Episode 149: Mastering Your Inner Dialogue with Derrin Ford

What we say to ourselves can shape how we perform, lead, and respond to challenges. In this episode, Carl and Tiffany welcome workforce development consultant and coach Derrin Ford for a conversation about self-awareness, inner dialogue, imposter syndrome, and the role coaching can play in personal and professional growth.Derrin shares his journey from athletics to career counseling, teaching, and coaching, along with the inspiration behind his Mastering Inner Dialogue curriculum. Drawing connections between sports, the workplace, and leadership, the group explores how negative self-talk and performance anxiety can undermine confidence—even when someone has the skills and experience to succeed.The conversation moves from theory to practice as Derrin, Tiffany, and Carl share strategies for managing imposter syndrome, challenging unproductive thought patterns, and building confidence through action and reflection. They also tackle an important reality of coaching: you can't want growth more than the person you're coaching.Ultimately, the discussion is about knowing what you can influence, recognizing what belongs to someone else, and learning not to take every response personally. It's a practical and relatable conversation about developing the inner dialogue that helps us show up more confidently—for ourselves and for others. Derrin's bio is below.Derrin Ford, M.Ed., is a workforce development consultant and coach who helps individuals achieve clarity and structure in their professional goals. Drawing on mentorship from leaders across industries, Ford specializes in building self-awareness through his approach, Mastering Internal Dialogue. With more than nine years of experience, including roles as a career counselor and workforce development coach and trainer within CWDS, he integrates critical thinking, reflection and self-awareness strategies into group and individual settings. Ford’s facilitation style promotes engagement and equips professionals with practical tools to succeed in today’s workforce.Derrin can be reached on LinkedIn