Episode 7 - Vicky Campbell - The Power of Being You

In this episode of the Good Girl Deprogramming Podcast, Michelle is joined by Vicky Campbell, a coach and HR expert, to discuss the complexities of being a “good girl” at work and the toll it takes on our authentic selves. They dive deep into the emotional exhaustion that comes from masking, people-pleasing, and constantly trying to fit into rigid workplace expectations.

A passionate, driven and honest Change Maker. Having worked across most HR Specialisms in the fast go, go, go Financial Services industry for 20 years I know a thing or two about Change!

I love people; I specifically love developing people. Listening to their needs and being creative in transforming their career journey. A pink haired free spirit, with a desire to break down barriers.

What we talk about:

• 1:16 - Vicky Campbell Introduction

  
  





• Michelle introduces Vicky and dives straight into discussing the pressures of being a good girl at work.

  
  

• 1:30 -  The Good Girl Mask

  
  





• Vicky shares her experience of being a “good girl” at work, how it serves as a form of self-preservation, but drains energy and leads to emotional burnout.

  
  

• 3:57 - Authenticity in the Workplace

  
  





• Michelle and Vicky discuss how showing up as your true self at work can be empowering, but often comes with the pushback of being asked to “tone it down” and fit into the mould.

  
  

• 4:19 - Anger in the Workplace

  
  





• Michelle points out that anger is often the one emotion women are discouraged from expressing at work, even though it’s a natural and important emotion.

  
  

• 8:25 -  Neurodiversity and Masking

  
  





• Vicky talks about her ADHD diagnosis and the emotional journey of realising that her good girl mask was hiding her neurodivergence. She shares how this awareness has transformed her personal and professional life.

  
  

• 10:56 - People-Pleasing and the Cost of Compliance

  
  





• Vicky reflects on how her people-pleasing tendencies kept her apologising for herself and accommodating others’ opinions at the expense of her own needs.

  
  

• 17:08 - Restoring Energy through Authenticity

  
  





• The conversation shifts to ways to restore energy, like stepping into your authentic self and doing activities that bring you joy (such as Vicky’s love of singing).

  
  

• 18:21 - The Importance of Replenishment

  
  





• Michelle and Vicky talk about the need for replenishment, whether through nature, dancing, or even allowing space for yourself to just be. They emphasise the importance of self-care and not wasting energy on masking.

  
  

• 22:01 - Advice to Younger Self

  
  





• Vicky shares what she would tell her 19-year-old self starting out in the corporate world—trust your instincts and don’t stay in spaces that don’t serve you.

  
  

• 23:48 - Why Women Blame Themselves

  
  





• Michelle highlights her upcoming book exploring why young women blame themselves when they feel out of place in the workplace, leading to further discussions on societal conditioning.

  
  

• 28:50 - Embracing the Journey of Authenticity

  
  





• Vicky reflects on how, as she steps into her authentic self, her relationships and career have transformed for the better.

  
  

• 29:31 - Final Question for Listeners

  
  





• Vicky challenges the audience to reflect on what’s holding them back from being their true, authentic selves. What would life look like if they allowed themselves to fully embrace who they are?

  
  

• 32:17 - Closing Remarks

  
  





• Michelle wraps up the episode, reflecting on the importance of stepping into authenticity and sharing how Vicky’s journey has resonated with her own experience of deprogramming good girl conditioning.

  
  

Follow Vicky on social media:  

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancepopulus/ 

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickycampbell123/ 

Follow Michelle on social media:  

Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/  

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/  

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming  

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin 

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!