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Managing Made Simple

179: The Secret to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a New Leader

May 13, 2025 · 11 min · 8.7 MB
0:00-11:59

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Every new manager faces it—that creeping feeling of "Am I really cut out for this?"

If you've recently stepped into a leadership role or have ever doubted your capabilities as a manager, this episode is for you. In this empowering edition of The New Manager Playbook, host and leadership coach Lia Garvin tackles imposter syndrome head-on and offers real strategies to overcome it and lead with confidence from day one.

Whether you're managing former peers, stepping into a leadership role at a new company, or leveling up to a senior position, imposter feelings can be paralyzing. But they don’t have to define you. Lia shares a powerful framework and personal stories—including her time managing high-performing teams at Google, Microsoft, and Apple—to show how self-awareness, clarity of purpose, and intentional communication can flip the script and fast-track your leadership success.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

  • Why imposter syndrome hits hardest for new (and promoted) managers
  • How to shift from “Why me?” to “Here’s why I belong”
  • How to re-establish relationships when moving from peer to manager
  • The importance of setting intentions and leadership vision early on
  • Why being confident helps your team trust you (even if you're still learning)
  • Practical scripts for re-engaging team members and earning buy-in
  • Real examples of how top leaders manage self-doubt without letting it derail them

    Ready to feel like a capable, confident manager?
    Subscribe and join Lia Garvin every week for new insights from The New Manager Playbook—where the old rules don’t apply, and ease, empathy, and effectiveness take the lead.

👉 Download Lia’s free New Manager Toolkit and access more coaching at https://www.liagarvin.com

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WORK WITH LIA:

How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?

I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available!

Grab your copy today!
https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/

Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy

CONNECT WITH LIA:

Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com
Contact: liagarvin.com/contact
Email: hello@liagarvin.com

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

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© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple