In today’s fast-paced corporate world, mid-level leaders are under increasing pressure to deliver results, earn promotions, and build their executive presence. But for many, that pressure comes at a cost—burnout and imposter syndrome.
In a recent episode of the People Strategy Leaders Podcast, leadership coach Dominic George, founder of Vision Leadership for Life, joined host Sri Chellappa to unpack how leaders can avoid these traps by leading authentically.
Dominic, who specializes in coaching Black men and other mid-level professionals into senior leadership roles, shared how embracing your “leadership DNA” is the key to long-term success, confidence, and resilience.
Imposter Syndrome: The Quiet Barrier
“Imposter syndrome shows up when you believe you’re not qualified to be in the room,” Dominic explains. For mid-level leaders navigating promotions, this quiet but powerful belief can chip away at their confidence and sabotage career growth.
Dominic notes that imposter syndrome often creeps in when leaders try to emulate someone else’s style—especially senior leaders who don’t share the same background, experiences, or cultural lens.
“When you’re wearing a mask to fit in, you lose touch with your authentic self. And that’s when burnout starts to take root.” – Dominic George
The Mask vs. the Mirror: Why Authenticity Matters
Dominic uses a powerful metaphor—the mask vs. the mirror—to illustrate the challenge many leaders face:
- The mask is the persona you adopt to fit into a corporate mold, often at the expense of your values and identity.
- The mirror reflects who you truly are—your strengths, story, and non-negotiables as a leader.
“When you lead with the mirror,” Dominic says, “you’re anchored in your values and show up authentically. That’s how you build lasting influence and avoid burning out.”
The 3Ms of Authentic Leadership
Dominic’s coaching framework centers on three pillars he calls the 3Ms:
👉 Mindset – Reframing negative self-talk and dismantling the beliefs that fuel imposter syndrome.
👉 Mastery – Building the hard and soft leadership skills required to thrive in senior roles.
👉 Motivation – Aligning your purpose with your leadership journey so you stay connected to your “why.”
This alignment is critical. “Leadership isn’t about titles or salaries,” Dominic stresses. “It’s about impact. When you’re clear on your purpose, you show up differently.”
Recognizing Burnout Before It’s Too Late
Burnout rarely happens overnight. Dominic points to common early signs:
👉 Feeling disengaged in meetings and multitasking to exhaustion
👉 Constantly seeking validation instead of focusing on respect and impact
👉 Losing sight of why you wanted the role in the first place
When leaders start renegotiating their own values or compromising their non-negotiables, burnout accelerates. Dominic encourages leaders to take a step back and reconnect with their purpose.
“Your values and story are your foundation. When you’re grounded in them, you can navigate even the toughest leadership challenges.” – Dominic George
Building Influence Through Strategic Alliances
For leaders looking to grow their impact, Dominic emphasizes the importance of strategic alliances:
👉 Reach beyond your own department and build cross-functional relationships
👉 Create win-win scenarios with colleagues and collaborators
👉 Lead “up, across, and down” to broaden your influence
These alliances not only accelerate career growth but also strengthen the broader organization.
Key Takeaways for Leaders
Dominic’s conversation with Sri Chellappa left listeners with a clear roadmap for authentic leadership:
👉 Authenticity is non-negotiable. Stop wearing the mask and reconnect with your values.
👉 Purpose fuels resilience. When you’re clear on why you lead, you’re less likely to burn out.
👉 Imposter syndrome is a mindset. Shift your narrative and trust the skills that got you where you are.
👉 Leadership is about impact. Titles and salaries are temporary; legacy is lasting.
