Overcoming Self-Doubt to Thrive in Finance with Diane Watson | EP288

"Imposter syndrome isn’t a syndrome at all — it’s a scheme." - Reshma Saujani’s .

EP 288

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Welcome back to the Mindset & Action Podcast blog, where we dive into the topics that matter most to entrepreneurs and business owners like you. In this week’s Mini Mindset Monday, I had the pleasure of speaking with Diane Watson, founder of She Can Prosper. Diane’s work in empowering women to achieve financial wellness is inspiring, but what really struck me was her openness about the mindset challenges she’s faced in her 30+ year career.

One of the biggest hurdles Diane shared was dealing with imposter syndrome—a struggle many of us know all too well. Despite being a principal partner at St. James’s Place and a recognised leader in her field, she’s had moments of questioning her worth and attributing her success to luck. Diane reminded us that even high-achieving women can wrestle with self-doubt, especially in male-dominated industries. It’s a sobering reminder that confidence isn’t necessarily linked to success but rather a mindset we need to actively nurture.

Diane’s insight into how childhood experiences shaped her mindset was eye-opening. Growing up with a controlling parent fostered a people-pleasing tendency, which, over time, chipped away at her self-confidence. It was only through intentional work with a coach and reflecting on her own patterns that she began to break free of those limiting beliefs. Her story highlights the importance of recognising and addressing the roots of our mindset struggles—it’s the first step toward transformation.

A particularly striking point Diane made was the difference between men and women in the workplace. She reflected on how women often feel they must meet all the criteria before applying for a role, whereas men are more likely to take a chance even if they only tick a few boxes. This cultural dynamic doesn’t just affect how we see opportunities but also reinforces the imposter syndrome that many women face. Diane’s advice? Be bold. Challenge those self-limiting thoughts and embrace opportunities even if they feel daunting.

I also loved Diane’s perspective on self-kindness. As women, we often hold ourselves to impossibly high standards—whether it’s as business owners, mothers, or individuals striving for success. Diane emphasised the importance of catching negative thoughts as they arise and reframing them with compassion. It’s a practice, she said, that becomes easier the more you work on it.

This conversation was packed with wisdom and practical takeaways for anyone grappling with mindset blocks. Diane’s story is proof that success isn’t about never feeling doubt—it’s about finding ways to move through it. To hear more about Diane’s journey and her incredible work with She Can Prosper, make sure to listen to the full episode. And don’t forget to join us on Thursday, when we’ll be diving into financial wellness and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Bye For Now!

Show notes Links

Reshma Commencement speech Imposter Syndrome

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