How to Stop Overpreparing for Every Work Conversation

Lucas and Luna tackle a subtle but draining form of imposter syndrome: overpreparing. Drawing on a 2024 study from Harvard Business Review that found overpreparers spend 40 percent more time than needed on low-stakes meetings, they explore why people with high competence often do the most prep work. Lucas breaks down the 'prep debt cycle' — where extra preparation raises the bar for next time — and shares a practical threshold rule used by executives at Microsoft and Bridgewater: the 80 percent readiness rule. Luna pushes back with her own experience of being praised for 'always being ready' and how that praise can become a trap. The episode includes a donation segment tied to listener career decisions, and closes with a concrete question for listeners to ask themselves before their next meeting. #ImposterSyndrome #Overpreparing #CareerConfidence #SelfPromotion #WorkplacePsychology #HarvardBusinessReview #Microsoft #BridgewaterAssociates #80PercentRule #PrepDebtCycle #ExecutivePresence #MeetingPreparation #CompetenceTrap #Careers #ProfessionalDevelopment #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #CareerAdvice Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo