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Do you ever feel like you don’t deserve your success—that you’ve just been lucky and it’s only a matter of time before others “find you out”? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we dive deep into impostor syndrome—why it happens, how it’s fueled by cognitive distortions, and what you can do to build real self-efficacy and confidence.

Drawing from psychological research by Clance & Imes, Albert Bandura, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), we’ll unpack the hidden thought patterns that cause high-achievers, students, and early-career professionals to feel like frauds. You’ll learn:

• How distorted thinking sabotages your confidence.
• Why self-efficacy is the antidote to impostor syndrome.
• Practical strategies to reframe your success and stop discounting your achievements.
• Actionable tools to silence self-doubt and lead with clarity.

Whether you’re a college student, recent graduate, or young professional, this episode gives you the science-backed insights to turn impostor thoughts into growth opportunities.

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Psych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose.

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Starting your career can feel exciting—and overwhelming. In this first episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we explore the psychology of career transitions and what it really takes to move from student life into the professional world. Drawing on Schlossberg’s Transition Theory and practical strategies, we’ll break down why change feels so hard, how identity shifts shape early career experiences, and the coping tools that help young professionals find their footing.

Whether you’re a college student stepping into your first job, or an early-career professional navigating uncertainty, this episode gives you the psychological insight and practical steps to thrive in your next chapter.

👉 Key Takeaways:

• Why career transitions trigger stress (and how to reframe it).
• The “in-between” identity of moving from student to professional.
• Schlossberg’s 4 S’s framework (Situation, Self, Support, Strategies) explained with real-world applications.
• Practical ways to build resilience and confidence during big changes.

If you’re at a crossroads in your career—or mentoring someone who is—this episode is your roadmap to navigating the unknown with clarity and confidence.

Want to be part of our mission: 👉 Donate Today

Psych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose.

Want to connect? Email me at psychLeadership@riseupacademics.org

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Now that you know what culture is, let’s talk about how to shape it. In Part 2 of our two-part series on team culture, we move from awareness to action. You’ll learn how to assess your current culture using practical tools, get actionable steps to shift a toxic environment, and discover the critical importance of diversity, inclusion, and psychological safety in building a resilient, high-performing team. We’ll also share real-world examples and research-backed insights that leaders can use to transform team dynamics—starting today.

References:

Brown, B. (2018). *Dare to lead: Brave work. Tough conversations. Whole hearts*. Random House.

Cameron, K. S., & Quinn, R. E. (2011). *Diagnosing and changing organizational culture: Based on the competing values framework* (3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Edmondson, A. C. (2019). *The fearless organization: Creating psychological safety in the workplace for learning, innovation, and growth*. Wiley.

Laloux, F. (2014). *Reinventing organizations: A guide to creating organizations inspired by the next stage of human consciousness*. Nelson Parker.

Schein, E. H. (2010). *Organizational culture and leadership* (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Want to be part of our mission: 👉 Donate Today

Psych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose.

Want to connect? Email me at psychLeadership@riseupacademics.org

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Culture isn’t just what’s written on the walls—it’s what happens in the hallways. In this first episode of our two-part series, we dive into the psychology behind team culture and why it’s one of the most critical factors influencing success—or failure—in the workplace. You’ll learn how to recognize the subtle and not-so-subtle signals of a thriving vs. toxic environment, explore Edgar Schein’s model of organizational culture, and uncover how leadership plays a defining role in shaping it all. Whether you’re building culture from the ground up or reassessing what your team stands for, this episode lays the foundation.

References:

Cameron, K. S., & Quinn, R. E. (2011). *Diagnosing and changing organizational culture: Based on the competing values framework* (3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Goleman, D. (2006). *Social intelligence: The new science of human relationships*. Bantam Books.

Schein, E. H. (2010). *Organizational culture and leadership* (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Watkins, M. D. (2013). *The first 90 days: Proven strategies for getting up to speed faster and smarter*. Harvard Business Review Press.

Want to be part of our mission: 👉 Donate Today

Psych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose.

Want to connect? Email me at psychLeadership@riseupacademics.org

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In this episode of Psych Leadership, we dive into the powerful psychological principles behind mentorship and why great mentors focus on developing the whole person—not just their resume. Drawing from leadership theory, organizational psychology, and real-world experience, we explore how effective mentoring fosters resilience, emotional intelligence, and long-term growth. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to mentoring, this conversation offers practical insights on how to build trust, empower mentees, and create a lasting impact.

References:

Baker, V. L., Lunsford, L. G., & Pifer, M. J. (2019). Patching up the “leaking leadership pipeline”: Fostering mid-career faculty succession management. Research in Higher Education, 60(6), 823–843. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-018-9528-9

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01

Goleman, D. (2006). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes (M. Cole, V. John-Steiner, S. Scribner, & E. Souberman, Eds.). Harvard University Press.

Want to be part of our mission: 👉 Donate Today

Psych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose.

Want to connect? Email me at psychLeadership@riseupacademics.org

Send us a text

Leadership isn’t just for the loudest voice in the room. In this episode of PsychLeadership, we challenge the myth that great leaders must be charismatic extroverts and explore the power of introverted leadership. Many of history’s most effective leaders—from Abraham Lincoln to Bill Gates—have been quiet, reflective thinkers who lead through deep listening, strategic thinking, and thoughtful decision-making. Learn how introverts can harness their strengths, build influence, and thrive in leadership roles without changing who they are.

References:

Cain, S. (2012). Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking. Crown Publishing Group.

Grant, A. M., Gino, F., & Hofmann, D. A. (2011). Reversing the extraverted leadership advantage: The role of employee proactivity. Academy of Management Journal, 54(3), 528–550. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2011.61968043

Kahnweiler, J. B. (2013). Quiet influence: The introvert’s guide to making a difference. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Riggio, R. E. (2013). Do you have to be an extrovert to be a leader? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201305/do-you-have-be-extrovert-be-leader

Want to be part of our mission: 👉 Donate Today

Psych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose.

Want to connect? Email me at psychLeadership@riseupacademics.org

Send us a text

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. In this episode of PsychLeadership, we break down proven techniques from Bullies, Tyrants, and Impossible People to help you navigate conflict with confidence. Learn how to manage difficult personalities, defuse tense situations, and use psychological strategies to turn workplace tension into productive conversations. Whether you’re dealing with a micromanaging boss, a passive-aggressive coworker, or an outright bully, this episode will equip you with the tools to stay composed and in control.

Books Referenced: https://www.amazon.com/Bullies-Tyrants-Impossible-People-Without/dp/140005012X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16KO2UOVAMXU2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QEbLHk54b38_ofQgM6Y9ZY0CEfKcS-f8SiOMV3R2PDLuXTqTde-jZFP8FWiDSwtqyFT828jjBp--omi0-tucdw.U0m1hW6pf2l-r-S0VUul-B9x7Cn81tm0sAbvhKFi-6Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=Bullies+tyrants+and+impossible+people&qid=1741200567&sprefix=bullies+tyrants+and+impossible+people%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1

References:

• Eddy, B. (2018). BIFF: Quick Responses to High-Conflict People, Their Personal Attacks, Hostile Email, and Social Media Meltdowns. Unhooked Books.

• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.

• Lieberman, M. D. (2013). Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. Crown.

• Patterson, K., Grenny, J., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2011). Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High. McGraw-Hill Education.

• Scharf, M., & Schweitzer, R. (2007). Bullies, Tyrants, and Impossible People: How to Beat Them Without Joining Them. Crown Business.

• Ury, W. (2015). Getting to Yes with Yourself: How to Get What You Truly Want. Harper Business.

Want to be part of our mission: 👉 Donate Today

Psych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose.

Want to connect? Email me at psychLeadership@riseupacademics.org

Send us a text

Transitioning into a new position presents unique challenges and opportunities. The first three months are instrumental in defining your trajectory within the organization. This episode offers research-backed insights into making impactful first impressions, integrating seamlessly into the company culture, and achieving early wins. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role or starting anew, these strategies will equip you to make a lasting impact from day one.

References:

Barrick, M. R., Swider, B. W., & Stewart, G. L. (2010). Initial evaluations in the interview: Relationships with subsequent interviewer evaluations and employment offers. Journal of Applied Psychology, 95(6), 1163–1172. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019918

Paulise, L. (2024). How to make an impact in the first 90 days of your new job. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lucianapaulise/2024/04/30/how-to-make-an-impact-in-the-first-90-days-of-your-new-job/

Spielman, M. (2021). Tackle the first 90 days of your next role: A 5-step process for success on the job. Harvard Business School Alumni. https://www.alumni.hbs.edu/careers/blog/post/tackle-the-first-90-days-of-your-next-role-a-5-step-process-for-success-on-the-job

Swider, B. W., Barrick, M. R., & Harris, T. B. (2016). Initial impressions: What they are, what they are not, and how they influence structured interview outcomes. Journal of Applied Psychology, 101(5), 625–638. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000077

Watkins, M. (2013). The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter. Harvard Business Review Press.

Want to be part of our mission: 👉 Donate Today

Psych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose.

Want to connect? Email me at psychLeadership@riseupacademics.org