An imposter syndrome workshop for employees who still doubt they belong.
Lorrena Black’s imposter syndrome workshop for employees turns Imposter Interrupted into practice: the four quiet costumes, what each one costs, and one interrupt for each, worked live in groups of up to 30.
The problem it answers
Imposter syndrome rarely looks like doubt. It looks like over-preparing, over-explaining and going quiet where decisions get made. In the workshop, each person names the quiet costume they reach for most, puts a cost on it, and practices the interrupt.
“Her transparency created an immediate sense of connection with our participants. She challenged attendees to identify what they will start, stop, and continue. The framework was simple, powerful, and immediately applicable.”
“Amazing, such an important message given by an incredibly engaging speaker. I was not expecting this today, but I feel so empowered and I have actions I can use in my life going forward.”
The four quiet costumes, and the interrupt for each
- The Minimizer: “Oh, I just...”
- For one week, catch every just and only before it leaves your mouth. Don’t replace it with anything. Say the sentence without it and let it stand.
- The Explainer: “Sorry, let me explain...”
- Answer the question that was asked, then stop. If they want the backstory, they’ll ask. Most of the time, they won’t, and that’s the point.
- The Understudy: “I’m not ready yet.”
- Name one thing you’ve been waiting to be asked to do. Then do the first step of it this week without being asked.
- The Quick-Change Artist: “Whatever the room needs.”
- Pick one room this week and walk in as the same person you were in the last one. Notice what happens. Usually, nothing bad.
Why teams book it
- She interrupted her own imposter syndrome on the way to Major, and still does.
- The two-minute quiz can go to the group beforehand, so the room arrives knowing its costumes.
- 75% of executive women say they have experienced imposter syndrome (KPMG, 2020).
Who books it
- ERGs and BRGs
- Women’s leadership programs
- HR and talent teams
- High performers at every level
How it runs
- Half-day workshop
- Full-day workshop
- Keynote plus same-day workshop
- In person or virtual
- Up to 30 participants
- The imposter syndrome keynote The 45 to 60 minute version, and the HR credit details.
- The women’s leadership workshop For women’s programs and emerging women leaders.
- For ERGs and BRGs Women’s History Month, Veterans Day and Black History Month.
- All workshops and coaching Formats, emerging leader cohorts and Co-Active coaching.
Planning this workshop
What happens in an imposter syndrome workshop?
The group works through the four costumes (the Minimizer, the Explainer, the Understudy and the Quick-Change Artist): how each shows up at work, what it costs, and one interrupt to practice that week.
How is the workshop different from the keynote?
The keynote names the patterns and hands the room the tools in 45 to 60 minutes. The workshop runs a half or full day for up to 30 people, so everyone practices them.
Is it only for women?
No. It is built for high performers at every level. Women’s programs and ERGs book it, and so do HR and talent teams.
Can the group take the quiz first?
Yes. The quiz takes about two minutes and needs no email. Send the link before she arrives.
Can it run virtually or outside Michigan?
Yes. She is based in Metro Detroit, travels from DTW and is available nationally, in person or virtual.
Build it for your team.
Or call the office at (915) 269-2168 · lorrena@lorrenablack.com