What the era of overwhelm means for early career leaders [Episode 2/4]

“I feel like a fraud.” Many early career leaders have thought it — even if they’ve never said it out loud. Stepping into leadership for the first time can feel heavier than expected. The responsibility increases. The visibility increases. The expectations increase. And quietly, self-doubt can increase too. In Episode 2 of this special four-part series, Dr William DeJean is joined by Steven Trotter to explore what they call the era of overwhelm — and why it is shaping the experience of early career leaders more than ever before. Rather than treating self-doubt as a personal flaw, this conversation reframes it as a signal of growth within a demanding leadership context. When leaders understand the environment they’re operating in, they’re better able to respond with clarity rather than self-criticism. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ What the era of overwhelm is and how it affects early-career leaders ✅ Why imposter feelings are more common than leaders admit ✅ How shadow beliefs form during periods of growth ✅ What genuinely supports leaders in their first five years ✅ A practical shift you can make to steady your leadership Who it’s for: Early career leaders in their first five years, aspiring leaders preparing for formal roles, and leadership teams supporting emerging leaders in education. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With more than 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three published books, William works with schools and leadership teams to turn complexity into clarity and help learning stick across organisations. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://unleash-learning.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning FREE RESOURCES Complimentary info kit: https://unleash-learning.com If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with an early career leader who needs to hear it — or leave a review to help others find the series.