In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we dive into what it really means to lead with courage and integrity in complex and sometimes disheartening environments. My guest this week is Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves, historian, women’s leadership expert and author of Leading with Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women. Jodi brings decades of experience in higher education, feminism and mentorship, and shares how she’s translating these values into community leadership and career coaching.

Together, we explore what it looks like to lead from your values, even in systems that don’t always reward that. Jodi opens up about the grief she feels as DEI efforts are increasingly under attack, but also the hope she sees in those continuing the work. We talk about managing your idealism over the course of a career, how to build coalitions for change from inside large institutions and how to define your legacy through the lives you touch, not just the structures you build. She also shares powerful insights on intergenerational mentorship, networking for values-aligned connection and how to stay grounded when perfectionism and urgency take over.

About My Guest
Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves is a leadership strategist, coach, consultant, facilitator, editor, and author. Her work with organizations and individuals builds on more than 25 years of experience in higher education, non-profit leadership, authorship, teaching, and mentoring.

She empowers leaders and facilitates career journeys for people at all stages, with an emphasis on values, social impact, and creating inclusive communities. She is especially committed to developing diverse women's leadership.

With a doctorate in History, Jodi taught and held leadership roles for many years at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, focusing on systems of privilege and inequality and social change. Her specialties include women’s history and gender, race, and leadership. She also directed her community's Diversity Council.

Jodi is the author of Modern Motherhood: An American History (Rutgers University Press, 2014). Her latest book, Leading with Courage: Empowering Women for Impactful Careers, is available for purchase.

Connect with Jodi:
Leadership Course: https://www.jodivandenberg-daves.com/onlineleadershipcourse
Website: https://www.jodivandenberg-daves.com/
Book: https://bookshop.org/lists/leading-with-courage-a-career-long-guide-for-idealistic-women
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