Ever notice how that critical voice in your head gets loudest right when you’re about to do something important? As a former Fortune 200 executive, I’ve sat in those high-stakes meetings where my inner critic was practically shouting that I wasn’t prepared enough.
In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own battle with self-criticism—including how it nearly sabotaged my first book launch despite decades of leadership expertise. I’ll share the practical strategies that have helped me and my C-suite clients overcome that nagging inner critic and lead with genuine presence instead of perfectionism. More importantly, I’ll reveal the fundamental shift in perspective that finally allowed me to move forward despite that voice, and the specific practices you can implement immediately in your leadership journey. These aren’t theoretical concepts—they’re battle-tested approaches that get results.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why your inner critic gets loudest right before your most important leadership moments, and the counterintuitive approach that turns down its volume
- My embarrassing confession about what I said to guests at my own book launch party (and how it reveals the sneaky way imposter feelings show up even after achieving success)
- The simple naming technique that instantly creates distance between you and your critical inner voice
- How trying to avoid criticism actually smothers your authentic leadership voice and creative expression
- The question I ask myself whenever self-doubt creeps in that instantly reconnects me with my leadership purpose and silences criticism
- Leadership is a journey, not a destination, and taming your inner critic is ongoing work that evolves as you grow.
What voice has been holding you back from expressing your authentic leadership presence? I’d love to hear how you’re navigating your own inner critic and what strategies have worked for you. Connect with me on LinkedIn or sign up for my monthly newsletter where I share exclusive strategies and reflections that go beyond what we cover in the podcast. Your leadership journey matters—let’s continue it together.
Leadership Presence | Mastering the Inner Work of Leadership is your guide to leading with less ego and more soul. Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership and human development expert, sought-after coach, advisor to global executives, and former executive with experience in four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she digs into the real deep work and empowers leaders to show up with authenticity, build emotional intelligence, and lead in a way that leaves a lasting impact.
Noteworthy Quotes from This Episode
“Even when you’ve built a strong career, earned credibility, and people trust your expertise, that inner critic doesn’t magically go away. It just gets sneakier.”
“That’s the paradox of the inner critic. It tries to protect you from failure, but in doing so, it also protects you from growth, creativity, and authentic expression.”
“Your voice matters even when it shakes, even when it’s unsure, actually, especially then.”
“Every time you take a step despite that critical voice, you strengthen your muscle of self-trust. That’s how you become the kind of leader that people want to follow.”
“You’re not here to be perfect. You’re here to be present. You’re here to tell the truth. You’re here to lead from a place that’s real.”
Resource Links:
Connect with Janet Ioli:
Website: janetioli.com
Linkedin: Janet Ioli
Instagram: @janetioli
Janet is the founder of Power Presence Academy. She helps leaders ground themselves with confidence, connection, and purpose and lead with Less Ego, More Soul.
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your deeper values in just 21 days. Check out Janet Ioli’s book Less Ego, More Soul: A Modern Reinvention Guide for Women.
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