Impostrix Podcast

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9. Navigating Toxic Workspaces and Embracing Your Blackness As Your Superpower with Dr. Kanika Sep 13, 2023

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Could your Blackness be your superpower? We think so.
In this enlightening episode of the Impostrix Podcast, join host Whitney Knox Lee as she welcomes Dr. Kanika Sims to discuss the complex journey of navigating the tension of embracing her Blackness and becoming a successful professional.
As a Physician and founder of Invest Inclusion, Dr. Sims disrupts and re-imagines healthcare and wellness to ensure quality health outcomes for the Black community. Dr. Sims is an Assistant professor at Morehouse School of Medicine, public health expert, speaker, best-selling author of "Diversity is Not a Dirty Word", wife, and mother. She has practiced medicine for over 18 years and is committed to advocating for healthier spaces in our homes, communities, and workplaces.
During this candid conversation, Dr. Kanika reveals personal examples of her past attempts to assimilate into whiteness, driven by a desire to belong and succeed. She discusses the lengths she went to, even altering key aspects of her identity, all in pursuit of professional achievement. Eventually realizing that, "you can't out white white people," today, Dr. Kanika proudly embodies her authentic self, unapologetically Black and triumphant as Dr. K A N I K A.
Tune in for Dr. Kanika's powerful anecdotes, invaluable mantras, and actionable tools that you can implement in your life TODAY. Your Blackness can indeed be your superpower, and this conversation will inspire you to harness it for your own success.
Watch this episode on YouTube!
Learn more about Dr. Kanika's work and services at DrKanikaMD.com and on LinkedIn.
Grab your copy of "Diversity is Not a Dirty Word: Harnessing the Power of Inclusion to Create Anti-Racist Organizations" here!
Resource: I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown. Note: This is an affiliate link.
You can find all the information about Impostrix Podcast directly on our website, ImpostrixPodcast.com. If you liked this episode, don't forget to share it with a friend, review and rate it!
IG @ImpostrixPodcast
LinkedIn @Whitney-Knox-Lee
TikTok @WhitneyKnoxLee
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Advancing wealth equity through intentional, accessible, culturally responsive and transformative estate planning services and education. Available in Georgia only.
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8. How to Identify Racial Toxicity in Career Sep 06, 2023

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Does it feel like your career or workplace is working against you because of your race? Are you clear about what "race" is? Join Whitney in this Asked and Answered episode about race and racial toxicity at work.
Relying on research backed data (sources below) and her own experience as a Black American DEI professional and attorney, in this episode, Whitney answers your questions and covers:

What is Race?
What is the historical context of Race in the US?
What do you mean by "racial toxicity," and what are real life examples of toxic work dynamics?
What is racial discrimination?

And importantly, Whitney provides concrete and actionable steps that you can take when faced with racial toxicity or racial discrimination at work.
This week's episode kicks off a series of episodes strictly on racial toxicity! With so much in store over the next several weeks, make sure you start here to get clear on what we mean by "racial toxicity," and have a better understanding of the language used.
Subscribe to Impostrix Podcast to get alerts when episodes are released. And don't forget to SHARE this episode with a friend, and let Whitney know what you think by leaving a review or rating the show.
Visit ImpostrixPodcast.com to leave Whitney a voice message, subscribe to the monthly newsletter, or donate to the show!
Sources:
Go Deeper: Race Timeline from RACE - The Power of an Illusion
Discussing the Naturalization Act of 1790, the 1830 Indian Removal Act, Jim Crow, the "Alien Land Laws," and the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952 (among other key points in history).
Racial Identity and American Citizenship in the Court - The Asian American Education Project
Discussing Takao Ozawa v. United States, 260 U.S. 178 (1922) and other landmark cases involving citizenship and naturalization for Asian immigrants.
The State of Black Women in Corporate America (Lean In)
Happy Equal Pay Day? Here are 6 charts showing why it's not much of a celebration citing to the National Partnership for Women and Families Report: What's the Wage Gap in the States?
Implicit Bias - The Perception Institute
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity

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7. Reframing our Perspective on Imposter Syndrome Narratives Black Women and the Technology Industry Aug 30, 2023

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There are many opportunities for professionals of color in tech, and it can be super money making! But like many careers, people of color are not well represented. Today's guest aims to make careers in tech more accessible to Black women, she wants us to get that bag (and keep it).
In this episode of Impostrix Podcast, Whitney talks with Jesca Khembro, a voice network engineer and founder/owner of Teknikally Speaking, a company that aims to help black women increase their income through tech. Jesca defies stereotypes and embraces her authentic self unapologetically in all spaces, including in her profession, and it shows! This episode delves into the intersection of technology, diversity, and representation within the tech industry, highlighting how Jesca took control of her own career trajectory while maintaining her sense of self.

Jesca shares so many gems during this conversation, including how she works through imposter syndrome, embraces opportunities to learn on the job, and maintains her confidence by focusing on her strengths, like her ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues.

Throughout the conversation, Jesca shares her journey to finding tech and using this role to fund her true passion, culinary arts. The conversation turns towards financial stability and liberation and the importance of making money in a way that aligns with personal values.

By the way, did you know that VoIP was created by a Black woman?! Yes, yall! Jesca educates Whitney on one of many major accomplishments of American tech pioneer Dr. Marian Croak, current VP of Engineering at Google (who holds more than 200 patents!!). #BlackGirlMagic for real.

Jesca's story is a testament to the power of authenticity, determination, and carving one's own path. She encourages folks to pursue their passions while striving for financial stability on their own terms.Access Teknikally Speaking course offerings and consulting services online at TeknikallySpeaking.com (use this affiliate link to support Impostrix Podcast!). Listener's of Impostrix Podcast can use promo code ImpostrixPod for 10% off your purchase!
Find all the info for Impostrix Podcast, including how to support the show and how to get in touch with Whitney at www.ImpostrixPodcast.com.
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6. Dr. Google, Anxiety, and Sustainable Self-Care Aug 23, 2023

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It might be too early in the Impostrix Podcast journey to deviate from the plan, but it's happening anyway, and in this episode we are talking mental health. Specifically, Whitney recounts her recent experience with perfectionism, anxiety, and self-care. And a word of warning, Dr. Google is not our friend.
Recalling our conversation in Episode 3 on imposter syndrome and identifying Dr. Valerie Young's five types of imposter syndrome, Whitney finds herself living squarely within "perfectionist" one day, and "super human" the next. A reality experienced by many, and especially by Black women, and a reality that in this case led Whitney to experience persistent physical manifestations of underlying mental stress and anxiety. In hindsight, Whitney sees how her anxiety spiral developed and shares perspective on red flags that were present for her.
Grateful for the strong community of support that she has built around her, Whitney called on all of her resources to identify what she was experiencing, to calm her anxieties, and to establish a short term plan of self-care moving forward. Whitney shares how through this experience, she has a better understanding of how anxiety shows up for her and what physical signs of anxiety she experiences. She also walks listeners through her process of exploring and identifying sustainable self-care rituals to alleviate stress and care for her mental wellbeing.
It is so important that we, Black and Brown folks, protect their energy. And this means caring for their mental wellbeing, no matter what. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness, please know that you are not alone, nor are you broken, cursed, or being punished. Communities of support are available to you and it's never to late to reach out.
Be Validated.
Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Dial 988 (USA, free, 24/7)
Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 (USA, free, 24/7) - to connect to a volunteer crisis counselor. (UK text SHOUT to 85258, Canada text CONNECT to 686868)
Call Blackline - 1-800-604-5841 - Call BlackLine provides a space for peer support, counseling, reporting of mistreatment, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences for folxs who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens. Call BlackLine prioritizes BIPOC. (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). By us for us.
Therapy for Black Girls - Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Bl

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5. How Culture and Identity Inform Our Image of Success with Karla Garcia, Pt. 2 Aug 16, 2023

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We are continuing the conversation with guest Karla Garcia! Karla is a bicultural and bilingual mental health therapist from Washington state. In Part 1, we discuss Karlas personal experiences with imposter syndrome, racism, and colorism within immigrant communities and other communities of color. We also discussed how Karlas cultural values inform her business model.

What is your racial or cultural identity? In this episode, Whitney and Karla discuss the complexities of identity and how labels can be used to categorize people. They explore the racial gaslighting and the erasure of experiences and identity that can happen as a result of racial stereotypes and societal expectations around what a ______ [insert racial or cultural group here] looks or acts like. We are reminded that white supremacy does not need white people.

What does success look like in your culture? Karla shares about how her mother's view of success included her education, marriage, and family. However, others in her community sometimes attribute her success to her husband's achievements, undermining her individual accomplishments. Whitney shares her perspective on success within the Black American community, where Black American women often carry all the family responsibilities in part due to the over policing of Black and Brown bodies leading to the absence of large numbers of Black American men in the household. Both hosts discuss navigating the sometimes-present conflict between individual success and cultural expectations, and reveal challenges of finding individual ideals of success.

What does success mean to you? For Karla, success involves her ability to maintain freedom of thought and a sense of self not attached to friends, family, or career. For Whitney, it involves self-awareness, alignment with values, and striving towards personal goals.
Find out more about Karla Garcia at www.garciacounseling.com.

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Visit www.impostrixpodcast.com for more information about Whitney, Impostrix Podcast, and the community we are creating.

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4. Imposter Syndrome, Colorism, and Bringing Your Cultural Values to Work with Karla Garcia Aug 08, 2023

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Be validated by this episode as we continue discussing the theme of the month, imposter syndrome. We recall our first memories feeling like an imposter, personal experiences with colorism and the intricate interplay of privilege and bias within different communities of color, and how our cultural identity and values can inform our work.
What is your first memory of feeling like an imposter? In the first installment of this two-part episode, Karla Garcia and Whitney Knox Lee discuss imposter syndrome and the experience of being an immigrant and a person of color in the United States. Karla, a Mexican, bilingual and bicultural mental health therapist, shares her memories of the first time she recalls feeling like an imposter. Whitney does the same and highlights how we can feel like imposters even within our own communities.
Have you noticed colorism in your life? What about within your cultural or racial communities? We have, and it's a trip. Still. Karla and Whitney take apart colorism, touching on the historical roots of colorism, including its origins in colonialism and white supremacy, and how it shows up in society today. The impact of skin tone on opportunities and perceptions is explored, highlighting the delicate balance between privilege and scrutiny in their respective communities and within their families. Noting in particular the complexities of parenting children of color with varying brown skin tones and the responsibilities tied to addressing colorism within families.
And then racial capitalism! So often we are in situations where we have to navigate making a living in ways that align with our values and that resist the cultural normalcy of profiting off of the pain of others. Karla shares how her business model for her private practice (get it mama!) intentionally aligns with her cultural values, and what that means for her financially.
For more insights into Karla Garcia's expertise and services, be sure to explore her website at www.garciacounseling.com.
Enjoying the show? Make sure to follow and subscribe, and leave a review! Do you have someone in your life who would benefit from these conversations? Share this episode and spark meaningful conversations. And as always, if you have questions or feedback, or reactions to this episode that you want to share with Whitney, reach out! I'm down for dialogue.
Be Validated.
www.impostrixpodcast.com
IG: ImpostrixPodcast
LinkedIn: Whitney Knox Lee
ImpostrixPodcast@gmail.com

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3. What is Imposter Syndrome Anyway?! Learning How to Identify Imposter Experiences As We Navigate the Workplace Aug 01, 2023

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What is imposter syndrome? How can I identify it in myself? Are there types of imposter syndrome? Do People of Color experience imposter syndrome differently than White people? How do I overcome or leverage imposter syndrome?
In this solo episode, Whitney discusses imposter syndrome answering all these questions and more. Whitney draws on her personal experience to give examples of how imposter experiences show up for her and how it intersects with race. She explains the five types of imposter syndrome identified by Dr. Valerie Young: the perfectionist, the expert, the natural genius, the soloist, and the super person. Whitney highlights the consequences of imposter syndrome, such as anxiety, depression, shame, and procrastination.

In discussing the intersectionality of imposter syndrome and race, Whitney highlights the term "imposter treatment," introduced by Elizabeth Leiba in her book, I'm Not Yelling: A Black Woman's Guide to Navigating the Workplace. Whitney also discusses how the systemic exclusion of People of Color from opportunity creates present-day environments of non-belonging.
To overcome imposter syndrome, Whitney suggests leveraging it by never stopping learning, proving doubters wrong, dressing the part to boost confidence, preparing and visualizing success, releasing the ego, embracing imperfection, and avoiding comparisons with others. She emphasizes the importance of accepting oneself, celebrating achievements, and embracing individuality.

The Impostrix podcast offers valuable insights and tools to cope with imposter syndrome and promote self-validation and growth. Connect with Whitney by subscribing to the show, sharing this episode with someone who would appreciate it, and connect with Whitney on social media or on the website, www.impostrixpodcast.com.

IG: ImpostrixPodcast
TikTok: ImpostrixPod
Threads: ImpostrixPodcast
LinkedIn: Whitney Knox Lee
Research for this episode:
Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241247
Dr. Valerie Young, Imposter Syndrome Institute.
The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: And Men: Why Capable People Suffer from Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive In Spite of It

Leiba, Elizabeth (2022). I'm Not Yelling: A Black Woman's Guide to Navigating the Workplace.
American Bar Association (2022). ABA survey finds 1.3M lawyers in the U.S.

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2. The Intersectionality of Imposter Syndrome and Race with my Sista Circle Pt. 2 Jul 25, 2023

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What does racial aggression look like in a "professional" work environment? How can I protect my peace, my energy, and my mental health in work situations that involve racial aggression? How do we balance sticking up for ourselves with our professional duty to the individual causing us harm? In Part 2 of the Sista Circle Episodes, sister/friend Sarah shares her personal experiences of racial aggression and imposter syndrome in her legal career. She recounts a shocking incident in court and the challenges she faced as a woman of color navigating a predominantly white legal environment. Rhonda and Whitney share their experiences with white people commenting on their appearance, and the sisters/friends talk about some options we have when these situations happen.
Those options include addressing the behavior head on, making light of the behavior and keeping it moving, and ignoring it all together. Each response has it's own benefits and drawbacks. Which do you use?
The podcast discusses strategies to protect mental health and confidence while confronting racial biases and microaggressions in the workplace. Listeners will gain insights into conflict resolution, self-empowerment, and finding support in professional settings. The episode highlights the importance of self-advocacy, protecting energy when we can, and moving forward in our power. We are not alone, and we will not be gaslit!
This episode is juicy and SO relatable! If you want more, don't forget to subscribe and join us each week. Reach out to Whitney with your comments and feedback by leaving a voice message at www.impostrixpodcast.com or on instagram @ImpostrixPodcast.
Be Validated.
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1. The Intersectionality of Imposter Syndrome and Race with my Sista Circle, Pt. 1 Jul 25, 2023

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What is imposter syndrome? How does it show up in your career? And what does your race have to do with it? Host Whitney Knox Lee is joined by ladies in her Sista Circle (friend group), Cassandra, Veronica, and Rhonda, all black professionals to answer these questions and discuss their own unique experiences navigating imposter syndrome and racial toxicity at work. They share their personal stories, tools, and insights that have helped them overcome or leverage imposter experiences and rise above the challenges of being underestimated in their respective professions. Part 2 of this episode includes additional women from Whitney's Sista Circle, so listen to that episode too!

Imposter syndrome is a feeling of intellectual phoniness and an ongoing fear of being discovered as a fraud in your profession. Some of the tools shared by guests that they use to overcome imposter experiences are to: 1) utilize positive affirmations by regularly affirming yourself, your core values, and your self-worth to boost your confidence, resilience and determination; 2) utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) techniques to address negative cognitions (thoughts) by examining the evidence of your greatness and accomplishments to challenge negative self-talk and thoughts, and build self-confidence; and, 3) prepare and over-prepare to counter feelings of inadequacy and prove your capabilities to the haters, this is how we leverage being treated like an imposter!

And, if you dont have a Sista Circle (or friendship circle, or professional support network), get one. In this episode, Whitney and her guests also talk about how important having community is as we navigate self-doubt in career and in personal life, and also as we navigate spaces where we feel alone or alienated. A support system is everything when we need a pick-me-up!

Lessons learned from the Circle, dont personalize the opinions of others! Sometimes, negative comments or feedback is a reflection of others insecurities, rather than a true measure of your abilities. Instead, err on the side of believing in yourself and trust that your unique strengths and experiences are enough to make a meaningful contribution in your profession.

Stay connected with Impostrix Podcast! Visit our website and leave a voice message for Whitney! Or Impostrix Podcast on social media @ImpostrixPodcast. Dont forget to subscribe, leave a review, and if you know someone who could benefit from this content, please SHARE!

Be Validated.

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0. Come Here to Be Validated, A Podcast Where You Can Learn to Beat Imposter Syndrome and Racial Toxicity at Work Jul 20, 2023

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Come Here to Be Validated, A Podcast Where You Can Learn to Beat Imposter Syndrome and Racial Toxicity at Work.
Are you a person of color experiencing imposter syndrome and self-doubt in your workplace? Do you often feel like your career or work environment is holding you back from success? Do you ache to feel "a part of" rather than the odd one out, or a token minority? If you've faced moments of feeling diminished due to how you're treated at work, especially related to your racial or cultural identity, Impostrix Podcast was created for you.
Or, do you find that your workplace diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) initiatives fall flat? Are you seeking opportunity to learn about and grow through racial bias and emotionally taxing workplace cultural norms in order to create more racially equitable professional spaces? Do you wonder what true inclusion and belonging can look like at work and in your community? If so, join us.

In this debut episode, host, Whitney Knox Lee, Esq., shares her personal journey, inspirations, and vision for empowering professionals of color to embrace their true potential and navigate imposter experiences and racial toxicity with confidence. Whitney shares whats in store for Season 1, including this seasons themes, formats, and goals.
This season, we will focus on providing real-world experiences, actionable tools, and evidence backed data aimed to validate you, help you find community, and unearth your power. Our themes are:

Personal Stories and Tools for overcoming Imposter Syndrome
How we can identify and address Racial Toxicity
Historical Context and Scientific Data behind Race, Racism, Racial Capitalism, and it's impact on workplace experience and culture
Self-Advocacy and Conflict Resolution Tools

This show centers the voices of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. And, whether you are a Person of Color or a White person tagging along. You are welcome. Together we will create more affirming work environments so that everyone can thrive.
Be Validated.

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