Owning Your Whole Self: Leadership Through Self-Acceptance

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about embracing your authentic self. Are you constantly trying to prove yourself at work? Do you feel like you're playing a role, hoping no one notices you're unsure beneath the surface?

This week, I’m joined by Aaron Helton, executive coach, leadership consultant, and self-proclaimed “cartographer of the soul.” In this powerful conversation, Aaron opens up about his personal journey with impostor syndrome, his late-in-life autism diagnosis, and the deep belief systems that shape how we show up in the world.

Together, we explore the hidden stories we tell ourselves, how they’re formed, and how we can learn to rewrite them from a place of self-compassion and strength. Aaron shares how he helps clients—from young professionals to senior leaders—reconnect with their authentic selves, challenge outdated beliefs, and lead with intention.

This episode is a must-listen if:

• You’ve ever felt like you’re hiding parts of yourself to fit in
• You struggle to feel confident in spaces where you feel different
• You’re ready to challenge the perfectionism and pressure that fuel impostor syndrome

Key Themes We Explore:

• How high expectations and cultural narratives can shape impostor beliefs
• Why “doing it right” isn’t the same as being true to yourself
• The power of naming all parts of your identity to feel whole
• How Aaron’s autism diagnosis gave him permission to release shame and lead with love
• The difference between coaching and therapy—and why coaching isn’t just for people who are struggling
• Why love is a leadership skill, not a liability
• How to make the business case for heart-centered leadership
• Aaron’s mission to “gather weirdos to change the world”

About My Guest
Aaron works as an executive coach and leadership consultant for Integrated Leadership Systems, guiding individuals toward authenticity and self-improvement, and transforming businesses through heart-first processes. With an M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Aaron applies a Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology framework to facilitate smooth collaboration and inclusion among all members of a team, leading to better individual lives and a better overall organization.

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Connect with Aaron:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-helton-b128b8181/

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