Episode 3

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Published on:

20th Jan 2025

Navigating Big Roles, Imposter Syndrome, and Career Pivots

Episode 3: Navigating Big Roles, Imposter Syndrome, and Career Pivots

Welcome to Episode 3 of UnCeiling You with Natalie Luke, PhD!

In this episode, Natalie sits down with rising star Julia Frense Maria, a sourcing and procurement professional with a decade of experience across multiple industries. Together, they explore how to navigate big roles, overcome imposter syndrome, and make meaningful career pivots. Julia shares her personal journey of growth, risk-taking, and staying aligned with her values, offering inspiration for women at every stage of their career.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

Facing Big Roles Head-On

  • Julia recounts the moment she was offered a senior role above her current level and how she managed her initial self-doubt.
  • Insights on why leaning into discomfort can lead to tremendous growth.

The Power of Career Pivots

  • How Julia realized the importance of aligning passion with values in her work.
  • The three non-negotiables she now uses to guide her career decisions.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

  • Julia's candid experiences with imposter syndrome, even while succeeding in her roles.
  • Practical strategies to navigate self-doubt and build confidence over time.

Networking as a Career Superpower

  • The transformative impact of building relationships with mentors and leaders.
  • Real-life examples of how cultivating connections led to new opportunities.

Taking Risks for Growth

  • Julia’s perspective on why growth requires stepping outside your comfort zone.
  • The lessons she learned from moving across industries and taking bold career leaps.

Proudest Career Moments

  • Julia shares her most significant project success, which solidified her confidence and showcased her capabilities.

Advice for Women at Different Career Stages

  • Recent Graduates: Stay open to possibilities and cultivate relationships with leaders.
  • Uninspired Professionals: Take time to reflect on your passions and explore new opportunities.
  • Women in Leadership: Be the mentor who uplifts the next generation of women leaders.

Memorable Quotes

💡 “Feeling insecure doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable—growth happens when you push through.” – Julia Frense Maria

💡 “We learn from the women above us. Be a bright, empowering light for those looking up to you.” – Julia Frense Maria

💡 “There’s no reward without risk, and every leap I’ve taken has made me stronger.” – Julia Frense Maria

Join the Conversation

Are you ready to take the next bold step in your career?

  • Connect with us in the UnCeiling Zone community, where you can join calls with inspiring guest speakers like Julia at https://unceilingzone.com/
  • Share your thoughts on this episode: What career risks have you taken that paid off?

Follow us on LinkedIn for more inspiration and updates!

Subscribe now to the UnCeiling You podcast and never miss an episode. Together, let’s unceiling your potential!

Episode Highlights:

  • [00:00] Introduction to Julia Frense Maria
  • [01:03] Navigating new roles and overcoming insecurity
  • [04:35] Aligning values and passion: Julia’s career pivot story
  • [07:09] Imposter syndrome: How Julia and Natalie manage self-doubt
  • [11:32] The power of networking and mentorship
  • [15:49] Taking risks and growing through career transitions
  • [17:38] Julia’s proudest career moment and what’s next for her
  • [21:15] Julia’s advice for women at different career stages

Don’t miss Julia’s advice on finding the bright lights in your life to guide your way forward!

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who would benefit from Julia’s inspiring career journey.

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About the Podcast

UnCeiling You by Dr. Natalie Luke
Ambition Unleashed
UnCeiling You Podcast

Are you a woman looking to break barriers, redefine success, and embrace the boldness of your ambition? UnCeiling You is the podcast for women who are ready to silence their inner critic, tackle workplace challenges, and unlock their full potential.

Who Is This Podcast For?
UnCeiling You is tailored for ambitious women across various stages of life:

-> The mid-career professional looking to advance.
-> The aspiring entrepreneur ready to take bold steps.
-> The working mom balancing career and family.
-> Women navigating workplace dynamics, self-doubt, and ambition.

This podcast is for you if you're ready to take radical responsibility for your growth and be inspired by the journeys of women who've redefined their ceilings.

What’s the Format?

This podcast combines solo episodes with interviews with accomplished women. In Season 1, we’ll explore the internal barriers professional women face in the workplace, exploring themes like silencing your inner critic, navigating ambition, and embracing imagination. Each episode is 30 minutes long, perfect for your commute to work or a quick dose of inspiration during your day.

What Topics/Subjects Do You Cover?

We cover a range of topics to help you grow personally and professionally, including:

-> Breaking through self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
-> Strategies for career advancement and leadership.
-> Using imagination and ambition to chart your unique path.
-> Building resilience, confidence, and authenticity in the workplace.
-> Practical tools for aligning your values with your goals.

How the UnCeiling You Podcast Adds Value to You

UnCeiling You is not just a podcast; it’s a movement. Through engaging stories and actionable advice, you’ll gain:

-> Inspiration from women who’ve navigated challenges and achieved success.
-> Practical strategies to overcome barriers and seize opportunities.
-> Exercises and tools to help you take bold, transformative steps in your life.

What’s the Release Schedule?

New episodes are released weekly, producing consistent, high-quality content to fuel your ambition and growth.

So, are you ready to silence your inner critic, embrace your imagination, and make bold moves? Hit subscribe, and let’s take this journey together. Your ambition is your superpower—let’s unleash it!

About your host

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Natalie Luke

As a woman who has experienced multiple career transitions and climbed the ladder in various industries, I stand before you as a living testament to the incredible potential within each of us. From starting as a high school science teacher to pursuing a Ph.D. and exploring new business opportunities for the companies that employed me, my journey has taken me through roles in sales, sales training, marketing, and clinical research in the healthcare industry. I have faced challenges and moments of self-doubt throughout my career, but I have always embraced resilience and adaptability to grow and reinvent myself. Now, as the author and founder and host of the UnCeiling You Podcast, I am dedicated to empowering women like you to unlock your true potential, overcome obstacles, and create fulfilling careers. With our episodes, resources, and supportive community, we will embark on a transformative journey together, UnCeiling the limitless possibilities within each of us. Let's embrace this opportunity for growth, connection, and transformation as UnCeil our potential and let the ripple effect unfold!