Imposter Phenomenon - The Human Perspective - with Tarquin Bennett-Coles

In episode 9 of Work Truths: Off the Record I’m delighted to be joined by Tarquin Bennett-Coles, a global talent scout with more than 25 years’ experience identifying, interviewing and supporting leaders across sectors.Tarquin’s story is a fascinating one because his experience of imposter thoughts is closely tied to something very specific: his name. In our conversation, we explore what it’s like to grow up with a name that can trigger assumptions before you’ve even spoken, and how that shaped his sense of belonging in professional spaces.What I found especially interesting was the way Tarquin has learned to manage those feelings in practical ways. He talks about doing his homework before meetings, building a sense of common ground, and surrounding himself with people who remind him of what he’s already achieved. We also discuss the impact of working across different countries and cultures, and how that sometimes changed the story his name seemed to tell about him.Tarquin reflects honestly on the moments when self-doubt made him want to pull back, and how support from others — personally and professionally — helped him keep moving forward. There’s something really powerful in his reminder that we all need a bench of people we can turn to.If you’re interested in identity, belonging and the hidden pressures that can sit behind apparently confident careers, this episode is well worth a listen.Guest InformationTarquin has spent over 25 years as a Global Talent Scout; identifying, interviewing and supporting leaders in the life science and tech sectors. He is a trained competency interviewer and profiler and passionate Equity, Diversity & Inclusion advocate who is deeply networked within the industries he serves. His focus is on senior leadership roles.Tarquin has worked in boutique search firms and was a Global Talent Scout with AstraZeneca and supported scaling biotech CellCentric, as their Director of Talent, as they doubled in size in 6 months. He has been involved in many high-profile hires including the CEO for the global vaccine NGO CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations). He is an industry STEM advocate who chairs industry panels (Gap Summit, Excellentium etc) and bee a regular guest on Royal Pharmaceutical Society podcasts and written articles on talent issues & EDI.Tarquin is a pro bono careers advisor for Cambridge Judge Institute, a mentor for the Homerton Changemakers programme, a campaign committee member for East Anglian Air Ambulance and a volunteer for Form the Future, Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre, Beacon for rare Diseases and advisor to Gynii Me.He recently completed his 100th whole blood donation and holds Black belts in three martial arts disciplines; Karate, Combat Sombo and Judo. He has also trained and competed internationally in MMA, Karate, Jeet Kune Do Concepts, Savate Kickboxing and Kali/Escrima stick fighting. Tarquin’s Website and Social Links: