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The Unworthy Leader Podcast
The real leadership lessons aren’t in the wins—they’re in the doubts, fears, and failures we’re taught to hide. On The Unworthy Leader Podcast, executive coach Kendra Dahlstrom flips the script on success. Through raw stories and real conversations, we expose the hidden side of leadership—and why Doubt is your data™, Failure is fuel™, and Vulnerability is viral™. Ready to lead with more truth, presence, and courage? You’re in the right place.
Through honest, research-backed conversations, Kendra brings raw insights, practical tools, and inspiring guests to help leaders break free from perfectionism and lead from a place of purpose and presence—not performance.
If you're tired of curated leadership advice and craving something more real, this podcast is for you.
In each episode, you’ll discover:
- Scientific research and psychology behind imposter syndrome and unworthiness
- How to transform self-doubt into strength and resilience
- The role of vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety in leadership
- Tools for creating inclusive, human-centered workplaces
- Strategies to overcome burnout, inadequacy, and the fear of being found out
Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a new people manager, or an aspiring leader, The Unworthy Leader Podcast will help you embrace your imperfections, step into your full power, and lead with truth and courage.
Join the movement to redefine leadership—flaws and all.
The Unworthy Leader Podcast
The Unworthy Leader Podcast: Challenging the Norms of Leadership (Ep15)
Welcome back to The Unworthy Leader Podcast, where we challenge the myth of perfect leadership and lean into the vulnerability, honesty, and imperfection that real leadership demands. In this episode, Kendra Dahlstrom, executive coach to Fortune 50 leaders, sits down with Daryl Hammett, a standout leader at Amazon known for cultivating trust and authenticity across cross-functional teams in high-pressure, fast-moving environments.
Daryl shares his compelling journey from humble beginnings in the South to leadership at one of the world’s most influential companies. With wisdom, humor, and heart, he unpacks how early life experiences, self-doubt, and performative leadership cultures shaped his approach to ethical leadership—and how taking off the mask changed everything.
💡 Key Topics
🎭 Authenticity Is Risky—But Powerful
Daryl opens up about the real cost of “fitting in” within corporate culture, and how removing the leadership mask helped him create more connection, innovation, and impact. His unique coaching style emphasizes leading with presence and embracing discomfort as a path to growth.
🧠 Self-Doubt Is Not a Flaw—It’s Data
Kendra and Daryl reframe imposter syndrome and self-doubt as signals—not weaknesses. In leadership roles, self-awareness is key, and those uncomfortable feelings often hold valuable insights when we stop avoiding them.
🤖 AI, Fear & Psychological Safety
In a tech-driven world, Daryl makes the case for why psychological safety is essential—especially as AI becomes more integrated into business. Fear-based leadership creates bias, both in teams and the systems they build. Inclusion, empathy, and human-centered decision-making are not optional—they’re the future.
🧱 Building Trust One Brick at a Time
Trust isn’t a given—it’s earned through leadership accountability, vulnerability, and consistency. Daryl shares how he creates space for tough conversations and authentic connection, even within unpopular teams or high-stakes projects.
🎧 Subscribe to The Unworthy Leader Podcast to explore more stories from leaders redefining what it means to be worthy—and leading from the inside out.
Connect with Daryl - LinkedIn
Resources mentioned in this episode - Our Iceberg is Melting
🧠 Curious what’s driving your leadership—inner wisdom or imposter thoughts?
Take our free self-assessment to uncover whether you're leading from grounded emotional intelligence or quiet self-doubt.
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Note: This quiz is for self-reflection and informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool or substitute for professional mental health care.
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