Worklife with Adam Grant
Befriending your impostor syndrome with Iceland's president Halla Tómasdóttir
Dec 17, 2024
Halla Tómasdóttir, President of Iceland, previously co-founded Reykjavik University and led an investment firm during the financial crisis. She shares her journey from self-doubt to winning the presidency, emphasizing the importance of embracing impostor syndrome. Halla discusses her 'scarf revolution,' a unique political engagement movement, and highlights how listening fosters trust and collaboration in leadership. She also explores the need for inclusive masculinity and the transformative power of understanding diverse perspectives to enhance societal well-being.
33:44
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Quick takeaways
- Halla Tómasdóttir's journey illustrates how embracing impostor syndrome can catalyze personal growth and empower proactive leadership.
- Effective leadership, as discussed by Halla, hinges on building trust through dialogue and fostering community involvement for collective change.
Deep dives
The Journey of Leadership
Leadership often involves grappling with self-doubt and a questioning of one's own capabilities. Hadla Thomas-Dotter, the president of Iceland, reflects on her initial reaction to the suggestion of running for office, revealing that it was normal to feel unqualified. However, she learned to embrace her self-doubt instead of let it hinder her aspirations. This shift from thinking 'Who am I to run?' to 'Who am I not to run?' highlights a pivotal change in mindset that encourages proactive engagement in leadership roles despite uncertainties.
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