Mini-episode: The Unexpected Upside of Imposter Syndrome

Extraordinary Pursuits by BIP Ventures

In this mini-episode of Extraordinary Pursuits, ON Partners’ executive recruiting leader Tara Flickinger shares a different approach for founders seeking to improve how they share their “why” as part of the company storytelling. She explains how to lean into unique strengths to simplify complex company narratives.

Tara also gives useful tactics for facing self-doubt. She speaks candidly about why Imposter Syndrome is more likely to afflict high achievers, and why feeling like an imposter can be a signal that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. For anyone navigating bold ambition, the stress of pitching and sales, or the emotional weight of being the one out front, this short conversation will inspire truth, courage, and clarity.

Timestamps

• [00:00] Finding and Framing Your Why
• [01:25] Turning Superpowers Into Storytelling
• [02:00] Imposter Syndrome and High Performers
• [03:26] Keep Reaching: Reframing the Feeling of Not Belonging

Points of Wisdom

• "If you're feeling imposter syndrome, the fact that you're feeling that way means that you are not."

About Tara Flickinger

Tara Flickinger is a partner and executive committee member at ON Search Partners, a retained talent search firm specializing in VP, C-level, and board searches. Tara came to ON Search Partners from Parker Executive Search and, before that, Goldman Sachs. She earned an MBA at the University of North Carolina Keenan-Flagler Business School and a BA from Brown University, where she captained the women's golf team. Tara brings extensive experience with environments that demand presence and presentation.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-flickinger-mba-7041b97/
• Website: https://onpartners.com/

BIP Ventures

• Website: www.bipventures.vc
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/bipventures/
• Extraordinary Pursuits: https://www.bipventures.vc/podcasts
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bipventures