What happens when imposter syndrome holds you back? - with Carly Aveneer

In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Carly Avener, CEO of Leo Burnett UK, about why vulnerability is essential to leadership and how sharing your story builds real trust.Carly opens up about imposter syndrome, insomnia, and the pressure of returning to work as a parent. She also shares the practical steps she’s taken to reframe anxiety, create supportive environments for working parents, and build a culture of openness that allows both people and creativity to thrive.We Cover:00:00 – Introduction01:26 – Becoming CEO and choosing to lead with vulnerability03:34 – Sharing her background and story to inspire others04:59 – The impact of opening up about imposter syndrome08:23 – How comparison held her back in her career10:59 – Finding support and using coaching to rebuild confidence13:20 – Why reframing imposter syndrome can fuel growth15:25 – The dangers of constant comparison and how to stop it17:15 – Practical tools to help build confidence at work19:29 – How to give feedback without damaging confidence21:45 – Focusing on what you can control in uncertain times26:31 – Living with anxiety and insomnia as a leader32:35 – Building Parent Land to support working parents38:36 – Gender equality and why it benefits everyone39:48 – What her future self would remind her today40:47 – Why knowing yourself is the key to leading others👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54