Breaking Free from Imposter Syndrome: Confidence & Fulfillment with Laura Gassner Otting

Win Monday with Paul Epstein

Have you ever felt like a fraud in your own success, like you’re constantly on the edge of being found out? In this episode of the Win Monday Podcast, we revisit our powerful conversation with Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author Laura Gassner Otting, who shares invaluable insights on building unshakable confidence, finding true fulfillment, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Whether you're grappling with the weight of high expectations or struggling to align your career with your true potential, Laura offers practical strategies to break free from self-doubt and embrace your authentic path to success.

Tune in now and take the first step toward living your best life with confidence! Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who could use a little encouragement on their own journey to fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

• Unshakable confidence is the key to success and happiness—define your own path and align your actions with your true purpose.
• Overcome imposter syndrome by recognizing it as a common challenge for high achievers, and build your confidence through competence.
• Unlock your full potential by sharing your knowledge and empowering others, while defining success on your own terms.

In This Episode:

• [04:31] Is the journey to "Wonderhell" worth it?
• [06:37] Practical steps for climbing from the wrong ladder to the right one.
• [07:10] How to define success and achieve alignment with your true self.
• [09:36] Why prioritizing your own definition of success is crucial.
• [10:44] Embracing the reality that new levels bring new challenges.
• [12:45] Navigating imposter syndrome and reshaping your self-perception.
• [13:23] Understanding the "looking-glass self" theory and its impact.
• [18:17] The difference between following your passion and investing in it.
• [19:36] Laura's biggest flops and the lessons learned.
• [20:03] The power of owning your role as a confident businesswoman.
• [25:21] How to manage burnout and recognize your own value.
• [31:27] Building unshakable confidence from the ground up.

Notable Quotes

• [13:32] “We're not who we think we are, we're not who others think we are. We're who we think others think we are.” — Laura Gassner Otting
• [16:58] “In the end, I think we have to remind ourselves that, you know, we're so afraid not to be perfect, and we're so afraid to fail. But in every one of our moments of growth, it's come out of failure.” — Laura Gassner Otting
• [23:07] “If you want to get past impostor syndrome, the best way to do that is to teach somebody something that you've already done.” — Laura Gassner Otting

Our Guest

Laura Gassner Otting is a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, keynote speaker, and Executive Coach. With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, including serving in Bill Clinton’s White House, Laura brings a wealth of expertise on personal growth and leadership. She’s the author of Limitless and Wonderhell and has appeared on Good Morning America, Oprah Daily, and more. Laura specializes in helping others find their true potential by defying conventional definitions of success.

Resources and Links

Monday Momentum (sign up here)

• Monday Momentum

Win Monday Community (join here)

• Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

• Confidence Quiz
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Laura Gassner Otting

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life - https://www.amazon.com/Limitless-Ignore-Everybody-Carve-your/dp/1940858763
• Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should . . . and What to Do About It - https://www.amazon.com/Wonderhell-Success-Doesnt-Should-About/dp/1646871227