Episode 3 of Work Truths: Off the Record Series 2 continues with a powerful conversation with Denise McMurray, Chief People Officer at the RSPB.

I found this conversation particularly rich as Denise brings both deep professional experience and a very personal understanding of imposter experiences. We talk about what it can feel like to move into a completely new profession, to take a step down in title and salary, and to question whether your previous experience really transfers – even when, to others, it clearly does.

We also explore the particular pressures that can come with working in the people profession, where complexity, constant challenge, and high expectations can make self-doubt even louder. Denise speaks openly about how confidence can be chipped away when you’re trying to do the right thing in difficult situations, and why psychological safety and self-compassion matter so much.

And if you’re a leader of people? There are some really practical reflections in this episode too as Denise shares why curiosity matters, why rushing to reassure someone can miss the point entirely, and how starting with “what went well?” can create a much better conversation.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to earn your place all over again or quietly wondered whether you were really equipped for the role you’re in, I think this episode will resonate.

What helps most when imposter thoughts show up — reassurance, evidence, or simply being listened to? Listen now to find out.

Guest Information

Denise is Chief People Officer at RSPB and a CIPD Fellow, with over 25 years’ experience across the Public, private and charity sectors, leading strategic HR and Organisational Development functions across complex organisations. She holds Master’s level qualifications in both Human Resource Management, Organisational Design and Development, Executive Coaching and Mentoring and is a qualified mediator, bringing a strong evidence-based, systems-thinking approach to people, culture and organisational performance.

Her career has been shaped by deep expertise in and passion for strategic HR, people and organisational development, employee experience culture transformation and large-scale change, with a passion for aligning people strategies, values and behaviours to organisational purpose and long-term outcomes. She has a track record of enabling transformation and change, developing high-performing and inclusive cultures, and strengthening organisational capability to deliver sustainable impact.

Denise’s Social Details:

https://www.rspb.org.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/🌻denise-mcmurray-chartered-fellow-cipd-454b662a/

🎙️ Series 2 of Work Truths: Off the Record continues with a brilliant conversation with Dr Kate Atkin, and this one is full of practical insight, honesty, and plenty to think about.

Kate is a speaker, facilitator, author, and researcher who completed her PhD on the imposter phenomenon in 2024, and has literally written the book on the topic. She also speaks from lived experience, which makes our conversation feel especially grounded and human.

We talk about why Kate is certain that we must be using the word phenomenon rather than syndrome, and what that change in language says about how we understand imposter feelings. And importantly how it empowers those experiencing it.

We also explore the difference between healthy self-doubt and the kind of imposter experience that shows up even when there is clear evidence of success.

What stood out most for me was Kate’s insight into what can trigger these feelings – from early parenting messages and social expectations, to workplace culture, perfectionism, procrastination, and the pressure to keep proving yourself.

And if you’re wondering how you could help someone experiencing these thoughts and feelings then you’ll be pleased to know we also get into this too. We talk about what doesn’t help, including vague reassurance, and what can make a real difference instead – specific strengths-based feedback, keeping evidence of your wins, and learning to compare yourself with yourself rather than with everyone else.

If you have ever downplayed your achievements, held yourself back, wondered whether you are really as capable as other people seem to think you are. This episode is for you!

And the icing on the cake? You’ll find out about the power of a Wonderful Me file, and hear how the Muppets can help….!

What helps most when imposter thoughts show up — reassurance, evidence, or simply being listened to? Listen now to find out.

Guest Information

Kate Atkin is an inspirational speaker, training consultant and author. Hailing from a farming background in rural Lincolnshire, Kate had a successful career with Barclays Bank before starting her own learning and development business. Despite failing the 11+ exam and not having a first degree, in 2015 she completed an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and now has a PhD for her study into the imposter phenomenon, coping strategies and psychological courage in the workplace.

Kate is author of The Presentation Workout and The Confident Manager and her third, and most personal book, The Imposter Phenomenon, was published by Pearson in July 2025.

Kate's website and book:

www.kateatkin.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateatkin/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Imposter-Phenomenon-feel-fraud-about/dp/1292469064/

Series 2 of Work Truths: Off the Record is all about the Imposter Phenomenon — and I'm starting with a powerful conversation with Dr Katie Ford

Katie has no less than 27 letters after her name, as well as ‘Dr’ before it. Yet her story is a powerful reminder that imposter feelings don’t disappear just because someone has the qualifications, the experience, or the external success.

In our conversation, Katie opens up about what it really felt like to be the ‘clever one’ at school, then suddenly feel out of place, average, and at risk of being ‘found out’. She shares how those feelings shaped her career, how burnout and shame fed the cycle, and what it took to begin changing her relationship with herself.

What I loved most about speaking with Katie is that this isn’t a story about magically overcoming self-doubt. It’s about listening to ourselves more honestly, understanding where imposter thoughts come from, and learning how support, self-compassion, and psychological safety can change everything.

Guest Information

Dr Katie Ford BVSc(Hons) CertAVP(SAM) PGCert MSc FRCVS

Dr. Katie Ford is widely regarded as one of the veterinary profession's leading thought leaders in the space of wellbeing, imposter phenomenon and what it actually means to be human in a high-demand career.

She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, holds a Master's degree in Emotional Wellbeing, and is trained across multiple coaching modalities including somatic and trauma-informed practice and CMI Level 7 leadership. In 2020, she co-founded Vet Empowered alongside Claire Grigson, a coaching and professional development company built by vets, for veterinary professionals; they are trusted by large corporations to support their graduate schemes and colleagues.

Katie is an international keynote speaker who has taken the stage at some of the world's largest veterinary conferences, most recently in Canada. She facilitates international team builds and works with major organisations and universities.

In 2023 she received the RCVS Inspiration Award. In 2024 she was named Bright Minds Wellness Champion, voted for by over 2,000 of her peers. In 2025 she was awarded her Fellowship for Meritorious Contributions to the profession.

Katie's Social Links:

• @katiefordvet
• https://www.instagram.com/katiefordvet
• https://www.facebook.com/katiefordvet
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiefordvet/
• www.katiefordvet.com

Research Referenced:

The Impact of Self - Efficacy and Perceived Organizational Support on the Impostor Phenomenon. American Journal of Management. 15. 23-29.

Tackling Impostor Syndrome Individually and Institutionally: A Longitudinal Impostor Syndrome Curriculum for Pediatric Residents. Academic Medicine 97(11S):p S140, November 2022.

Buffering Impostor Feelings with Kindness: The Mediating Role of Self-compassion between Gender-Role Orientation and the Impostor Phenomenon. Frontiers in Psychology, 8.

"Overcoming the Fear That Haunts Your Success" - The Effectiveness of Interventions for Reducing the Impostor Phenomenon. Front Psychol. 2020 May 15;11:405.