The Unworthy Leader Podcast
The real leadership lessons aren’t in the wins—they’re in the doubts, fears, and failures we’re taught to hide. On The Unworthy Leader Podcast, executive coach Kendra Dahlstrom flips the script on success. Through raw stories and real conversations, we expose the hidden side of leadership—and why Doubt is your data™, Failure is fuel™, and Vulnerability is viral™. Ready to lead with more truth, presence, and courage? You’re in the right place.
Through honest, research-backed conversations, Kendra brings raw insights, practical tools, and inspiring guests to help leaders break free from perfectionism and lead from a place of purpose and presence—not performance.
If you're tired of curated leadership advice and craving something more real, this podcast is for you.
In each episode, you’ll discover:
- Scientific research and psychology behind imposter syndrome and unworthiness
- How to transform self-doubt into strength and resilience
- The role of vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety in leadership
- Tools for creating inclusive, human-centered workplaces
- Strategies to overcome burnout, inadequacy, and the fear of being found out
Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a new people manager, or an aspiring leader, The Unworthy Leader Podcast will help you embrace your imperfections, step into your full power, and lead with truth and courage.
Join the movement to redefine leadership—flaws and all.
The Unworthy Leader Podcast
The Unworthy Leader Podcast: Achieving Optimal Self with Steve Mellor (Ep5)
In this conversation, Kendra Dahlstrom and Steve Mellor explore the concepts of optimal self, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. They discuss how individuals often neglect their true potential due to societal pressures and personal fears. Steve shares his journey from being a successful Olympic coach to realizing the importance of self-reflection and personal growth. The discussion emphasizes the need to acknowledge and befriend self-doubt rather than ignore it, as well as the significance of understanding one's optimal self in achieving fulfillment and success. In this conversation, Steve Mellor and Kendra Dahlstrom explore the themes of self-doubt, authenticity in leadership, and the importance of personal growth through reflection and accountability. They discuss how leaders can navigate their insecurities, the role of education in personal development, and the necessity of normalizing self-doubt as a part of the leadership journey. The dialogue emphasizes the need for leaders to embrace their authentic selves and use their experiences, including doubts and failures, as opportunities for growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Optimal Self and Imposter Syndrome
06:04 The Connection Between Self-Doubt and Unworthiness
08:59 The Impact of Results-Oriented Mindset
11:58 The All-or-Nothing Mindset in Life and Sports
14:59 Understanding Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
18:05 Befriending Doubt and Resistance
21:03 The Role of Self-Reflection in Overcoming Doubt
25:49 Befriending Doubt: Embracing Self-Reflection
29:23 The Authentic Leader: Embracing Your True Self
30:41 Self-Doubt: A Path to Curiosity and Growth
31:33 Education vs. Authenticity: The Balance of Learning
33:19 The Role of Curiosity in Overcoming Self-Doubt
34:19 The Comfort Zone: Knowledge vs. Action
36:50 Using Doubt as a Teacher: Lessons from Competition
38:06 The Spectrum of Performance: From Doubt to Confidence
41:23 Normalizing Self-Doubt: A Conversation Starter
42:59 The Stigma of Imposter Syndrome: A Collective Challenge
44:26 Exceptions to the Rule: Redefining Success
46:20 Owning Your Journey: The Importance of Accountability
48:15 The Power of Reflection: Insights from Coaching
To listen to more podcast episodes or follow, search "The Unworthy Leader Podcast" on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, I Heart Radio, Amazon Music, Deezer, Listen Notes, or Podcast Index.
You can find Kendra Dahlstrom on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendradahlstrom/
Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kendra.dahlstrom/
Please join our mailing list at kendradahlstrom.com
#optimal self, #imposter syndrome, #self-doubt, #executive coaching, #personal growth, #mental health, #leadership, #performance, #results-oriented mindset, #all-or-nothing mindset, #self-doubt, #leadership, #authenticity, #coaching, #personal growth, #vulnerability, #performance, #education, #curiosity
2025 Copyright of The Unworthy Leader Podcast and Kendra Dahlstrom Leadership, LLC