Creating Supportive Teams: Imposter Syndrome and Psychological Safety in Theatre Artwork

WENTS & Friends

A podcast series by Women in ENT Surgery UK. WENTS & Friends is about stimulating discussions that revolve around diversity and inclusivity with a view to learning more about the traits that make us unique. Through dialogue, we celebrate the experiences of all peoples within and beyond medicine, with a view to fostering better understanding of our individual journeys and fellowship in our commonalities. Hopefully, leading to a more equitable and thriving healthcare space. WENTS & Friends ...come join us!

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WENTS & Friends

Creating Supportive Teams: Imposter Syndrome and Psychological Safety in Theatre

October 09, 2025 • WENTS UK • Season 2 • Episode 3

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This episode features a thoughtful conversation with Professor Sadie Khwaja, a consultant ENT surgeon in Manchester, exploring imposter syndrome, confidence, and psychological safety in surgical careers. Sadie shares her personal experiences and research, highlighting that imposter syndrome is extremely common, even among accomplished surgeons and discusses how persistent self-doubt can impact mental health, performance, and career progression. She emphasises the need for a supportive environment, mentorship, and open discussion about vulnerability, especially for women and minority groups in surgery.

The discussion moves to strategies for building confidence and resilience, including the importance of a growth mindset, feedback, and tailored mentorship at every career stage. Sadie also highlights the importance of psychological safety in the operating theatre, emphasising the need for clear communication, pre-operative team planning, and leadership that fosters participation from all staff. She offers practical advice for creating inclusive, supportive work environments and stresses the ongoing responsibility of trainers and leaders to invest time in nurturing the next generation of surgeons.

WENTS & Friends is the official podcast for Women in ENT Surgery UK.
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Email: wents@entuk.org any questions or suggestions on topics you may have for future episodes.

Thank you to all of our guests for this season and to Karl Storz UK and the ENT UK Foundation for sponsoring season two of Went and Friends, the podcast of Women in ENT Surgery.

This season’s episodes are hosted by Alex Ashman. Produced and directed by Heather Pownall @heathershub of Heather's Media Hub Ltd. The podcast was created by Ekpemi Irune. The rest of the team includes Anna Slovick, Katherine Conroy, Marie Lyons, Tanya Ta, and Alex Ashman.

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Alex Ashman

Host