EP 114: Women in STEM Advice | Do You Have a Skills Gap or Imposter Syndrome? [Dr. AJ Lauer]

EP 114: Women in STEM Advice | Do You Have a Skills Gap or Imposter Syndrome? [Dr. AJ Lauer]

From Science Careers for Moms | Women in STEM, Work-Life Balance, Career Goals, Career Planning, Decision Making by Anokhi Kapasi, PhD - Life Planning & Career Strategist for Women in STEM

April 13, 2026 · 48 min · Episode 114

About this episode

The episode discusses the difference between a skills gap and imposter syndrome in women in STEM, featuring insights from Dr. AJ Lauer.

Imposter syndrome in women in STEM can feel like a constant need to over-prepare, prove yourself, and still worry you’ll be “found out.” In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. AJ Lauer, EdD—a STEM leadership and workplace inclusion expert—to help you tell the difference between a real skills gap and imposter phenomenon, and to give you a simple way to respond in the moment. Dr. Lauer teaches us how to notice your personal triggers, a quick nervous-system reset, the most important conversation you can have with your supervisor, and how to face imposter syndrome head on! If you’ve ever felt like you have to prove you deserve a seat at the table, this conversation will help you get back into that calm, intellectual space where you can make clear high-stakes decisions—without perfectionism running the show. ~ ABOUT DR. AJ LAUER, EdD Dr. AJ Lauer, EdD is a STEM leadership and workplace inclusion expert with 20+ years in DEI and workforce development in science and technology. Through her work at Thriving Ibis, Dr. Lauer coaches high-performing women in STEM on sustainable confidence and is the author of My Monster Mungo, an illustrated book that reframes imposter syndrome. Getting…

People in this episode

Host: Anokhi Kapasi

Guest: Dr. AJ Lauer

Topics covered

  • imposter syndrome
  • women in STEM
  • skills gap
  • workplace inclusion
  • career advice

Keywords

  • imposter syndrome
  • STEM
  • skills gap
  • workplace inclusion
  • career coaching
  • women in science

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Thriving Ibis

Books & works: My Monster Mungo

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