In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila Ainge is joined by strategic advisor and facilitator Rachel Cashman to explore the relationship between imposter phenomenon, risk taking, legitimacy, and trust.

Rachel has worked across government, healthcare, defence, and the life sciences, helping leaders navigate high-stakes conversations, organisational conflict, and complex people dynamics. Together, Leila and Rachel unpack what it means to trust your gut, how women learn to scan for risk, and why imposter experiences may actually sharpen our awareness rather than diminish our capability.

The conversation explores:

• imposter phenomenon and legitimacy
• psychological safety and leadership
• gut instinct and decision making
• risk scanning and strategic thinking
• women, visibility, and authenticity
• rumination, reflection, and leadership decision making

Rachel also shares the story of turning down a major contract despite financial pressure because her instincts told her something wasn’t right and how experience, strategy, and bodily awareness all played a role in that decision.

This episode is for leaders, freelancers, entrepreneurs, coaches, and anyone navigating visibility, uncertainty, or the feeling of asking: “Who am I to be here?”

https://fearlessfacilitator.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-cashman-b310557/

https://open.spotify.com/show/4XZmHkp5geqXz74qaHGPPq

Why do some things feel emotionally bigger than they “should”?

In this bonus episode of Psychologically Speaking, psychologist and researcher Leila Ainge introduces The Hard Thing Challenge — a free five-day reflection challenge exploring the psychology behind difficult tasks, imposter feelings, avoidance, identity, and risk.

This episode also introduces the next season of Psychologically Speaking.

You’ll also get:

– details of Leila's free 5 day challenge.

– an introduction to The Reflection Room

– details on how the challenge works

– and a preview of the new podcast season exploring imposter phenomenon through the lens of risk

Join the challenge at www.leilaainge.co.uk

What happens when loss changes everything—not just emotionally, but structurally?

In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila Ainge is joined by wellbeing consultant and psychotherapist Chrissy Orson to explore grief, identity shifts, and the moment your life no longer fits the way it used to.

After losing both her sister and father within weeks during lockdown, Chrissy shares how grief didn’t just affect her personally—it completely changed how she saw work, time, family, and what actually matters.

We talk about the psychology of grief, why many women “keep going” until they hit a wall, and how organisations often fail people at the moments they most need support.

This is a conversation about loss—but also about clarity, boundaries, and building a life that reflects what you now know to be true.

We cover:

• Grief, trauma, and identity shifts
• Why women keep going (even when they shouldn’t)
• The hidden admin and emotional labour of loss
• Psychological safety at work during life events
• Why flexible working often isn’t truly flexible
• Therapy vs coaching—and when you actually need each

Link to EMDR explainer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIJZQAr9nQo

You can find Chrissy at:

Chrissy Orson MBACP (Accred) | She / Her | www.chrissyorson.co.uk