017 | The Reminder Every Leader Needs to Hear | Keri Boatright

Imposter Syndrome | Seat at the Table | First Patient Loss | Comfort Vs CompetenceWhat does it really feel like to sit at a table you worked your whole life to reach… and still question if you belong there?In this episode of Hold This Thought, I sit down with a NICU nurse turned Director of Women’s Services, Keri Boatright, to unpack the internal battle of imposter syndrome and the perspective shift that changes everything. From leading hundreds of people to making life-or-death decisions in neonatal care, she shares the moments that shaped her mindset, her leadership style, and her definition of success.We explore the unseen reality of NICU nursing, the emotional weight of losing a patient for the first time, and the transition from bedside care to executive leadership. Along the way, we dive into what it means to earn your seat at the table, why discomfort is often the gateway to growth, and how great leaders build trust by helping people understand the “why” behind every decision.If you’ve ever felt out of place in a room you worked hard to get into, this conversation will challenge the way you see yourself… and remind you that you didn’t get there by accident.Oh, and most importantly, yes. This is my dear mother. Happy Mother's Day to the Best Mom in the world! Chapters:00:00 | Podcast Intro00:21 | Imposter Syndrome & “I Don’t Belong Here”01:16 | From NICU Nurse to Director of Women’s Services03:30 | Job Hopping vs Loyalty in the Modern Workforce06:01 | Leading 370 People Without Losing Connection10:33 | Why She Chose NICU & What Makes It Different12:57 | The Reality of Caring for 1–3 Pound Babies16:39 | High-Stakes NICU Transport (Life-or-Death Moment)22:33 | Growth, Failure, and Stepping Into Leadership27:22 | First Patient Death & Emotional Impact34:19 | From Bedside to Director: Responsibility Shift38:14 | Leadership Communication & Explaining the “Why”45:16 | Advice for Growth: Sacrifice, Patience, and Learning50:29 | Comfort vs Competence (Key Mindset Shift)1:07:17 | Revisiting Imposter Syndrome & Earning Your SeatSubscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world.👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1