach to work, cometitiveness, networking, and the digital marketing model that combines online and offline elements. Ayo shares how she approaches comparison in online spaces, how it has been helpful and how she dials messages down when it is less helpful.
They explore privacy, digital footprints and taking a deeper dive behind vanity metrics, and the challenge in knowing how much messaging people actually put out vs what we see and how often.
You can connect with Ayo on linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayoabbas/
Link to the industry article that Ayo mentions in the chat https://www.bdonline.co.uk/opinion/the-architecturual-profession-is-in-trouble-collective-action-is-needed-to-fix-it/5127644.article
Context behind the comments made around women and anger vs men and anger at the following links
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/may/11/women-and-minorities-claiming-right-to-rage
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-17981-006
Can and angry woman get ahead? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18315800/
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Intersectionality and the Imposter Experience: Unpacking Identity with Liana Fricker
In this weeks psychologically speaking episode with Liana Fricker we discuss one of the thoughts that sat behind being visible and holding back for my participants 'what if I'm wrong?'
I loved having Liana on as a guest, a self-proclaimed imposter atheist, our conversation touches on intersectionality and we use the topic of sustainability to unravel what happens when we start talking about complex stuff.
Liana also talks about ADHD, self sabotage, emotional intelligence (EQ), and we explore insecurity, empowerment and attribution bias.
My research suggests that rather than a lack of confidence, it's the context and limited resources available to marginalised individuals that often amplify feelings of being an imposter.
Liana Fricker, founder of Inspiration Space and a beacon for solo founders and companies of one, joins the conversation to share her unique insights. Liana’s commitment to aligning human activity with environmental responsibility is reshaping the narrative for conscious entrepreneurs. Recognised by Startups magazine as one of the most influential women in the industry, Liana brings a fresh perspective to the table, challenging the traditional narratives of impostor and advocating for a deeper understanding of individual experiences shaped by race, gender, and neurodiversity.
They also tackle the environmental implications of our consumption habits and the significance of carbon literacy in making informed choices for a sustainable future.
This episode is a call to action for anyone looking to inspire change and make impactful choices, both for themselves and for the planet.
Connect with Liana Fricker on Linkedin , on Instagram @lianafricker, and through her platform Inspiration Space www.inspirationspace.co.uk
For more psychological insights and to connect with Leila Ainge, visit www.leilaainge.co.uk and follow her on Instagram @leilaainge and LinkedIn.
Leila also has a brilliant newsletter - get yourself on the list here: https://www.leilaainge.co.uk/newsletter
While you’re at it, subscribe to Leila’s substack here: https://leilaainge.substack.com/
Psychologically Speaking is proudly produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative www.decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative / LinkedIn.
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I miss her, I miss me? imposter in midlife with Menopause Expert Emma Thomas
In this episode of psychologically speaking, we get curious about the intersection of imposter experiences and middle age, particularly as they relate to the menopause transition. Emma Thomas, host of the Middling Along podcast and an expert in managing menopause, joins Leila to explore the complexities of this life stage and the poignant sense of loss that can accompany middle age and its impact on self-comparison.
Emma also provides clarity on the nuances between perimenopause and menopause. As always, Leila is interested in the parallels that can be drawn between midlife experiences and the feelings of imposter phenomenon.
Find out how hormonal changes can amplify feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and a perceived lack of resilience. This episode is also packed full of Emma’s insights into the benefits for women of this transition, such as the opportunity for growth and reevaluation.
Leila and Emma discuss the importance of creating psychologically safe spaces, both in corporate environments and within entrepreneurial communities, to support those navigating menopause and imposter feelings.
For those seeking evidence-based information on menopause, Emma's newsletter an invaluable resource, and her Middling Along podcast serves as a beacon of support and knowledge for those in the throes of this life change.
Connect with Emma Thomas through her website managingthemenopause.com.
Emma and Leila both talked about the wonderful Kate Codrington and her book ‘Second Spring’ which you can find details of here
For more psychological insights and to connect with Leila Ainge, visit www.leilaainge.co.uk and follow her on Instagram @leilaainge / Linkedin
Psychologically Speaking is proudly produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative www.decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative / Linkedin
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Competition & Comparison with Lucy Werner
Lucy Werner, writer and the self-promotion expert behind Hypeyourself.com, joins Leila from her home in France - avec baby on lap - to share her insights and reflections.
Lucy talks about navigating the online world, where the lines between inspiration and imitation blur, and how she counters the pull of negative patterns by focusing on her distinctiveness. She emphasises the power of authenticity and personal brand uniqueness, which reassuringly cannot be quite so easily replicated by others as brand colours and copy often can.
Leila and Lucy also explore psychological terms "proximity effect" and
"imagined audiences,"
In this friendly chat Lucy and Leila navigate the tricky waters of professional rivalry
with grace, humour, and a healthy dollop of self-hype!
Find Lucy Werner's newsletter 'Hype Yourself' on Substack and connect with her through her bestselling books, 'HypeYourself' and 'BrandYourself'.
Discover more about Lucy's educational platform at www.hypeyourself.com and follow her on Instagram @hypeyourselfuk.
Lucy and Leila mention More Sales Please by Sara Dalrymple which
is available to purchase here https://amzn.eu/d/23JKcxR
For more psychological insights and to connect with Leila
Ainge, visit www.leilaainge.co.uk and follow her on Instagram @leilaainge / Linkedin
Psychologically Speaking is proudly produced by Buckers at
Decibelle Creative www.decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative / Linkedin
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Owning Your Authenticity and Making a Splash. With Guest Helen Hill
You’re going to want to *dive in* to today’s episode of Psychologically Speaking…
Leila chats to Helen Hill, the vibrant founder of Unlikely Genius and co-founder of Be the Future. Helen shares her journey from self-conscious business owner to a mermaid on national television (as you do!) Leila and Helen delve into how donning a 13-foot mermaid tail of reclaimed plastic for a BBC News appearance transformed Helen's self-perception and business trajectory, leading to a powerful discussion on the psychological impact of clothing and identity.
Helen used to avoid photographs of herself but has a newfound confidence since embracing the mermaid lifestyle! Leila explores the psychological concepts of enclothed cognition and the proteus effect, discussing the surprising confidence and opportunities that can arise from stepping into character.
Listen to discover how a creative approach to self-presentation, and embracing your most colourful self, can lead to profound personal and professional growth.
Connect with Helen Hill on Linkedin
Find Helen’s podcast ‘Hope. Act. Thrive’ here: https://www.bethefuture.earth/podcast
Sign up to Helen's Newsletter 'Curiosity Killed The Chaos'
Buy Helen's book Falling off the Ladder
Learn more about Helen’s businesses here:
https://www.unlikelygenius.com/https://www.bethefuture.earth/Connect with Leila online at https://www.leilaainge.co.uk/, and find her on Linkedin , Substack and Instagram @leilaainge
Psychologically Speaking is produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative
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In this episode, Leila explores the concept of gratitude and how it can help us to balance the uncertainty that is often associated with the Imposter Phenomenon. Listen as Leila tells the story of incredible scientists who made a groundbreaking discovery about ageing and approaching difficult situations, and how this relates to our experiences of Imposter Phenomenon.
Links
Read the book about the Telomere effect https://www.elissaepel.com/telomere-effect
Elizabeth Blackburn TedTalk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wseM6wWd74
Connect with Leila online at www.leilaainge.co.uk and subscribe to her newsletter for psychological insights direct to your inbox.
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Own the Digital Room
Style coach Samantha Harman joins Leila for a candid, empowering discussion on looking good and feeling confident. Samantha shares her experiences of impostor phenomenon, from using fashion as armour in her early journalism career to now helping ambitious women style their way to self-assurance. Leila provides insights from her own fascinating research on how entrepreneurs grapple with feeling like frauds. This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on using clothing as a vehicle to owning your worth and finding your inner confidence. A must-listen for anyone seeking to feel as bold as they look.
Find Samantha online here: https://www.thestyleeditor.co.uk/ / @styleeditoruk / Find Samantha on LinkedIn ‘Samantha (The Style Editor) Harman’
Listen to Samantha’s podcast, ‘Own the room’ (previously ‘the nothing to wear’ podcast)
Citations and references
Flugel, J. C. (1933). The psychology of clothes. The Sociological Review, 25(3), 301-304.
Adam, H., & Galinsky, A. D. (2012). Enclothed cognition. Journal of experimental social psychology, 48(4), 918-925.
Jones, M. G., Lee, T., Chesnutt, K., Carrier, S., Ennes, M., Cayton, E., ... & Huff, P. (2019). Enclothed cognition: Putting lab coats to the test. International Journal of Science Education, 41(14), 1962-1976.
https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/enclothed-cognition-brushes-well
Connect with Leila online at www.leilaainge.co.uk and subscribe to her newsletter for psychological insights direct to your inbox.
Psychologically Speaking is produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative
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Leila Ainge delves into the digital rooms where women entrepreneurs lurk, to discuss the relationship between impostor phenomenon and psychological safety. With the insight and expertise of Christina Clark and Laura Stearn from Workculturati, this conversation unravels the benefits of lurking behaviour, visibility pressures, comparison traps, and the elusive promise of level playing fields in online communities.
Uncover the three core themes identified in Leila's research and join the conversation as Christina and Laura lend their expertise on psychological safety, DEI, and the cultivation of online environments which foster vibrant, equitable communities.
This episode is an absolute must listen for anyone leading or participating in online spaces, looking for actionable insights on creating cultures that empower, rather than inhibit, the entrepreneurial spirit.
Connect with Leila online at https://www.leilaainge.co.uk/ and find her on Linkedin and Instagram @leilaainge
Learn more about Christina and Laura’s work and Workculturati at https://www.workculturati.com/
Subscribe here to be notified when the white paper is published
Mentioned in the podcast
Amy EdmondsonTimothy ClarkPsychologically Speaking is produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative
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In the Age of Visibility, Who's Really Watching? Examining Imagined Audiences and Imposter Feelings in Online Entrepreneurship (Psychologically Speaking)
This episode delves into the digital landscape, where imposter feelings aren't mere shadows, but thriving companions for online entrepreneurs, particularly women. Join psychologist Leila Ainge as she unpacks the concept of "context collapse" and its profound impact on their success.
Through insightful examples from her research (shared anonymously, of course!), Leila reveals the hidden anxieties and coping strategies used by these online business owners. Explore the powerful role of language in navigating the challenges of visibility and competition in the digital sphere.
Here's what you'll discover:
How "context collapse" blurs the lines between online and offline worlds, fueling imposter feelings.The unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in the digital age.The crucial role of language in navigating online spacesConnect with Leila online at www.leilaainge.co.uk and subscribe to her newsletter for psychological insights direct to your inbox.
Psychologically Speaking is produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative
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Unmasking the "Imposter": Why Self-Doubt Isn't Your Fault, It's the System's
Forget "syndrome," psychologist Leila Ainge is calling imposter feelings what they truly are: a pervasive phenomenon fueled by the digital age. Leila's groundbreaking research, featuring interviews with successful entrepreneurs, reveals the surprising culprits behind your self-doubt – online comparisons, relentless competition, and the pressure of constant visibility.
Dive deep with Leila, as she empowers you to recognize these external forces for what they are: the fuel for your inner critic. This insightful opening episode of Psychologically Speaking is a breath of fresh air for anyone who's ever been crippled by self-doubt. Join Leila as she reframes the narrative and rewrites the rulebook on conquering the "imposter" within.
Connect with Leila online at www.leilaainge.co.uk and subscribe to her newsletter for psychological insights direct to your inbox.
Psychologically Speaking is produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative
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What's Psychologically Speaking all about?
In this captivating trailer for her new podcast Psychologically Speaking, meet psychologist Leila Ainge.
Leila provides a tantalising preview of her own ground-breaking research on impostor phenomenon. Drawing on fascinating insights from entrepreneurs, Leila is on a mission to revolutionise our understanding of feeling like a fraud. From busting myths to uncovering surprising upsides, Psychologically Speaking promises jargon-free deep dives into the nuances of Leila's favourite thing: the fascinating world of human behaviour.
Follow Psychologically Speaking and join Leila and her guests to learn how you can harness impostor experiences to excel in work and life.
Find Leila online at www.leilaainge.co.uk
Sign up to Leila's newsletter https://www.leilaainge.co.uk/newsletter
Psychologically Speaking is produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative @decibelle_creative
