Michelle Minnikin on Good Girl Conditioning, Imposter Syndrome, and Women Playing Small

Send us Fan MailWhy do so many women grow up learning to be liked, agreeable, and accommodating — but not fully themselves?In this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with Michelle Minnikin — author, speaker, coach, and organisational psychologist — to unpack the hidden conditioning that teaches women to over-function, people-please, apologize constantly, and shrink their voice in the workplace and in life.Michelle breaks down the concept behind her work on Good Girl Deprogramming, explains why imposter syndrome is often misunderstood, and shares how women are shaped from an early age to prioritize acceptability over authenticity. The conversation also explores burnout, toxic work environments, cultural conditioning, leadership, and what dads can do differently when raising daughters.This is a powerful conversation about identity, confidence, language, and what it takes to stop performing and start living more truthfully.In this episode:What “good girl conditioning” really meansWhy so many women don’t know what they wantThe connection between burnout and over-functioningWhy imposter syndrome may be a workplace problem, not a personal flawHow toxic environments affect women differentlyThe language patterns that quietly keep women smallWhat parents, especially fathers, should stop saying to girls#BehindTheStory #MichelleMinnikin #GoodGirlDeprogramming #WomenInLeadership #ImposterSyndrome #PeoplePleasing #WorkplaceConfidence #Boundaries #PersonalGrowthSupport the show