Tackling the Confidence Gremlins: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in School Leadership on Creating Value In Schools

Host Liz Worthen welcomes Nickii Messer to discuss imposter syndrome, how it shows up in school roles, and practical ways to challenge the ‘confidence gremlins’.

Episode: 37
Listening time: 29 minutes
Released: 11 August 2026

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Nickii shares how self-doubt nearly stopped her becoming chair of governors for two schools, and explores how imposter thoughts link to the ‘Ps’ of perfectionism, procrastination, perspective and panic.

They talk about:

Challenging the gremlin voice through reflective practice.
Celebrating achievements and accepting ‘good enough’ where appropriate.
Reframing the ‘comfort-stretch-panic’ model as ‘comfort-gremlin-magic’.
Creating safe leadership cultures where asking for help is normal.
Being 10% braver.

“You can let the brakes help you slow down to check for hazards, but don't let them stop you.”

Guest contributor

Nickii Messer of All the Geese is a school business management and leadership specialist, providing training, development and mentoring expertise. She’s also chair of governors of two schools.