GenX meets GenZ on Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch, Carmella Dolde, and Chloe McMullen

Welcome to this very special episode of Productive Joy! Dr. Christie is joined by Chloe McMullen, Audra Lewis-Hoesch, and Carmella Dolde—three remarkable women with unique, inspirational experiences. Hosted by Dr. Christie dives  into overcoming imposter syndrome, highlighting personal stories of resilience and transformation.

Chloe shares her path from psychology to becoming a passionate kindergarten teacher. Carmella describes her career shifts from veterinary assistant to cybersecurity. Audra talks about founding Period Zero to bridge the gap between education and real-world skills. This episode emphasizes the impact of social media, the importance of vulnerability, and the value of focusing on individual definitions of success

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:51 Meet the Guests: Carmella, Audra, and Chloe

03:02 Carmella's Journey: Overcoming Self-Worth Struggles

03:44 Chloe's Path: From Bullying to Teaching

05:41 Audra's Story: From Homelessness to Doctorate

08:39 The Importance of Sharing Struggles

10:01 Generational Perspectives on Vulnerability

14:25 Social Media and Imposter Syndrome

22:19 Chloe's College Experience and Career Path

27:22 Carmella's High School and Work Journey

28:29 Moving In and Cultural Differences

28:42 Challenges in the Veterinary Field

30:03 Workplace Struggles and Career Shifts

33:28 Burnout and Career Reevaluation

35:11 Defining Productive Joy

40:58 Rapid Fire Questions

46:20 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

A Deeper Dive:

In a recent episode of 'Productive Joy,' Christie brought together three inspiring women—Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch, Chloe McMullen, and Carmella Dolde—to explore their journeys of overcoming imposter syndrome. Each of these women, from different generational backgrounds, offered unique perspectives and wisdom on finding purpose and navigating life's challenges.

**Meet the Panel**

- **Carmella Dolde** is a multifaceted individual currently studying cybersecurity. Despite her love for animals and a background as a veterinary assistant, Carmella is shifting her focus while carrying the lessons from her past experiences.

- **Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch** is a self-proclaimed workaholic, driven by her passions. As an educator and founder of "Period Zero," she provides a supportive space for mentorship and personal growth.

- **Chloe McMullen** is a dedicated kindergarten teacher who found her dream job in education despite early self-doubt and a challenging first workplace experience.

**Embracing Vulnerability: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome**

The conversation revealed a common theme: the struggle with imposter syndrome transcends generational lines. Chloe and Carmella discussed how social media heightens comparison, making others appear more successful than they might be. Audra noted the cultural shifts between generations and emphasized the importance of open discussions to combat these feelings.

Christie urged listeners to embrace honesty and vulnerability in their relationships. She highlighted the necessity of having open conversations about struggles and triumphs, allowing us to connect more deeply with those around us.

**Building a Supportive Community**

Chloe, Carmella, and Audra shared their strategies for dealing with imposter syndrome. They stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people and maintaining a reminder of one's purpose. Audra encouraged taking "micro steps" toward goals, while Carmella emphasized focusing on personal paths rather than the achievements of others.

**Key Takeaways**

- **Just Start:** Take the first step toward your goal, regardless of self-doubt.

- **Comparison is the Thief of Joy:** Focus on your own path and achievements.

- **Life Moves Fast:** Stay grounded in what's important to you personally.

- **Honest Conversations Matter:** Share your struggles and triumphs to deepen connections and build community.