Shows
Digg PodcastE166: Confidence at Any Age: How Anne Flanagan Turned Viral Fame into a Modelling Career in her 70sAnne Flanagan, from Belfast, had a chance street interview on Model Strangers that turned her into a viral sensation and a late-blooming model in her seventies. She reveals how photographer Chris Ward’s video (seen by over 43 million) led to photoshoots and runway work with ACA Modelling Agency, an on-stage role with Northern Ireland Opera, and even a Zoom chat with Drew Barrymore. Straight talking and down to earth, Anne talks about shyness versus confidence, why preparation beats “just believe in yourself,” embracing grey hair and personal style, and the fami...
2025-11-1044 min
For The WatercoolerCon Air with Ben FlanaganMatt and Caroline review F1 and talk about some of the new trailers they're excited about! Later, Ben Flanagan joins us to talk about the 1997 over-the-top action thriller Con Air!
2025-07-021h 19
Parents Who ThinkHaving It All & Tackling Imposter Syndrome with Caroline FlanaganDanusia Malina-Derben takes on the myth of "having it all" with Caroline Flanagan, author of Be the First and all-round powerhouse. Together, they shred the outdated idea that women need to do everything to have it all—and dig into what your "all" could look like. But that's not all. Imposter syndrome? They're calling it out for the fraud it is. Caroline shares her real-life experience of feeling like she didn't belong and how she flipped the script to reclaim her power. This isn't about perfection or keeping up appearances—it's about...
2024-12-0713 min
Mindset KitchenEpisode 20 - Caroline Flanagan: Coach for Black LawyersCaroline Flanagan is a transformational coach, an inspirational keynote speaker, the author of two books and host of two podcasts. A magic circle trained ex-City lawyer, Caroline’s mission is to bring greater diversity, equality and inclusion to the legal industry by increasing the number of people of colour who stay in the profession and progress to leadership. A woman of colour from a low income background, Caroline learned to navigate the challenges of being the only one in the room and achieve success in a white world. She is a recognised expert on Imposter Sy...
2024-09-031h 01
The Barefoot Mediator PodcastStand Out and Be Different - With Caroline FlanaganIn this interview I speak with Caroline Flanagan, about her journey as a black lawyer in a predominantly white profession.
We discuss:
What does it mean to be the first?
To stand out and be different from those around you?
And to feel as though you are an imposter and don’t fit?
How can we all be more aware of deep-seated attitudes and behaviours?
Caroline is a transformational coach, an inspirational keynote speaker, the author of two books and host of two podcasts. A magic circle trained ex-City lawyer, Caroline’s mission is to bring greater diversity, equality and incl...
2024-03-2540 min
Why Life's A Pitch with Dominic ColensoCaroline Flanagan: Be The First - From Impostor to Empowerment | Ep 15My guest for this episode is Caroline Flanagan.Caroline is a career progression coach, keynote speaker and host of the Caroline Flanagan Podcast and the Legal Imposters Podcast. She’s also the author of Be The First: People of Colour, Imposter Syndrome and the Struggle to Succeed in a White World which was a Business Book Awards finalist in 2022. A magic circle trained ex-City lawyer, Caroline works with international law firms, banks and global organisations to increase the number of people of colour in leadership. Her mission is to help you break through bias, break down barriers and be th...
2024-01-1757 min
Faith Brynel Talks LawS6 ep 6: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Lawyer's Journey to Empowerment with Caroline FlanaganIn this episode of "Faith Brynels Insights," delve into the captivating narrative of Caroline Flanagan, the Imposter Syndrome Coach for Lawyers. Caroline's remarkable journey as a woman of color from a working-class background navigating the white, male, middle-class legal world is an inspiring saga of resilience and empowerment.Join us as Caroline shares pivotal moments that transformed Imposter Syndrome from a challenge into her strength, guiding her through the complexities of the legal realm. Her book, "Be The First: People of Colour, Imposter Syndrome and the Struggle to Succeed in a White World," addresses critical issues and offers insightful...
2024-01-1128 min
Focus on WHYBe the First with Caroline Flanagan Despite experiencing many challenges growing up, former lawyer, inspirational keynote speaker, transformational coach, author and podcaster Caroline Flanagan and her brother shared a mindset of breaking through barriers, a mindset she carries forward in her work today. A recognised expert on Imposter Syndrome, Caroline focuses on supporting black lawyers with their career progression empowering them to take charge of their thoughts and actions creating a ripple effect of positive change. Instead of feeling that they are the only one in the room they now know that they are being the first. KEY TAKEAWAY "...
2024-01-0347 min
Leadership Mindset - Think, See, Do054 – Imposter Syndrome – Interview Caroline FlanaganMy latest podcast interview was with Caroline Flanagan, the ‘Imposter Syndrome Coach for Lawyers’.
Among many areas Caroline and I talked about: a) Her understanding of what Imposter Syndrome is, b) Why she feels so passionately about this topic, c) Whether she believe being labelled with imposter syndrome is helpful or detrimental, d) How Imposter Syndrome manifests and the symptoms (Caroline's 4 horsemen), e) What people can do to overcome this (and ACCEPTANCE is a key word here!
The post 054 – Imposter Syndrome – Interview Caroline Flanagan appeared first on Tony Brooks.
2023-03-2046 min
Legal ImpostersExcessively Checking Your WorkStop excessively checking your work! Every excess minute you spend checking is a minute you don’t have available to manage your workload, spend time with friends and family and exercise as much as you need to so that you stay on top of your game. Stop it right now! In this episode I walk you through exactly what you need to do. Here’s what I cover: ⚡️How excessively checking your work is holding you back ⚡️The simple solution to stop you doing it ⚡️The step by step process to...
2023-02-1635 min
The Caroline Flanagan PodcastHave you made the switch to Legal Imposters with Caroline Flanagan?Have you made the switch to Legal Imposters with Caroline Flanagan? There are no further episodes planned for the Caroline Flanagan Podcast. Please head over to your favourite podcast player and subscribe to Legal Imposters to discover everything to support you to make Imposter Syndrome your strength. You can connect via iTunes here:
2023-02-0301 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastThe 4 Pillars of Career ProgressionWhy do you need to change the way you think about career progression goals? Many of You HAVE no career progression goals at all. You’re floating along You have no intention or direction Maybe it hasn’t occurred to you that you should. A lot of you have this idea that career progression is only about getting a promotion. Some of you do have a career progression goal, but it’s not the right one. You have a career progression goal, it’s the right one, but the way you’re chasing after that goal is going...
2022-11-2504 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastWelcome to Legal Imposters!This week we’re launching a brand new podcast exclusively for lawyers. Welcome to Legal Imposters! The podcast will have all the helpful Imposter Syndrome advice and information you have been used to if you have been following the Caroline Flanagan podcast over the last couple of years, but will be tailored to be even more specific to lawyers, going deeper and serving you better. This introductory episode is to welcome fellow legal imposters into the fold, and to explain to you how the key to tackling your Imposter Syndrome lies in turning it into your strength and...
2022-11-1735 min
Us People PodcastCaroline Flanagan – Author - Coach - International Keynote Speaker and Founder - Season 3 - #139 - {Learning To Become}Send Us A Message or Ask Us A Question? In this episode of the Us People Podcast, Savia gets to speak to Caroline Flanagan – Author - Coach - International Keynote Speaker and Founder - When we talk about self confidence and esteem.*Grew up in Birmingham, her parents were never married, and she lived with one or the other.*Her mother coming in and out of her life* At the age of six years old being sent to boarding school.*Finding a way to navigate from one extreme to...
2022-11-081h 15
In Pursuit of the Better YouImposter Syndrome - with Caroline FlanaganThis week, we're joined by Caroline Flanagan - fellow coach whose expertise is Imposter Syndrome. We discuss what Imposter Syndrome is and how you can make it a strength to propel you forward instead of allowing it to hold you back. People often have Imposter Syndrome but don't realise it because they might have never heard of it! So we discuss the symptoms and secret signs to help you identify if you have it. And Caroline shares her process to stop it from taking the wheel of your life. If you'd like to fi...
2022-10-1736 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastClient BreakthroughAre you curious about Imposter Syndrome Coaching? Do you wonder how it works? Or fear it might not work for you? Coaching forms the backbone of ISC (my coaching programme for lawyers with Imposter Syndrome.) In these special ‘client breakthrough’ podcast episodes, I’m sharing examples of client progression due to their coaching experiences. If you’ve never had coaching before, this is a brilliant way to gain some insight into the process. You’ll get to zoom in on real client scenarios and get a glimpse of the types of transformations you can achieve through my...
2022-07-2149 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastImposter Syndrome is the WayYour Imposter Syndrome is the obstacle standing between you and the results you want in your career, but did you know that it is also the solution? It sounds counterintuitive, but at its core, this is about choice; the choices you have when your Imposter Syndrome is triggered: The choices around what you make it mean, and The choices over what to do next. This is the philosophy I teach that supports step 4 of Imposter Syndrome Coaching: follow your Imposter Syndrome to your goal. Imposter Syndrome will get in your way, but don’t s...
2022-07-141h 00The Caroline Flanagan PodcastGrowth CyclesIn this podcast: What Growth Cycles are and why they’re important. Why, as a lawyer with Imposter Syndrome, you need to understand how they work. How to use Growth Cycles to create the career results you want. In Imposter Syndrome Coaching, I guide you through a 4-step process to help you solve your Imposter Syndrome and progress your career. This is: Normalise your Imposter Syndrome Remember who you are Trust you are enough Follow Imposter Syndrome to your goal Having a clear process is one thing. But staying on track and seeing that process through...
2022-07-0140 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastAsking for FeedbackDo you ever ask for feedback on your work, or do you wait for it to be offered or for your annual review? When you have Imposter Syndrome, asking someone ‘how did I do?’ feels risky. When you feel like a fraud, that your success is down to luck and that you might be exposed, asking for feedback is one of the last things you want to do. Why would you risk drawing attention to yourself where someone might spot your mistakes? Ask for feedback and you risk confirming your worst fears. But feedback is essent...
2022-06-2458 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastHow to Progress Your Law CareerThe podcast episode this time is a recording of last week’s free Webinar, How to Progress Your Law Career (without fixing your Imposter Syndrome). You’ve tried all the tips and tricks. Power-posing. Faking it 'til you make it. Telling yourself you deserve to be here and that your success isn't down to luck. But none of them have worked. Not in a transformative way. They give you a boost, but the results never last. You always end up back here: Overworking. Overthinking. Playing small. Sabotaging your success. You’re looking for a solution t...
2022-06-161h 30The Caroline Flanagan PodcastProgression Series Part 4: More EaseWelcome to the Progression Series: 4 podcasts in which I challenge the myth that career progression is only about promotions and pay rises. I introduce you to the 4 pillars of career progression that provide the best motivation for solving your Imposter Syndrome and are the key to making your experience as a lawyer so much easier and more fulfilling. In this episode: The 4 Pillars of Career Progression Progressing your career is about more than a new position, a new job title and the accompanying pay rise. These have their value. But unless they are...
2022-06-1059 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastProgression Series Part 3: More ConfidenceWelcome to the Progression Series: 4 podcasts in which I challenge the myth that career progression is only about promotions and pay rises. I introduce you to the 4 pillars of career progression that provide the best motivation for solving your Imposter Syndrome and are the key to making your experience as a lawyer so much easier and more fulfilling. In this episode: The 4 Pillars of Career Progression Progressing your career is about more than a new position, a new job title and the accompanying pay rise. These have their value. But unless they are...
2022-06-031h 19The Caroline Flanagan PodcastProgression Series Part 2: More RecognitionWelcome to the Progression Series: 4 podcasts in which I challenge the myth that career progression is only about promotions and pay rises. I introduce you to the 4 pillars of career progression that provide the best motivation for solving your Imposter Syndrome and are the key to making your experience as a lawyer so much easier and more fulfilling. In this episode: The 4 Pillars of Career Progression Progressing your career is about more than a new position, a new job title and the accompanying pay rise. These have their value. But unless they are...
2022-05-2748 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastProgression Part 1: Better BalanceWelcome to the Progression Series: 4 podcasts in which I challenge the myth that career progression is only about promotions and pay rises. I introduce you to the 4 pillars of career progression that provide the best motivation for solving your Imposter Syndrome and are the key to making your experience as a lawyer so much easier and more fulfilling. In this episode: The 4 Pillars of Career Progression Progressing your career is about more than a new position, a new job title and the accompanying pay rise. These have their value. But unless they are accompanied...
2022-05-2459 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastMake Lawyering EasierBeing a lawyer is hard, right? This is the received wisdom about the law profession. It’s hard to get into There are high expectations and exacting standards when you get there It means long hours, late nights and is intellectually challenging There’s intense competition for promotion There’s extreme pressure where the consequences of making a mistake are huge. Being a lawyer is nothing like the glamorous portrayal you see in the media and movies. If you’ve ever felt disappointed with the reality of your daily experience of work, it may be comforti...
2022-05-131h 03The Caroline Flanagan PodcastKeeping CalmAs a lawyer with Imposter Syndrome, the idea of feeling calm at work might seem like sheer fantasy. When you feel like a fraud, that your success is down to luck and that you might be exposed at any time, you are often stressed, overwhelmed and anxious at work. When your Imposter Syndrome is triggered, your reaction is to panic, and to spiral into self-doubt and confusion. The total opposite of calm! But the ability to stay calm is a vital skill. Especially when you have Imposter Syndrome. It’s how you do your bes...
2022-05-061h 01The Caroline Flanagan PodcastImposter Syndrome TriggersHow do you know when your Imposter Syndrome is being triggered? Perhaps you experience the classic Imposter Syndrome feelings - that you are a fraud, that your success is down to luck, or that you might be exposed at any time? Or perhaps you get carried away by one of the Four Horseman - overthinking, overworking, playing small, and self-sabotage? Whichever way Imposter Syndrome triggers affect you, when you work in a high-pressure, competitive environment like a law firm, it is likely to happen ALOT. There are so many stressful situations you...
2022-04-2851 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastEarned ConfidenceConfidence – if only we had been born with it! But confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It isn’t innate. It’s earned. Earned confidence is the confidence you get from doing hard things, uncomfortable things, things you are afraid of doing because you don’t know how to do them yet. When you think about how a toddler learns to walk, you accept that the only way he or she becomes a confident walker is to take a step then fall then get back up again; try and fail and try again and again un...
2022-04-1443 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastHow to walk into any roomDo you avoid in-person networking events unless they are compulsory? Or attend and only speak to people you know or people more junior than you? When you have Imposter Syndrome, walking into a room of people you don’t know is triggering. If you feel like a fraud who is scared of being exposed, networking is the last thing you want to do. And of course, it’s entirely possible to go through your career, not attending events or going to as few as possible. It’s possible - but it’s a missed opp...
2022-04-081h 06The Caroline Flanagan PodcastSpeak Up in MeetingsYou are outgoing in your personal life. But put you in a meeting at work and you barely say a word. You’re so quiet, you don’t recognise yourself Not speaking up in meetings is a secret sign of Imposter Syndrome. It’s one of the ways in which you play small, and playing small is one of the 4 work behaviours that is harming your career. It means that: You’re not visible. When you’re not visible, people don’t know you. When people don’t know you, they can’t see your value. When...
2022-04-0154 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastThe Four HorsemenYou may have heard of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, characters from the Old Testament book of Revelation who are sent by God to bring conquest, war, famine and death, signalling the end of the world. This podcast is no religious study, of course! But the story is a perfect metaphor for impending doom and an apt description of the four work behaviours which, if left unchecked, could lead to your career stalling or even coming to an end. These four behaviours are: 1. Overworking - when you waste time doing work which...
2022-03-241h 03The Caroline Flanagan PodcastHow You Get ThereHow do you make partner when you have Imposter Syndrome? Going for a promotion puts pressure on anyone. The pressure to consistently present yourself in the best light, to keep delivering results, to achieve the recognition and pay you deserve. But when you have Imposter Syndrome and you already feel like a fraud, or not good enough, this pressure massively intensifies. Going for a promotion is actually a TRIGGER for your Imposter Syndrome. Your usual coping mechanisms go into overdrive, so you: Overwork with excessive preparation and checking Overthink by wasting more of your t...
2022-03-1747 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastBeing More VisibleDo you put yourself forward for speaking events? Seize opportunities to raise your profile (eg by working on high-stakes projects)? Attend in-person work events? Reach out to colleagues or partners you don’t know? Share your accomplishments at work and on social media? If the answer is no, then you’re not being visible enough at work. Being visible is an essential career skill. If you want to attract opportunities, recognition, promotion, or a pay rise, it’s not going to happen if people don’t know who you...
2022-03-0348 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastGetting started.Do you consume all the content and advice about Imposter Syndrome, but then never actually do anything? Do you constantly talk about your Imposter Syndrome to friends, but never talk about the solution? Are you always searching for that elusive magic fix for your own special brand of Imposter Syndrome, but never finding it? Do you frequently tell yourself that you’re going to do something about your Imposter Syndrome, but then never actually commit to doing anything? If this is you then join the club! We’ve all been there. You know w...
2022-02-241h 05The Caroline Flanagan PodcastThe Trust FactorDo you wonder why confidence, on the rare occasions you feel it, never lasts? Or why it comes in short bursts or feels fake? That’s because you’re trying to solve your Imposter Syndrome with quick fixes that don’t get to the route of the problem; your lack of trust in who you are. When something happens to trigger your Imposter Syndrome, you make it mean that you’re not enough: not experienced enough, not knowledgable enough, not assertive enough, not male enough... And because you feel you’re not enough, you show up t...
2022-02-1735 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastPeople Believing in YouHas your boss ever told you they believe in you? That you are capable, that you have great potential, or that you should apply for a promotion or pay rise? It should feel like a huge pat on the back to have a senior or respected colleague appreciate you like this: It’s a reflection of your good work It shows they are invested in you It suggests they are keen to support your career. But when you have Imposter Syndrome, people believing in you isn’t welcome approval - it’s a daunting...
2022-02-1154 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastCreating Your Own LuckThinking your successes are down to luck is a classic sign of Imposter Syndrome. Instead of celebrating in your success and believing in how great you are, your Imposter Syndrome is triggered and you have thoughts like: “I shouldn’t be here” “It’s all down to luck” and “My luck is going to run out”. This way of thinking is the reason you are: - Overworking - Playing small - Seeking external validation. When this happens, trying to tell yourself your succe...
2022-02-0454 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastEnjoy Your WorkWhen you’re a lawyer with Imposter Syndrome, it’s hard to enjoy your work. You spend so much time feeling stressed, anxious and overwhelmed, you lose touch with the things that attracted you to the job in the first place. Your daily experience of work is so far removed from the idea of enjoyment, you view suffering through it as the norm. It doesn’t have to be this way. You may not be able to change your demanding clients. You may have little control over the hours. But what you can control, is how mu...
2021-12-1648 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastSunday Night DreadsHow do you feel on a Sunday evening? If you frequently feel like you're dreading the start of the working week, there's a problem. Getting the Sunday 'dreads' is a sign that your Imposter Syndrome has been triggered. Perhaps you're thinking about all the things you should have done but haven’t? Perhaps you're worrying because you don't know what’s coming in the week ahead - or feel insecure about your ability to cope with any challenges that may arise? But the problem isn't really with what's coming - or what you have...
2021-12-0942 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastFailure ToleranceHow do you feel about failure? Would you welcome it? Can you accept it and learn from it when it happens? If you suffer from Imposter Syndrome, I know that failure is one of the things you want to avoid at all costs. If this is you, then it's time to revisit your beliefs about failure, what it takes to succeed and why failure tolerance is a skill you need to start developing today. In this episode: What is Failure Tolerance? Why does it matter? The mistakes you are making in how...
2021-12-0145 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastRecognitionMany of my clients come to me because they aren't getting the recognition they deserve and they are feeling undervalued. Recognition - when others show appreciation for what you do and the value you bring - is a basic human need and is particularly important when you work in an industry that demands so much of you. That's why it's important to understand what recognition is, why it matters and what you're doing that is stopping you from getting the recognition you deserve. Tune in to learn more.
2021-11-2438 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastExcessive CheckingExcessive checking is one of the secret signs of Imposter Syndrome because it is work that is driven by the fear of not being enough and the threat of being found out. It may feel like it's best to keep checking. But excessively checking your work comes at a cost. It eats up time that could be better spent completing other work, catching up with loved ones or taking better care of yourself. It undermines your performance and stops you attracting the recognition you deserve. And it makes your job less fun than it should be.
2021-11-1944 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastStop OverworkingI know, when it comes to your work, that long hours come with the territory. It's the nature of the work you do. But are you sure that every single one of those hours is adding value to what you do? In this episode, I talk about what I call Overworking - excessive working, driven by Imposter Syndrome (that feeling of not being enough), which adds little or no value and is causing you to work longer hours than you need to. The most obvious examples of this are perfectionism and procrastination. Just like Overthinking...
2021-11-1056 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastStop OverthinkingDo you know the single most important cause of most of the issues you struggle with in your career? No, it isn't your demanding client. It isn't your boss. Neither is it the large number of hours you are expected to work each year. It's what your brain does when it operates from the fear of not being enough and it's called Overthinking. In this episode I introduce you to the concept of Overthinking - what it is, what it's costing you in your career, and the first steps you need to take to put a stop...
2021-11-041h 01The Caroline Flanagan PodcastLabouring Over EmailsDo you labour over emails? Your approach to writing emails may seem like a small thing, but how you write them and how long it takes you speaks volumes about how you're showing up to your work. When it’s a laborious process that takes longer than it should, it means you are showing up from some form of not being enough, and that points to Imposter Syndrome. Fixing this is easier than you might think. You don’t need a confidence-building course, you just need a strategy for getting out of your own head when y...
2021-10-2637 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastHaunted By Past FailureAre you being haunted by a past failure? Being haunted by the shadow of past failure is one of the secret signs of Imposter Syndrome that is causing you to overthink and overwork and is stopping you from performing as well as you could. This is not what failure is supposed to do. I’ve had my share of failures and disappointments. But they don’t haunt me, they teach me - a better way of working. A more effective way to show up. Most importantly, I use my past failures to build my present beli...
2021-10-1952 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastThings Taking Longer Than They ShouldDo tasks take you longer than they should? Do you constantly underestimate how long a piece of work will take you? Things taking longer than they should is one of the secret signs of Imposter Syndrome. It comes from overthinking and overworking and it means you're not performing at your highest level. If you suffer from Imposter Syndrome you probably blame yourself. You think you don't know enough or aren't experienced enough and that everyone around you does things more quickly. But this kind of thinking causes procrastination, (more) self-judgement and doing more work than i...
2021-10-0743 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastKnowledge Is Not EnoughDo you ever feel anxious about client meetings? Do you worry about being asked a question you don’t know how to answer? Does your stress and anxiety come from a fear of not knowing enough? Many of you are placing too much importance on what you know. Or more typically, on what you think you know or don't know. In this episode, I talk about why knowledge is important but, if you suffer from Imposter Syndrome, why it will never be enough. You’ll hear the story of my client who claims to know he i...
2021-09-3028 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastFeast Or Famine“It’s either feast or famine” is an expression I used all the time when I was a lawyer in the City before I understood how results are created. Fifteen years later, my clients are still using it to describe their experience of work - one minute you’re overwhelmed and your billings are up 200%, the next minute the transaction is over, your billings are down and you’re lying awake at night worrying about paying the bills. But although “feast or famine” seems like a fun and frivolous way of thinking about the vicissitudes of lawyer life, there is...
2021-09-2344 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastOn Your OwnThis summer I did something I haven’t done in a very long time - holiday on my own. It was amazing. If you’re someone who thinks holidaying on your own is a sad and lonely affair to be avoided at all costs, think again. It is one of the most powerful things you can do. Mykonos is beautiful and fun (and expensive!). But for all its beauty, it wasn’t the island that made my holiday, it was me: the time I spent with myself, the attention I gave myself and the things I redis...
2021-09-0848 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastBack To The OfficeMany of my clients are returning to the office this month. That means a return to commuting, face-to-face meetings, office politics, and a whole host of other things that are making them anxious. If you’re facing the prospect of going back to the office and it’s causing you to fret and worry, you have to listen to episode 101 of the podcast. In it, I break down the reasons why your brain is fearing the worst and how to calm those fears. You’ll discover that how you feel when you return to the office...
2021-09-0243 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastSelf ConceptSelf concept - the way you see yourself - may not be something you think about consciously, but it is a key factor in your ability to internalise your success and create results every single day. If you’re wondering why your imposter syndrome won’t go away, despite all you’ve achieved, the answer is an outdated self-concept. You’re progressing to a new level in your career with the old version of who you are. The way to avoid this is to work on your self concept so that you become the new version...
2021-08-0558 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastCreating ResultsDo you set a goal and then work towards it, hoping that it will happen? Knowing that you have to do your bit, but believing that in the end, the result depends on things you can’t control: someone else’s decision; the number of hours in a day; or good old fashioned luck? The up side of sharing responsibility for your results is that there’s always someone or something else to blame or share the blame with when you don’t get the result you want. But here are the downsides: If you don’t get the...
2021-07-2337 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastShowcase Your ValueI’ve been thinking about the clients I work with who feel undervalued and unappreciated, and they all make the same mistakes: They think that working hard is enough. They think their work should speak for itself. They think that putting the client first, making sacrifices in their personal life and getting the job done to a high standard is enough. But none of this will get you the recognition or promotion you deserve if people don’t know you. It’s not enough to be valuable. You have to showcase your v...
2021-07-1431 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastEmotional ManagementDo you ever find yourself creating the very result you had been trying to avoid, because of how you reacted in the heat of the moment? Because you acted (or avoided taking action) out of fear, for example? If you’re human, the answer is likely to be yes! But what if it didn’t have to be that way? What if you could experience an emotions like fear or anxiety, without being held hostage by them? Emotional management is not about ignoring emotions or pretending not to feel. Quite the oppo...
2021-07-0943 min
Clowning Around PodcastBe The First with Caroline FlanaganJoin Em Stroud and her clown Barbara as they chat all things Be The First with Caroline Flanagan. What does it mean to Be the First? How can you Be the First? What is the mindset required to Be The First? How is Barbara the first in her world? How has Caroline found the courage to be the First and much much more Follow Caroline: www.carolineflanagan.com Twitter : @flan_caroline Linkedin: Caroline Flanagan Instagram: caroline_flanagan_ About Caroline: Caroline is an inspirational keynote speaker, trans...
2021-07-0649 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastSkin In The GameExactly how serious are you about achieving your goal? Are you committed? Are you invested? Do you have something to lose if you don’t achieve it? There’s a noticeable difference between my clients who book their sessions, show up on time, engage in the coaching process and do the work; and those who don’t do any of that. That difference is skin in the game and it is the difference between those who create extraordinary results, and those who don’t. Which one are you?...
2021-07-0146 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastThought Shifts2 weeks ago I didn’t know how to surf. Unlike my kids, I am terrified of the ocean and intimidated by crashing waves. Also, I absolutely hate being cold. Today I long for the surf! I miss the push and pull of the waves as I try to paddle out; the nervous anticipation as a wave approaches and the excitement as I stand up on the board. Woohooooo! What changed? The ocean didn’t change. It is still fierce, intimidating and absolutely freezing. I stopped thinking “I can’t do it” and I star...
2021-06-2229 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastCalling Yourself An ImposterWould you call yourself an Imposter? I would and I do. In fact I am proud to call myself an Imposter. In this episode I explain what that means and I challenge you to call yourself an Imposter too so that it can help you show up more powerfully in your life and create better results. Calling yourself an Imposter is all about building a powerful relationship with yourself. It requires that you understand the cause of your Imposter Syndrome and that you 100% believe yourself to be unique, valuable and capable of creating extraordinary results...
2021-06-1627 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastForget ConfidenceConfidence is the thing we talk so much about, and crave so much when a challenge comes along, a set back occurs or when we have one of those days when we feel we can't get anything right. But what actually is confidence? And is it really what we need? If this is not a question you've thought to ask yourself before, maybe it's time that you did. I discovered that when I sat down and really thought about it, the thing I craved so badly and thought I needed in order to succeed, was not what...
2021-06-0840 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastConfidence vs Imposter Syndrome“So tell me, do you still suffer from Imposter Syndrome?” This question came from an old friend who I met up with last week for the first time in over a year. She told me she’d been following my work and life on social and now she had me in the room, this was the burning question she was desperate to ask me. A big smile beamed across my face. I felt excited and proud. “Yes I do. Of course I do. All of the time!” I told her, to which she replied: “I don’t get it” she sa...
2021-05-2530 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastHigh ExpectationsDo other people’s high expectations trigger your Imposter Syndrome? If so, you’re not alone. This week on the podcast I’m answering this question from an attendee at my Imposter Syndrome event for the Black Solicitors Network last month. They asked: “how do you deal with Imposter Syndrome when it’s caused by high expectations from your family?” The answer to dealing with Imposter Syndrome, whether caused by high expectations or any other trigger, is always to turn your Imposter Syndrome into a strength. In this episode I show you how in 4 clear steps. The first...
2021-05-1932 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastPick Yourself Back UpI’ve been asked for advice on how to pick yourself back up when your Imposter Syndrome causes you to sabotage opportunities. Is this something you struggle with? The most effective strategy for coping with setbacks and failures, is to have the structures in place before these things happen. That’s one of the reasons why the Imposter SpeechTM is so powerful. Because you’ve already done the work in creating it, you know exactly where to find it, and which bit to draw on, when you need it. In this episode I walk you step b...
2021-05-1145 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastInvest In YourselfDo you invest in yourself? I never used to. It never really occurred to me that I should. I think that had a lot to do with working in a huge global law firm where so much was organised and paid for by the firm - training, professional development, all that stuff. But when I started my business 15 years ago I discovered how important it is to invest your own money in yourself. It helps you value yourself more, feel more valued and it makes you more valuable in return. What could you invest in...
2021-05-0526 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastBelieve-abilityThis week I’m talking about believe-ability, the word I use to describe your ability to believe in something, before you have proof that it’s true. It’s something many of my coaching clients struggle with. They want proof they are valuable to their employer, for example, before they are willing to believe they are valuable. But this is the wrong approach. If you want a result (to feel valuable, to get promoted) you need to believe in the result before you have it. Why? Because belief in the result is what drives the action you must tak...
2021-04-2732 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastFeeling ValuedIf you wish others would value you more, then you're not alone. For most of my coaching clients, "Feeling more valued"" is either top of their wishlist, or a very close second. But what does it take to feel valued, and whose responsibility is it? In this episode of the podcast I talk about the importance of valuing yourself, before you can expect others to value you. I talk about the 5 (and a half!) common mistakes people make when it comes to feeling valued, and then I share how to use the 80:20 rule to create a healthy...
2021-04-2038 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastUsing Your Imposter SpeechDo you have a go to approach for getting you through those moments when your Imposter Syndrome is triggered? or when you’re feeling the pressure? or when you’ve lost your mojo? I never used to. I used to make it up as I went along, trying whatever tips and tricks were the flavour of the month and taking in advice and suggestions from all angles. The problem with that approach was that either it didn’t work or, when it did work, any positive effects were temporary. When I encountered the next challenge, I always found myself back a...
2021-04-1451 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastImposter Series Part 8 - Your goal needs a purposeIf you set goals at the beginning of the year, now’s the perfect time to evaluate your progress towards them so far. If you haven’t, it’s not too late to set them. But goals are only half the story. The other half is the underlying purpose behind them. On the podcast this week I talk about both goals and purpose - the difference between the two and why they are critical to helping you solve your Imposter Syndrome. I explain what a purpose is and why it’s so important to ensure your goals and purp...
2021-04-0748 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastOwn Your BackstoryAre you still showing up to difficult challenges and questioning your ability to cope? Then you need to own your backstory.In this episode I talk about your backstory. Your backstory is the story of how you got to here, where you are today. But it’s not the story of your successes. It’s the story of the setbacks, the struggles and the disappointments you faced and had to overcome along the way. Your backstory is important because at every crossroads or hurdle you encounter, it can either work for you or against you. If you want...
2021-03-3145 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastImposter Series Part 6: Why are you here?Have you ever been in the thick of a challenge as you try to reach your goal, and asked yourself: why am I here? Why am I putting myself through this? If yes, this episode on ‘why are you here’ is for you. It’s a common question amongst my clients as they battle with their desire to succeed, their fear of failure and the inevitable discomfort of rising to their potential. Sometimes the frustration goes further and before you know it, they are questioning everything: Why did I choose this career/role/industry? I didn’t actually...
2021-03-2347 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastImposter Series Part 5 - Internalise Your SuccessIn this episode I talk about the importance of internalising your success. So many of you are clocking up success after success without taking a moment to internalise their value. Is it any wonder then, that no matter how hard you work or how much you succeed, you still believe your success is down to luck and you question your right to be here? The message I have for you this week is that your successes won’t internalise themselves! It’s up to you to take responsibility for your every success (and for re...
2021-03-1651 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastThe Imposter Series - James Bond Your NameThis week on the podcast: James Bond your name! I want to introduce you to a powerful tool for creating instant courage, building lasting confidence and showcasing your value - to yourself and to others. It’s free, it belongs to you and you can take it with you everywhere: it’s your name. But it’s not enough to just have a name. It’s vitally important that you know how to use it. In this episode you’ll discover that your name is the first part of your fiv...
2021-03-1041 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastThe Imposter Series Part 3: What is the Imposter Speech?In episode 80 I am excited to share with you my transformational tool for turning your Imposter Syndrome into a strength. It helps you create instant courage, build lasting confidence and showcase your value so you never have to play small again. I describe what it is and how it is different to the other solutions to Imposter Syndrome you may have come across, and how the process of creating it and repeatedly using it has helped me achieve goals I wouldn’t have conceived of or believed possible. As well as explaining what it does, I...
2021-03-0237 min
Prosperity Podcast with Nicole BremnerBeating The Imposter Syndrome with Caroline Flanagan #81Send us a text EP81: “Imposter syndrome is that feeling that you’re a fraud, that whatever success or achievements that you’ve had are down to luck and the fear that any minute now someone is going to tap you on the shoulder and expose you as the fraud you think you are."Imposter Syndrome can be totally debilitating but it can also be used as a force for good. In this episode of the Nicole Bremner podcast, I explore this subject with my guest, inspirational keynote speaker, transformational coach, author...
2021-03-0259 minProsperity Podcast with Nicole BremnerBeating The Imposter Syndrome with Caroline Flanagan #81Send us a text EP81: “Imposter syndrome is that feeling that you’re a fraud, that whatever success or achievements that you’ve had are down to luck and the fear that any minute now someone is going to tap you on the shoulder and expose you as the fraud you think you are."Imposter Syndrome can be totally debilitating but it can also be used as a force for good. In this episode of the Nicole Bremner podcast, I explore this subject with my guest, inspirational keynote speaker, transformational coach, author...
2021-03-0259 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastImposter Series Part 2: Imposter Syndrome is not a problemThis week as part of a series of podcasts on Imposter Syndrome, I challenge your belief that Imposter Syndrome is something you can (or should) conquer, overcome or get rid of before you can realise your potential. Actually, I believe your Imposter Syndrome is here to stay and here's why: I’ve tried so many of the tips and tricks for ditching imposter syndrome over the years, but the results were always fleeting I don’t know anyone who has eradicated their imposter syndrome for good (but if you’re out there, I’d love to meet you!); and The...
2021-02-2433 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastImposter Series Part I: Imposter Syndrome Doesn’t Care About The TruthIn episode 78 I talk about the Imposter Syndrome crisis I had while writing my book... about Imposter Syndrome! I describe the conversation with my Speaker Coach, humorist Jeremy Nicholas, about where this particular strain of Imposter Syndrome comes from and why he found it so funny. I then share 3 key insights about Imposter Syndrome which helped me to solve this crisis so I could go on to finish the book, and which will help you to see your Imposter Syndrome in a new light. Here’s what comes up: 3 words to help you identify Imposter Syndrome: * FR...
2021-02-1839 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastDoing Hard ThingsWhat do you do when you’re finding things hard? It happens to us all. You’ll have heard me say that life is an arena. That’s because sooner or later (and perhaps more often than we’d like) we come across something we think we cannot do, or we simply don’t enjoy or want to do. I’ll bet you’ve felt that way at work a few times already this year, to say nothing of this seemingly endless lockdown. On the podcast this week I want to share with you the tool I use to...
2021-02-1039 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastConsistency Is KeyWhat one thing could you be doing more consistently right now, to get better results? We’re all good at being consistent, some of the time! When it comes to actions like brushing our teeth we all know the importance of being consistent if we want the right results (healthy teeth and fewer trips to the dentist!). But when it comes to creating other results in our life, we forget how powerful it can be to take small actions consistently over time. In episode 76 of the podcast, I discuss why consistency is key to...
2021-02-0352 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastPractical Solutions Aren’t EnoughIn this episode I talk about practical tools and solutions and why these aren’t enough. Practical tips and tools are great, and they work to an extent. But the real game-changer for achieving sustainable results, isn’t the practical stuff at all; it’s the internal thought work. In this episode I talk about what internal thought work is, why it is so important, and why you need to make it a priority over the practical. It’s all very well having a toolbox of tips and tricks to turn to when facing a challenge or problem o...
2020-10-2347 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastPrepare For Your Next Off DayWhen you wake up feeling listless and demotivated, what do you do? We all have “off days” – those days when we’re off our game, or just not feeling it. The problem is that off days can sneak up on us without warning and for no particular reason, sapping our energy and enthusiasm and leaving us feeling frustrated that we’re not operating at our usual level. This can be a real challenge when we’re still expected to show up and perform. The good news is, your off days don’t have to be a write o...
2020-09-1734 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastAvoiding Being “That Person”Do you have a person, or an idea of a person, you are determined not to be? And is this holding you back? It’s not uncommon to have an anti-role model: someone whose behaviour you dislike and will do anything to distance yourself from. But has it occurred to you that your determination not to be that person could be holding you back? Or that you could learn something valuable from that person? In this episode I challenge your assumptions about the person whose behaviour, style or attitudes you don’t like and invite you t...
2020-09-0941 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastCreating OpportunitiesFor many of us, so much has been lost this year – time spent with loved ones, the possibility of promotion, rejuvenating holidays in beautiful places, precious lives. But what have you found? In this episode I’m directing your attention to the opportunities you could discover or create for yourself this year. Most people think opportunities are gifts from someone else. But the best opportunities don’t fall out of the sky. They are created. And you are the one who must create them. In this episode I share some practical steps you can take to star...
2020-08-2634 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastP is for PowerMany people hate the word power, and will do anything to avoid it. I get that it has lots of negative connotations. Power can be about control and manipulation and the impact you have on others, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be about your innate ability to rise to life’s challenges and create incredible results in your own life. If you struggle with words like “power” “powerful” and “empowerment”, this week’s episode is for you. I’m here to persuade you that when you reject the word power, you reject your own potent...
2020-08-1934 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastAcceptanceIn this episode I talk about acceptance, and why accepting the way things are is the starting point for change. When you argue with reality you’re fighting a losing battle. You expend all your energy being frustrated or angry or resentful, and reality always wins. The idea of acceptance as a starting point for change seems counter-intuitive. It sounds like acquiescence, giving up or saying everything is ok. But the opposite is true. When you accept what’s going on, you gain authority over the situation, it frees you up to see more clearly and you’re bett...
2020-08-1234 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastWhat’s Your Superpower?Your superpower is the thing you do easily, you most likely take for granted, and which others find difficult or don’t enjoy. In this episode I’m asking you to take a break from all the new skills you're trying to acquire, the new tools you’re trying to learn, and the new improved person you’re striving to be. Instead I want you to bring your focus back to who you are today. If you’re anything like my clients, you tend to undervalue what you already have and put too much focus on what you don’t...
2020-08-0738 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastThe Inclusion IllusionIn today’s episode I introduce you to the Inclusion Illusion. It’s one of the Progression Pitfalls I identify in my new book on Imposter Syndrome “Be The First” (published November 2020). Progression Pitfalls are the traps, distractions and roadblocks that will sabotage your progress and derail your attempts to fulfil your potential. The Diversity Distraction, which I introduced in episode 63 of this podcast, is one of them. The Inclusion Illusion is another. The Inclusion Illusion is the belief held by someone in a minority group (a woman in an all-male industry for example; or a BAME profession...
2020-07-3140 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastWelcome to….. the Caroline Flanagan Podcast! This is a special episode to announce that I’m renaming the podcast. From today, what was previously known as the Babyproof Your Career Podcast, will now be called the Caroline Flanagan Podcast. In this special episode I explain the reasons why.
2020-07-2913 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastRecommitmentIt isn’t enough to make a decision to do something. In order to make it happen, you need to recommit to the goal. Not just once, but over and over again until it was done. After the initial enthusiasm and excitement when we first commit to a goal, it’s easy to lose momentum or become distracted on your way to achieving it. What I’ve also found is that it’s easy to set goals. But setting goals and taking action to achieve them are completely different things. That’s why in this week’s episo...
2020-07-2233 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastYour Body SpeaksIf you’ve been working your usual long hours during lockdown, this period has probably been harder on your body. When you remove the commute to work, the excuse to stop by a colleagues office, go out to meetings or pop out for coffee, what you’re left with is a sedentary, stressful lifestyle that takes a physical toll on your body. The question is, have you noticed? Most of us take our body for granted. Years ago I heard a highly successful woman describe how she regretted viewing her body “as nothing but a vehicle for my bra...
2020-07-1538 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastHabitsResearch shows that 45% of our daily action is controlled by habit. Therefore, it’s important to consider what your habits are and whether they are producing the results you want. In this episode I invite you to think about the habits you’ve adopted in the last 6 months and consider: which habits do you want to leave behind? Which will you take forward? If “we are what we repeatedly do” as philosopher Will Durant proclaimed, then this is a great opportunity: decide who you want to become this year so you can consciously cultivate the habits that will get you there.
2020-07-0626 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastBrene Brown’s Lessons On VulnerabilityVulnerability is usually seen as a weakness, so the last place you would expect to find it (or feel able to show it) is in the workplace. But Brene Brown’s work shows us that vulnerability has a place in all aspects of our lives - from leadership to parenting. It is the secret to getting the most out of others and the most out of ourselves. According to Brown, vulnerability is “life’s great dare”. If we want the best human experience, we need to go all in.
2020-06-2924 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastThe Diversity DistractionThis week I talk about distractions, and how they divert your attention away from the work you are here to do. There are distractions everywhere - Instagram, Netflix, coffee breaks, unprecedented sunshine (here in the UK), the ongoing narrative around COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter, to name just a few. The distraction I draw your attention to today is the Diversity Distraction. In other words, the lack of gender, racial or other diversity in your workplace, community or around you. Like other distractions, the Diversity Distraction is valid. But it doesn’t serve you because it t...
2020-06-2236 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastBonus episode: Black Lives MatterPersonal reflections on racial inequality - unscripted and unedited. Plus: wise words from my 16 year old son Dylan.
2020-06-1236 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastDigital Decluttering Technology is our life line, keeping us connected and informed, but you can have too much of a good thing. Don’t let it overwhelm and overrun you. This week’s episode is about all the digital noise we expose ourselves to and the impact this may be having on our productivity and mental health. As COVID 19 and Black Lives Matter continue to dominate the headlines, flood our inboxes and dominate our conversations, I know many of you are starting to struggle both mentally and emotionally. The volume of information and debate, the questions being asked and the search for...
2020-06-1132 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastWhat You Make It MeanAre you a pessimist or an optimist? When things go wrong what do you make it mean? Do you interpret setbacks and failures as evidence that it can't be done, or that you're not good enough? Or can you find the value in every experience and use this to propel you forward? This week I want to remind you that how you experience the world is up to you. Circumstances - what happens around you and to you - are neutral. Even something as seemingly out of your control as COVID. It’s you who get...
2020-06-0527 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastThe One ThingIs multi-tasking serving you? If you’re tempted to respond with a triumphant “yes” to this question, I hear you! For many of us, especially those who are homeschooling children, the experience of lockdown has made multi-tasking seem more essential than ever. But is it? You may feel that you’re able to do more, but when you multitask your way through to do lists and distractions, there’s no real progress. You’re just running really fast on the spot. It doesn’t have to be this way. The message I’m...
2020-05-2837 minThe Caroline Flanagan PodcastThe Comfort EnclosureNot many of us have been feeling comfortable lately. With COVID19 turning our lives upside down, discomfort has become the norm and we’re all desperate to get back to some sort of normality so we can all be comfortable again. But when that time comes, don’t get too comfortable! You’ve heard of the Comfort Zone - that place beyond which we know we should occasionally push ourselves. But I don’t think the word ‘zone’ is enough to portray how limiting it is when you play it safe. That’s why the name I’m choosin...
2020-05-2230 min
Parents Who Think#29: PROOF – Caroline FlanaganIs HAVING IT ALL a privilege? A luxury for the elite few? This week, Caroline Flanagan, aka 'The Babyproof Coach', joins me to discuss her take on this big old debate that's defined conversations about working mothers forever. But what is this debate really about? AND do we need to flip this script and adopt a more inclusive attitude? We also cover that all too common feeling of fraudulence in our life. Caroline offers a fresh and honest take on the realities of imposter syndrome and we chew over loads including the message that the thoughts we...
2019-05-151h 07
Career Change Maker | Career Clarity, Career Advice, Career Pivots, Burnout Recovery, Corporate Job#23 Caroline Flanagan - Babyproof Your CareerCaroline Flanagan shares what it means to "Have it All" as a woman. She is an ex-lawyer and fellow coach who is dedicated to helping women to figure out how to have fulfilling lives whilst still having their career.We discuss unplanned her unplanned pregnancy, saying no to perfection, being intentional with your boundaries and being a mother of 4. ****Access my free resource library lightboxcoaching.com/resourcelibraryClick to view: show page on AwesoundSend a textWebsite:
2017-08-0732 min