Welcome back to The Unworthy Leader Podcast! In this powerful episode, host Kendra Dahlstrom sits down with Stephen Burke, a former aerospace engineer turned executive and team coach, to explore the often unspoken truths of leadership—imposter syndrome, emotional intelligence, and the messy, beautiful path to authentic leadership.
This episode is a masterclass in navigating self-doubt in high-performance environments. From Silicon Valley to boardrooms everywhere, leaders are expected to have it all figured out—but Stephen challenges that narrative and invites us to embrace the parts of ourselves we often hide.
Key Topics:
🧠 Imposter Syndrome Unpacked: Stephen defines imposter syndrome as that persistent internal voice whispering, “You’re not good enough.” He shares how this feeling shows up in leadership and how he’s personally worked through it.
🚀 From Aerospace to Coaching: Learn how Stephen left a successful aerospace career to pursue coaching, driven by a desire for purpose, alignment, and healing. His story reflects how personal transformation fuels professional impact.
🧘 Being vs. Doing: Kendra and Stephen explore the balance between action and presence. In a world that rewards output, Stephen offers a refreshing take on how slowing down and tuning in can unlock deeper leadership power.
🏢 Systems & Cultures: They also tackle how organizational systems can either support or suppress authenticity and innovation—and what it takes to create psychological safety within teams.
💬 The Power of Conscious Leadership: By embracing imperfections and leading with emotional intelligence, Stephen demonstrates how conscious leadership isn't just about performance—it's about presence, purpose, and people.
Redefine Leadership with Us
If you’re a leader navigating self-doubt, working in high-pressure environments, or striving to build an authentic and innovative culture, this episode is for you. Stephen’s perspective will leave you feeling empowered to lead with heart, not just hustle.
👉 Subscribe to The Unworthy Leader Podcast and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it! Let's redefine leadership through authenticity and resilience.
Connect with Stephen Burke - LinkedIn
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