Guest: Jen Coken, The “Velvet Sledgehammer” of Executive Coaching

Topic: From Imposter Phenomenon to Authentic Power

In this powerful and raw episode, Candy Barone dives deep with globally renowned executive coach, speaker, and best-selling author Jen Coken to unravel the truth behind imposter phenomenon and what it really means to lead with bold authenticity.

Jen challenges the mainstream narrative around "imposter syndrome," reframing it instead as a phenomenon—a natural, human experience that signals you're playing a bigger game.

Rather than seeing self-doubt as a weakness, Jen offers a radical perspective: it’s actually a superpower when understood and harnessed.

Together, Candy and Jen explore:

• 🔥 Why "authentic leadership" isn’t about following a formula, but about reclaiming your internal authority

• 🧠 The brain science behind imposter phenomenon and how early childhood patterns shape our leadership style

• 💥 The real difference between being “nice” and being truly kind—and how choosing clarity over people-pleasing is a leadership act

• 🌀 How patriarchal constructs and cultural expectations especially impact women in STEM and other male-dominated industries

• ⚡ Why most high performers have internalized stories they’re not even aware of—and how to rewrite them

Jen also shares her own vulnerable journey of dismantling her childhood decision to stay small, how it fueled both her success and her self-sabotage, and the powerful tools she now uses with leaders to break free from limiting beliefs and fully embody their authentic power.

This conversation is as gritty as it is liberating, serving up deep insight with humor, real talk, and a few well-placed f-bombs. You’ll walk away feeling seen, called forward, and ready to stop “fitting in” and start fully owning your space.

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Featured on ABC, MSNBC, and TEDx, Jen Coken is a globally recognized Executive Leadership Coach, Speaker, and Best-Selling Author with 25 years of experience helping leaders thrive in high-pressure environments. Known for her no-nonsense coaching style and sharp humor, she has guided nearly 10,000 leaders—including Fortune 1000 executives—to break barriers and lead with confidence.

A sought-after keynote speaker, Jen specializes in executive presence, leadership influence, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Her book, Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower, provides women in STEM with actionable strategies to transform self-doubt into a leadership asset.

Through her keynotes, workshops, and coaching, Jen equips senior executives with the tools to command authority, inspire change, and create lasting impact. Her mission: to empower leaders to shatter glass ceilings and leave a legacy of bold, authentic leadership.

You can connect with Jen here:

- Order her brand new book: Making Imposter Syndrome Your New Superpower

- Take her FREE Imposter Syndrome Leadership Decoder quiz

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

- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coken

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

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.coken