Series 2 of Work Truths: Off the Record continues with a reflective and truly insightful conversation with Charlotte Allocca, an integrative therapist based in London.

Ever wondered what therapists experience behind their closed doors that tell them feelings of being an imposter are present? Well, listen to find out.

I was especially interested in speaking with Charlotte because her work focuses on self-doubt, low self-esteem, and the stories people tell themselves about who they are and what they’re capable of. That gives her a very particular lens on imposter feelings – both how it manifests in the therapy room and what she hears about how it manifests in the workplace.

We talk about how imposter phenomenon often shows up as a disconnect between what someone is clearly capable of and what they believe about themselves. Charlotte shares what she looks out for with clients, from reassurance-seeking and hyper-vigilance to people minimising their own achievements and moving the goalposts every time they succeed.

A big part of our conversation is about where those stories come from. We explore how childhood labels, family narratives, underrepresentation, and experiences of not quite ‘fitting in’ can shape the inner voice people carry into adult life. Charlotte also explains why she sees self-compassion not as a soft option, but as a practical and necessary way of challenging our harsh internal critic when it gets vocal.

And for people managers and colleagues? You’ll find out about spotting the signs when someone is masking their struggle, and how to create space that feels safe enough for honest conversation.

If you’ve ever felt like you were doing fine on the outside while carrying a much louder story inside, 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

Charlotte Allocca is an integrative therapist based in Clapham, and she works a lot with people who struggle with self-doubt, low self-esteem and things like imposter phenomenon.

Much of her work is about helping people understand where those internal beliefs about ‘not being enough’ have come from and supporting them to develop a more secure sense of who they are, beyond just what they achieve.

Charlotte’s Website and Social Links:

www.charlottealloccacounselling.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-allocca-625287367/

Recent Blog Post by Charlotte:

https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/blogs/2025/blogs-and-vlogs/10-september-imposter-syndrome/

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.

Series 2 of Work Truths: Off the Record will launch on Wednesday 6th May! Join host Rachel Morris again, as this time she dives deep into Imposter Phenomenon. Expect another round of honest conversations bringing expert insights and personal experiences to the surface, as Rachel and her guests discuss this often-misunderstood but deeply affecting experience.

What does burning the candle at both ends really look like?

And how bad can the consequences be?

In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris speaks with Jay Asthana about his personal journey with burnout, starting from his early career as a pot washer to becoming a chef in prestigious London hotels.

Jay shares his experiences of overwork, the impact of high expectations, and the eventual diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. He reflects on the importance of support from friends and family, the challenges of recovery, and the lessons learned about self-acceptance and prioritising mental health. The conversation emphasises the need for balance and the dangers of ignoring one's well-being in pursuit of success.

Guest Information

Jaiveer Asthana has had many careers over his lifetime. Never quite knowing what he wanted to do, he threw himself into everything. Eventually he started his own company Turtle Massage where he helps athletes back into sports after injuries.

Jaiveer is a amateur film maker who will be releasing his second feature film in early 2026.

You can find more info on Jay's socials:

Instagram: @turtlemassage - Business

Instagram: @ogflavourja - Indie film

Website: Turtlemassage.com

And Jay's books:

Semi fictional life story about online dating as a create your own adventure book

https://amzn.eu/d/395YE9z

Self defense for kids

https://amzn.eu/d/2rT7XZD

What have we learnt from our guests this season?

And how do coaches work with their clients to support them before, during and on the recovery from burnout?

In the final episode of Work Truths Off the Record series 1, host Rachel Morris and coaches Julie Nelson and Amy Funkhouser Watkins discuss and draw insight from the previous episodes of the first series. They reflect on their own and other guests' experiences along with the stories from their coaching practices.

The conversation emphasises the importance of recognising early signs, the individual nature of burnout, and the critical role of support systems in recovery.

The coaches share practical strategies for helping individuals navigate their burnout experiences, highlighting the need for kindness, grace, and community support.

Guest Information

Amy Funkhouser Watkins

Amy Funkhouser Watkins is an executive coach, leadership team facilitator and founder of Hummingbird Insights, LLC. She helps leaders and teams reach their greatest potential with a focus on results and authenticity.

She brings over 25 years of experience in business and leadership helping people thrive in change and complexity, bringing her integrity, compassion, courage and curiosity to every situation.

Her LinkedIn profile is https://linkedin.com/in/amyfunkhouser.

Julie Nelson

Julie Nelson is an executive and leadership coach, accredited in coaching and change management, and a certified NLP Master Practitioner. She is the designer of the BeYou Programme, which empowers individuals to build confidence, resilience, and authentic leadership.

Julie delivers personal growth, management training, and leadership development programmes across diverse sectors, drawing on her senior leadership experience and a strong background in HR, Learning and Organisational Development. Her holistic coaching approach creates psychologically safe spaces for transformation.

Her work as a coach supports clients to prevent, navigate, and recover from burnout—helping them rediscover balance and purpose.

Julie is also an associate coach at Motion Learning, creators of the Work Truths podcast https://www.motionlearning.com/julie-nelson.

Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-n/

In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris speaks with Julianne Gilbert, a seasoned leader, about the critical issue of workplace burnout. They explore the definition of burnout, its recognition in teams, and the responsibilities of managers and organisations in addressing it. Julianne shares her insights on the signs of burnout, strategies for managers to support their teams, and the importance of creating a supportive work environment.

Key Discussion Points

Burnout can manifest in various individual ways.

Recognising burnout requires understanding team dynamics.

Leaders must be proactive in checking in with their teams.

Managers need a toolkit for supporting employees.

Creating a culture of openness is essential for addressing burnout.

Employers have a responsibility to support mental health.

Self-care for managers is vital to prevent burnout.

Good intent in management can foster a supportive environment.

Guest Information

Julieanne Gilbert is Executive Director, People at City Lit, leading the HR and Student Services team. Julieanne has over 25 years of experience working and leading teams within both private and public sectors including retail, energy and business schools.

Julieanne is known for her values-driven and human-centric approach to leadership and development. As a qualified coach, she’s passionate about empowering individuals and organisations to thrive through authentic connection, empathy, and purpose-led growth.

She would be delighted to connect and her LinkedIn profile is: www.LinkedIn/in/julieannegilbert