The Unworthy Leader Podcast
The Unworthy Leader Podcast
Podcast Description
The Unworthy Leader Podcast, the show that flips the script on traditional leadership by celebrating imperfection and redefining success. Hosted by executive coach Kendra Dahlstrom, this podcast is your go-to for real, raw, and unfiltered conversations about the doubts and insecurities that every leader faces but rarely talks about, and what the science and research says about it. Kendra works with Fortune 500 C-suite leaders, and now she’s bringing those transformative insights straight to you. If you’re tired of polished facades and curated leadership advice, you’ve come to the right place.Each episode explores:- The latest research and scientific studies related to feelings of unworthiness and imposter syndrome, and how it may manifest in our lives.- How to transform imposter syndrome and self-doubt into strength.- The power of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership.- Tools and practices for creating psychological safety, inclusive environments, and well-being in the workplace.- Proven strategies to help overcome feelings of inadequacy.You’ll hear from inspiring leaders, uncover the origins of unworthiness, and gain practical tools to lead with confidence and purpose. Whether you’re in the C-suite, managing a team, or aspiring to lead, The Unworthy Leader Podcast will help you embrace your imperfections, step into the highest version of yourself, and create ameaningful impact.Join us as a guest and join the movement to redefine leadership – flaws and all.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendradahlstrom/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theunworthyleaderpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendra.dahlstrom/Join our mailing list and see free resources at https://kendradahlstrom.com
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes such as imposter syndrome, self-doubt, vulnerability in leadership, and the transformation of personal struggles into strengths. Episodes cover a range of topics including the latest research on unworthiness, discussions on creating psychological safety in workplaces, and personal narratives that delve into overcoming feelings of inadequacy, with examples like Kendra's own journey, insights from guests like Becca Chambers on neurodiversity, and discussions with Steve Mellor on optimal self.
The real leadership lessons aren’t in the wins—they’re in the doubts, fears, and failures we’re taught to hide. On The Unworthy Leader Podcast, executive coach Kendra Dahlstrom flips the script on success. Through raw stories and real conversations, we expose the hidden side of leadership—and why Doubt is your data™, Failure is fuel™, and Vulnerability is viral™. Ready to lead with more truth, presence, and courage? You’re in the right place.
Through honest, research-backed conversations, Kendra brings raw insights, practical tools, and inspiring guests to help leaders break free from perfectionism and lead from a place of purpose and presence—not performance.
If you’re tired of curated leadership advice and craving something more real, this podcast is for you.
In each episode, you’ll discover:
- Scientific research and psychology behind imposter syndrome and unworthiness
- How to transform self-doubt into strength and resilience
- The role of vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety in leadership
- Tools for creating inclusive, human-centered workplaces
- Strategies to overcome burnout, inadequacy, and the fear of being found out
Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a new people manager, or an aspiring leader, The Unworthy Leader Podcast will help you embrace your imperfections, step into your full power, and lead with truth and courage.
Join the movement to redefine leadership—flaws and all.
Welcome back to The Unworthy Leader Podcast, where we spotlight the raw, honest, and often unseen side of leadership. In this episode, host Kendra Dahlstrom, executive coach to Fortune 500 leaders, sits down with Megan Leuzinger, former WNBA All-Star turned coach and athletic director, to explore what leadership really looks like—on and off the court.
Together, they dig into the mental, physical, and emotional demands of elite athletic performance—and how those pressures mirror what many high achievers face in business and leadership roles. Megan shares her journey from grueling travel schedules and performance anxiety to cultivating inner strength through faith, community, and mindset.
💡 Key Topics
🏀 Behind the Highlight Reel
Megan gets real about the exhausting side of professional sports—sleepless nights, tough losses, and invisible expectations. Her story reminds us that leadership accountability isn't just for the boardroom—it's daily work in any high-performance setting.
🙏 Faith-Fueled Resilience
Throughout her career, Megan leaned on her faith to push through self-doubt, setbacks, and imposter thoughts. Her connection to spiritual grounding and team chaplain support created space for reflection and personal growth in high-pressure environments.
📣 From Player to Mentor: A New Leadership Role
Now a coach and athletic director, Megan embraces a unique coaching style that centers on identity, not just performance. Whether she's building confidence in young athletes or empowering unpopular teams, she models what ethical leadership truly means: showing up with integrity, vulnerability, and grace.
⚠️ Mistakes in Leadership = Opportunities for Growth
Both Kendra and Megan share personal stories of self-doubt and failure—and how reframing these moments as data, not defects, can drive transformation. This message resonates across industries, from athletics to cross-functional teams and beyond.
✨Megan’s ACT Framework:
- Attitude: Choose how you show up
- Thankfulness: Find gratitude in growth
- Commitment: Stay grounded in your purpose
🎧 Subscribe to The Unworthy Leader Podcast and join our growing community of leaders who know that perfection isn’t the goal—presence, purpose, and people are.
🧠 Curious what’s driving your leadership—inner wisdom or imposter thoughts?
Take our free self-assessment to uncover whether you're leading from grounded emotional intelligence or quiet self-doubt.
👉 Take the quiz now
Note: This quiz is for self-reflection and informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool or substitute for professional mental health care.
2025 Copyright of The Unworthy Leader Podcast and Kendra Dahlstrom Leadership, LLC
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