The Unworthy Leader Podcast

The Unworthy Leader Podcast: Breaking the Silence: Men and Imposter Thoughts (Ep17)

Kendra Dahlstrom Season 1 Episode 17

⚠️ Content Note: This episode contains discussion of suicide, depression, and mental health challenges.
If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that you are not alone. Help is available.
📞 Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—free, 24/7, and confidential.

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This week on The Unworthy Leader Podcast, host Kendra Dahlstrom sits down with Andy Grant—bestselling author, energy coach, suicide prevention activist, and host of Real Men Feel. Known as the “King of Authenticity,” Andy brings raw vulnerability and lived experience to a conversation about imposter syndrome, emotional intelligence, and the silent struggles leaders—especially men—carry behind their titles.

Andy opens up about his battle with childhood depression, multiple suicide attempts, and the lifelong feeling of being “unworthy.” He shares how those darkest moments ultimately became the foundation of his leadership voice and unique coaching style, focused on helping men break free from emotional suppression, toxic masculinity, and performative success.

💡 Key Topics

📉 Unspoken Struggles in Leadership Roles
Andy and Kendra unearth the rarely discussed truth: many high-performing men—yes, even Fortune 500 executives—are plagued by imposter thoughts, but cultural norms often prevent them from expressing vulnerability. The cost? Disconnection, burnout, and a leadership style rooted in fear, not presence.

🎭 The Mask of “I’m Fine”
Andy breaks down the myth that “real men don’t cry” and the societal expectations that push leaders to overperform and underfeel. He explains how suppressing emotions shows up as tension, rage, and disconnection, and how acknowledging pain can lead to ethical leadership and deeper self-awareness.

🛠️ Leadership Accountability Through Self-Honesty
“If you’re pretending to yourself, you’re pretending in everything you do.” Andy shares how his healing journey—including journaling, energy work, and men’s support groups—gave him the tools to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.

🤝 Vulnerability is Viral
Kendra emphasizes how one leader’s honesty can shift the entire tone of a room. Andy’s story is proof that transparency is not a weakness—it’s a leadership superpower, especially in cross-functional teams and unpopular teams often left out of the spotlight.


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Connect with Andy: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website | Amazon
Real Men Feel Podcast: 
Instagram | YouTube 


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