“Take the leap. Believe in yourself, have confidence in yourself. You're an expert in your field.”
Everyone has a podcast. Well, yes and no.
While there are over four million podcasts available to stream, only about ten percent (around 400,000) have crossed the twenty episode milestone.
Let’s look at that myth busting stat from another angle: One has to wonder about that “what if” sector – what if those remaining 3.6 million creators had continued their on-air journey? And, a figure that perhaps isn’t quantifiable is one that begs further exploration – what about those who never took the podcasting plunge?
Stage fright, cold feet, the jitters – the common thread goes by another name: imposter syndrome.
If you’ve ever called your own skills, expertise, or accomplishments into question, you’ve experienced this psychological phenomenon. It’s often seen among high-functioning, high achieving individuals across every professional sector. Serena Williams confided to Oprah about self-doubt. Lady Gaga revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that she still feels like a “loser kid in high school.” And Howard Schultz told the New York Times that top executives are not only self-aware of their own insecurities – that vulnerability could be a sign of untapped talent.
Interview Valet knows a thing or two about identifying potential. Our bread and butter is fostering connectivity through conversation. We place entrepreneurs in front of their target audience through podcast interview marketing. Perhaps it’s why the topic of imposter syndrome – and why it’s vital to confront it – was among the inaugural episodes of the Podcast Interview Marketing Show.
Address your fears. Embrace your expertise. Promote personal and professional growth: Let's explore how entrepreneurs can overcome imposter syndrome - and even thrive in the public arena.
> Entrepreneurs and Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome isn’t just being hard on yourself. The reality is that, if gone unchecked, constantly writing off your accomplishments as pure luck or correlating one’s skills to anything but years of sacrifice and effort is debilitating. Never getting that passion project off the ground, passing on that speaking gig, declining that exciting opportunity – those losses in career currency add up, and can considerably set one back personally and professionally. And let’s get one key thing out of the way: you’re not alone. Far from it.
A 2020 study revealed that 84-percent of entrepreneurs battled imposter syndrome at some point in their career. Jessica Embree, Creative Director of Tulip Media Group, was among them. In 2023, Jessica sat down with Interview Valet’s Marketing Manager Tiffany Meenk for a candid discussion about not only how she overcame her stage fright to become an in-demand podcast guest; but, how on the other side of fear is a better version of ourselves.
> Navigating Your Nerves
A surprising amount of public figures, including actors, have speech differences. Self conscious of that stutter or lisp? According to Backstage, these are common conditions among adults – including actors like the revered and recently departed James Earl Jones, whose acting credits include everything from Shakespeare to Star Wars. Jessica’s story is similar, sans the galaxy far, far away. She revealed on the Podcast Interview Marketing Show that her reluctance to speak publicly was due to growing up with a speech impediment. When she was approached about being a guest on a podcast, she was overwhelmed and felt unqualified.
But this is a story of resilience and growth. And (spoiler alert), Jessica went on to conquer her podcasting fears by confronting her inner critic and embracing her identity as an expert.
Here's how:
Preparation is Everything
Being a great podcast guest begins before sitting down at the microphone. Build confidence and ease anxiety with a pre-show routine:
- Research the podcast you are appearing on. Get to know the host and their style before recording.
- Have a cheat sheet – complete with an outline of key points and potential questions.
- Rehearse your responses out loud. Getting in some practice time in a distraction-free environment will keep you on track and help identify any areas for improvement leading up to record day.
Reframe The Format
Furthermore, take the pressure off podcasting with a simple shift in perspective. While a podcast can potentially be heard by millions of people, the focus should be on your host or panel. Furthermore, Jessica makes a key distinction: podcast interviews are conversations, NOT performances. Connecting through thought leadership and authentic interactions will captivate the host – and their audience.
A Helping Hand
Curious about how podcasting can elevate your business but not sure where to start? Reaching out for resources like Podcast Guest Profits: Grow Your Business With A Targeted Interview Strategy by Tom Schwab provides valuable insight on how, with an internet connection and a microphone, to connect with ideal prospects and convert them into clients.
Or, take the next step and hire a concierge-level marketing service like Interview Valet. The Veteran-owned company offers a premium white-glove solution that takes care of everything but the speaking – maximizing your investment and minimizing headaches.
They say there’s nothing wrong with tooting your own horn. Well – beep, beep. But, if you don’t want to take our word for it, perhaps you’ll take Jessica’s:
Take the Podcasting Leap
Podcast guesting is a flexible and multi-faceted way to not only cut your teeth in the world of public speaking; you will be heard by those who need and want to hear your story most.
Stepping out of your comfort zone and embarking on a public speaking journey is a powerful way to:
- tap into unrealized potential
- expand your influence
- and make way for new opportunities.
It’s all too easy to allow imposter syndrome to hold you back. But the reward of taking that leap can be transformative.
To quote the Australian poet Erin Hanson, “But what if I fall? Oh but my darling, what if you fly?”
Looking For More?
Here are some other great resources.
