The topic :

Do you ever feel like you don’t belong — even at the top of your field?

This interactive  micro-talk  will explore the  imposter  syndrome  in  high- performance scientific environments such as CERN, where excellence and constant evaluation can intensify self-doubt even among competent professionals.  

The session start by normalizing the experience and distinguishing imposter feelings from actual lack of competence, using research insights to explain why high achievers are particularly prone to it.

Participants will learn to recognize common thought patterns (e.g.,   discounting   success,   fear   of   being   “found   out,” perfectionism) and understand the impact these have on confidence, collaboration, and wellbeing. 

Through guided reflection and short peer discussions, attendees will identify their own internal narratives and triggers, especially in hierarchical or competitive settings. 

 

 

You'll leave with concrete, research-based tools to:

• Reframe unhelpful self-talk
• Build evidence-based confidence logs
• Communication achievements without discomfort
• Seek and use feedback constructively

This micro-talk will be held in English, on Zoom.

The expert :

Alessandra Patti is a professional trainer and consultant on the topic of mental well-being at work. With more than 13 years’ experience in the topic of assertive and confident communication and having worked with academia, she lectures regularly at the university st gallen and ETH also on the topic of imposter syndrome, belonging and self-esteem for mental health. 

For the 3rd time at CERN, she gives a lot of practical insights on how to become not perfect but excellent and she will coach us on how to thrive high performing environments.