183: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Insights from Dr. Gena Gorlin on Founder Psychology

Sophie Alcorn Podcast

Ever wondered how successful tech founders keep their mental game strong? Dr. Gena Gorlin, a clinical associate professor turned psychologist for ambitious innovators, joins us to share her unique journey and insights. We discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing our identities as founders, and the importance of identifying and leaning into our strengths. Gena brings a wealth of knowledge from her transition from traditional psychology to working with driven individuals who are shaping the tech landscape, offering invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The path to founding a company is rarely straightforward, riddled with uncertainty, trial and error, and inevitable mistakes. We unpack these natural parts of the entrepreneurial process, juxtaposing the polished success stories seen in the media with the messy reality. Our conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability and sharing real experiences, providing reassurance that founders are not alone in their challenges. We also dive into the builder's mindset and founder wisdom, exploring the fascination with biohacking and the drive to extend lifespans.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Overcoming imposter syndrome in founders

• The impact of failure on entrepreneurship

• The myth of suffering for success

• Decoupling suffering from greatness

• Embracing mental health challenges

• Early morning meditation benefits and biohacking

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Supporting Resources:

builders.genagorlin.com (my Substack)

genagorlin.com/coaching.php (founder coaching)

Invest Like The Best #336 Jeremy Giffon: Special Situations in Private Markets (Spotify) (Apple))

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang On Building Resilience With Pain and Suffering

Social Links:

Social media: @Gena_I_Gorlin (Twitter), https://www.linkedin.com/in/genagorlin/

Email: [email protected]

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• Episode 165: Foreign Roots to Silicon Valley Heights: The Exit Journey of International Founder Alfonso de la Nuez

• Episode 170: Strategic Expansion for Founders: Lessons from Serial Entrepreneur David Rose

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