EP 114: Women in STEM Advice | Do You Have a Skills Gap or Imposter Syndrome? [Dr. AJ Lauer]

Imposter syndrome in women in STEM can feel like a constant need to over-prepare, prove yourself, and still worry you’ll be “found out.” In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. AJ Lauer, EdD—a STEM leadership and workplace inclusion expert—to help you tell the difference between a real skills gap and imposter phenomenon, and to give you a simple way to respond in the moment. Dr. Lauer teaches us how to notice your personal triggers, a quick nervous-system reset, the most important conversation you can have with your supervisor, and how to face imposter syndrome head on! If you’ve ever felt like you have to prove you deserve a seat at the table, this conversation will help you get back into that calm, intellectual space where you can make clear high-stakes decisions—without perfectionism running the show. ~ ABOUT DR. AJ LAUER, EdD Dr. AJ Lauer, EdD is a STEM leadership and workplace inclusion expert with 20+ years in DEI and workforce development in science and technology. Through her work at Thriving Ibis, Dr. Lauer coaches high-performing women in STEM on sustainable confidence and is the author of My Monster Mungo, an illustrated book that reframes imposter syndrome. Getting Started with Imposter Monsters Guide: https://www.thrivingibis.com/imposter-monster-email AJ’s website: https://www.thrivingibis.com/imposter-monsters AJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajlauer Book: My Monster Mungo: A Story About Imposter Syndrome ~ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🫥 (4:26): What is imposter phenomenon? 🫥 (8:05): Why women in STEM experience imposter syndrome and “prove-it pressure” 🫥 (9:50): How motherhood can amplify the “superhuman” juggling effect (perfectionism) 😃 (13:35): AJ’s supercomputing story (and the conversation that changed everything) 😃 (20:10): How to tell a skills gap from an imposter spiral 😃 (28:18): The 3 common imposter coping patterns 😃 (31:59): A quick reset for high-stakes presentations and leadership moments 😃 (37:26): Meet your “imposter monster” ~ NEXT STEP ➡️ Grab AJ’s free guide, then share this episode with one fellow woman scientist who needs an instant reboot from self-doubt to owning her worth. ~ KEEP LEARNING ON THIS TOPIC ⏮️ Building an ambition inventory (Podcast) ⏮️ Rewiring your identity (Podcast) 📖 How to get unstuck as a scientist mom (after motherhood) (Blog) 🌐 Visit www.SolveForMom.com for more information and FREE resources ~ HELPING MOMS IN STEM 🙋🏻‍♀️  Q&A: Record your science career-for-moms question in one click. I'll answer it on the show. Let me know if you want a shout-out! 🎙️Interested in a guest interview on Science Careers for Moms? → Apply Here ~ STAY CONNECTED 👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode 💌 Grab my free Sci-Mom Says newsletter 📫 E-mail [email protected] 🔬Connect with me on LinkedIn as a fellow PhD researcher & scientific consultant Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!