9 to 5 Imposter

What does it look like to build a professional brand without sounding like everyone else, especially when AI is making the noise louder than ever? Jillian Richardson has figured it out.Known for her "make LinkedIn weird" philosophy, Jillian is a LinkedIn creator, coach, and professional writer who helps people stand out through authenticity rather than performance. But behind the bold content strategy is a story your more familiar with, the freelancer who second-guessed her pricing, the solopreneur who didn't have a model for what confidence was supposed to look like, and the creator who learned that saving your wins is just as important as chasing the next one.In this episode, Andy and James sit down with Jillian to explore how imposter syndrome shows up in solopreneurship, why hiring a coach to surface your blind spots might be the most underrated leadership move, and how to build a presence online that actually feels like you, without performing for an audience that may be quieter than you think.Whether you're navigating self-doubt in a crowded digital landscape or trying to find your voice without losing yourself in the process, Jillian's story is a masterclass in authentic visibility.

In this episode, we sit down with Carla Carter, a highly successful patent attorney who shares a candid and powerful look at being a trailblazer. As the first female attorney hired by her law firm, Carla discusses the immense social pressures of representing an entire demographic and how that weight transformed from a burden into a relentless motivation to break institutional molds. We explore her journey of navigating high-stakes legal environments while combating imposter syndrome, and how her desire to exceed every expectation paved the way for a career defined by both professional excellence and the creation of new paths for those following in her footsteps. Whether you're navigating your own "first" or seeking to understand the drive behind transformative leadership, Carla’s story offers a masterclass in turning societal pressure into a catalyst for significant, lasting impact.

How do you lead when the stakes are high, the systems are complex, and the path forward hasn’t been paved for you? In this episode, we sit down with Sanford Long, an executive whose leadership philosophy was forged in the heat of a changing America and refined at the highest levels of global telecommunications. Sanford takes us back to his roots in post-integration Mississippi, sharing how growing up in that pivotal era shaped his perspective on resilience, community, and the necessity of strategic excellence. We trace his remarkable rise through the ranks of AT&T, where he ascended to the role of Vice President by moving beyond the "technical fix" to master the broader architecture of strategic problem-solving. Sanford pulls back the curtain on the mindset required to navigate a Fortune 500 giant, emphasizing his commitment to a principle centered on enabling and empowering the team beneath him rather than simply being the smartest person in the room. This conversation is a masterclass in shifting from individual contributor to executive leader, proving that true power lies in the ability to lift others up.

In this episode of the 9-to-5 Imposter, hosts Andy and James welcome Brandon Bischoff, a seasoned IT professional whose career journey from a help desk in to a senior cybersecurity leader offers a refreshing look at professional evolution. Brandon shares his personal history as a "latchkey kid" of the '90s, exploring how early independence fostered a habit of "consolidating boxes", fitting into various religious, professional, and social personas to find belonging. He introduces a powerful perspective on high-stakes roles like IT, law, and medicine, noting that while professionals are often expected to have all the answers, true mastery lies in knowing how to problem-solve and "fake it" effectively through recognition. Tune in to hear Brandon’s take on the ultimate opportunity to shed the masks, embrace authenticity, and realize that, in the end, everyone is just figuring it out as they go.

In this episode of the 9 to 5 in Five, Andy uses a high-impact clip from Andrew Ting to illustrate the "Growth Tax Theory", the psychological price we pay every time we level up in our careers. Andrew, a dual Harvard degree holder, argues that total comfort often signals a lack of growth, suggesting that a healthy dose of doubt keeps professionals sharp and accountable. By blending rigorous over-preparation with the ability to improvise and maintain a sense of humor. This clip serves as a brief but powerful reminder that feeling like an imposter isn't a sign of failure, but rather a byproduct of pushing past your comfort zone.

In this episode of the 9 to 5 Imposter Podcast, hosts Andy and James are joined by ten-year tech veteran Chloe Burton to decode the psychological hurdles of navigating a career pivot from psychology to cybersecurity. Chloe provides a masterclass in professional resilience, sharing her lived experience as a woman of color in tech and revealing how "transparent mentorship” is the ultimate antidote to the imposter syndrome that often plagues the modern "9 to 5." By diving into the tactical importance of grounding yourself, the value of being an openly imperfect mentor, and the strength found in self-reflection, this conversation transforms self-doubt from a professional "tax" into a competitive advantage for long-term growth. Chloe’s insights offer a powerful reminder that self-awareness and transparency are the true hallmarks of a high-performing career in today’s tech landscape.

In this episode of the 9 to 5 in Five, Andy uses a high-impact clip from Eric Shanks to illustrate the "Growth Tax Theory", the psychological price we pay every time we level up in our careers. While many view imposter syndrome as an emotional roadblock, Eric’s success reveals it can actually be a high-performance fuel that drives us to over-prepare and master new skills. By analyzing Eric’s "certification shield" and his tactical approach to silencing internal noise,

In this year-end episode of the 9 to 5 Imposter Podcast, hosts Andy and James reflect on their journey so far, discussing the impactful messages from their previous guests. They touch on various strategies and personal anecdotes shared by their guests. The hosts reflect on the positive reception of the podcast and their excitement about its future, including the plan to bring in more diverse guests and expand the conversation beyond the tech industry. They also highlight their plans to broaden the podcast’s focus beyond tech, aiming to feature stories from diverse professions. They encourage listeners to share their stories, provide feedback, and support the podcast.

In this episode of the 9 to 5 Imposter Podcast, hosts James and Andy dive into the topic of imposter syndrome as they are joined by their guest, Sandeep Nair. A first-generation Indian American and a technology professional, Sandeep shares his journey from being raised in a performance-focused household in West Texas to his current role in big tech. The discussion covers Sandeep's professional trajectory, the impact of cultural inflection points such as 9/11 on his sense of belonging, and how he has navigated imposter syndrome throughout his career. The conversation also delves into the importance of building daily habits for mental and physical well-being, parenting strategies for raising well-rounded children, and the broader implications of sharing personal experiences to help others. The episode concludes with reflections on balancing professional aspirations with meaningful, fulfilling activities.

Andrew Ting, a professor at Georgetown's Business School and George Washington University's Law School and a Chief Legal Officer with two Harvard degrees, shares his personal experiences with imposter syndrome throughout his career. He elaborates on his background as an immigrant from Malaysia, his educational journey, and the challenges he faced in high-pressure roles. Andrew emphasizes the importance of authenticity, mentorship, and not taking oneself too seriously. He also discusses how he prepares his students and children for real-life challenges while encouraging self-acceptance and continuous learning.

This episode of the 9 to 5 Imposter Podcast features guest Nick Rodriguez, who works as a DEI and Employee Experience manager at AHEAD. Nick shares his background, growing up as a Mexican-Scottish American, and the challenges he faced feeling isolated in both his cultural communities and career.  The conversation delves into Nick's childhood, academic challenges, and early loss of his mother, all of which shaped his drive to succeed and navigate self-doubt. Nick emphasizes the value of gratitude and recognition in building each other up, combating imposter syndrome, and fostering a supportive work environment.

Shannon shares her unconventional journey into the tech industry, from being a DJ to becoming a principal solutions architect, as well as her struggles with self-doubt and overcoming impostor syndrome. They discuss the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the unique paths that different professionals take in their careers. The conversation highlights the significance of having champions in one's career, assuming positive intent, and the diverse backgrounds that can lead to a successful career in tech.

In this episode, hosts James and Andy welcome their first guest, Eric Shanks, a principal technical marketing engineer. Eric shares his personal journey with imposter syndrome, discussing his accomplishments, including obtaining multiple technical certifications and how fear and self-doubt fueled these achievements. The discussion touches on the balance between using imposter syndrome as a motivator and the potential for burnout. Eric emphasizes the importance of acknowledging imposter syndrome and finding healthy coping mechanisms. He advises listeners to understand the impact it has on their careers and to seek supportive management. The episode aims to normalize conversations around imposter syndrome and offers insights into dealing with it positively.

In this episode of the Nine to Five Imposter podcast, the hosts share their initial reactions to the positive feedback received from the first episode and delve into the widespread nature of imposter syndrome across various professions, including academia and business. They explore the importance of feedback, the impact of imposter syndrome on professional and personal life, and how to manage external perceptions. Additionally, they consider future episodes, potential guests from different personas, and strategies to unlock potential in high-achieving individuals who struggle with self-doubt.

In the inaugural episode of the Nine to Five Imposter Podcast, hosts Andy Sajous and James Adams delve into the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome, especially within professional environments. They share their personal journeys and experiences with self-doubt despite being high achievers in the tech industry. They offer insights into how these feelings impact their daily work life and strategies to cope with them. The episode also highlights the importance of open dialogue on this topic and extends an invitation to listeners to share their stories.