Have you ever walked into a room where you belonged, yet felt like a total intruder? Even when surrounded by friends or longtime colleagues, that whisper of inadequacy—the one that claims you are "running a game" on everyone—often grows loudest just as you are about to shine. In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on a recent, that forced me to confront my own "elaborate dance of diminishment". We explore the terrifying possibility that we aren't actually afraid of being incompetent, but rather, we are terrified of being seen as someone who knows they are truly good at what they do. If you have ever felt the need to offer a disclaimer before sharing a brilliant idea, this conversation is your invitation to stop shrinking and start taking up the space you have already earned.

00:13 The anatomy of an uninvited guest

01:15 Six seats and a drop in the stomach

02:34 The hammer in my chest

04:10 Why we make space for everyone but ourselves

05:50 Maya Angelou and the fear of being seen

07:14 Potholes, grandmothers, and unexpressed brilliance

09:37 Trading disclaimers for bravery

Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
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This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.

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