Locals Only!: Why Are We Still Talking About Imposter Syndrome?
Is there a leader today who doesn’t have an opinion on imposter syndrome? The topic has been in the news for decades, but it reached a fever pitch in the past few years.
In 1978 two female clinical psychologists studied 150 women to understand their insecurities despite significant achievements. They found consistent anxiety related to their subjects’ perceived competency and coined the phenomenon “imposter syndrome”. Today we know that men and non-whites experience the phenomenon at least as frequently as the white, 20-45 year old women originally studied. While it won’t be found in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual as a mental disorder, the imposter syndrome label is widely known.
Karen Hilo, MBA has been an executive business leader for the past decade. As a consultant, ACC-credentialed coach, and professional development trainer, she has seen firsthand how insecurities present in leaders. While the debate may continue as to whether or not imposter syndrome is fact or fiction, in this session you’ll learn how to help your client with practical ways to identify and overcome the elusive mindset and behaviors that undermine their confidence and free them to experience the success and joy they’ve earned.
Speaker Bio: Karen Hilo
Karen Hilo has been a student of business, specifically entrepreneurship, her whole career. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and her MBA from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Along the way she also added graduate studies in mental health counseling to her resume.
Karen founded Sea Level Consulting LLC to help executives and boards achieve their vision. Following several long-term engagements leading severely distressed organizations back to flourishing, her own mission became developing the strengths needed in people to lead excellently. She has held the positions of Chief Financial Officer, Chief Development Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer in the nonprofit sector. While her work is partly forward looking (ie strategic planning), the nature of turnarounds requires righting the past (ie forensic analysis and restorative skills). She has been privileged to support executives through consulting, individual and team coaching, and professional development workshops.