Imposter syndrome has a funny way of turning capable people into silent overthinkers.

In this part 2 conversation, we sit down with Dawn Baxter and get honest about what imposter syndrome actually does in real life. Not just the wobbly confidence moments, but the chronic self doubt, the anxiety, the burnout, and the perfectionism that quietly chips away at brilliant people and entire workplaces.

We talk about how it shows up as procrastination, fear of failure, and playing small to avoid being seen. How it impacts productivity, engagement, and retention. And why workplaces often end up rewarding the loudest voices instead of the most thoughtful, innovative, and conscientious ones.

We also explore how positive psychology and supportive leadership can change the game. How recognising imposter syndrome early protects performance, confidence, and wellbeing. And why some of the highest performing people are often the least likely to shout about it.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever thought “they’re going to find me out” while quietly doing exceptional work.

And yes, we wrap things up with a conversation about resilience, because getting your confidence back isn’t about becoming louder. It’s about becoming steadier.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

Ever had that quiet voice in your head whispering, “I don’t actually belong here”… even when all the evidence says otherwise?

In this episode, we sit down together with our producer and guest, Dawni Baxter from Beyond the Dawn Digital, to crack open a proper conversation about impostor syndrome. The kind that shows up when you’re doing well, leading teams, making big decisions and still wondering when someone’s going to tap you on the shoulder and say you’ve been found out.

We talk through what impostor syndrome actually is, why it tends to hit high performers the hardest, and the five common ways it shows up. From the perfectionist who never feels it’s enough, to the soloist who feels they have to carry everything alone. Chances are, you’ll hear yourself in more than one.

We also share personal experiences, including moments from leadership and education where almost everyone in the room admitted they felt the same self doubt. It’s far more common than people realise, especially at senior levels, and it’s not a lack of ability. It’s awareness without context.

This episode is honest, reassuring, and grounded in real conversations. It’s about recognising those thoughts for what they are, understanding where they come from, and reminding yourself that feeling like an impostor doesn’t mean you are one.

Grab a brew. You’re very much in good company.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

Grab your brew, because this one is a masterclass in how not to treat your customers.

We’re talking about Dave Carroll, a Canadian singer songwriter who watched his guitar get manhandled by United Airlines baggage handlers back in 2008. He did what any reasonable person would do. He complained. He filled in the forms. He followed the process. And United did what United did best at the time… absolutely nothing.

Thanks to a tidy little 24 hour reporting rule, his claim was denied. Case closed. Or so they thought.

Instead of shouting into the void, Dave picked up another guitar and wrote a song. Then he made a music video. “United Breaks Guitars” landed online in 2009 and went properly viral, racking up over 23 million views and becoming a global case study in reputation damage.

The fallout was brutal. All because one customer wasn’t listened to.

We unpack why this story still matters, how quickly bad customer experiences can spiral when content meets the internet, and why ignoring a complaint can cost far more than fixing the problem ever would.

It’s funny, painful, and wildly instructive.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.