Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Embrace Inspired Ambition with Jess Ekstrom
In this episode of The Ready Enough Podcast, host Lauren Beane sits down with Jess Ekstrom—founder of Headbands of Hope, Mic Drop Workshop, and a Forbes Top Rated Speaker—to discuss how women can embrace inspired ambition over anxious hustle. Jess shares insights from her journey as a social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and mom of two under two. From overcoming imposter syndrome to reframing failure and building evidence of success, Jess provides actionable advice for balancing motherhood, ambition, and leadership.
About our guest
Jess Ekstrom is the founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, investor in women, 2x best selling author, Forbes Top Rated Speaker and new mom.
Her first brush with success was selling all of her toys on eBay when she was twelve. Since then, Jess and her companies have been featured on Today and Good Morning America and in Seventeen, Vanity Fair, Forbes, and People. More importantly, they've helped millions of women and girls around the world.
She’s the bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and Create Your Bright Ideas. Her hobbies include writing, hiking, board games with her husband, playing hide and seek with her kids, and searching for the best breakfast burrito in America.
CONNECT WITH JESS
Are you chasing big dreams but feel weighed down by imposter syndrome or the hustle culture? In the latest episode of The Ready Enough Podcast, I sat down with Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, to discuss how women can shift from anxious hustle to inspired ambition. Jess’s journey as a social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and mother offers invaluable lessons for anyone striving to achieve success without sacrificing their well-being. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation, packed with actionable tips and inspiring insights to fuel your ambition.
1. Shift from Spotlight to Lighthouse Speaking
Jess shared the importance of moving away from being a "spotlight speaker" focused on self-perfection and toward becoming a "lighthouse speaker" who serves the audience. The key? Prioritize being helpful over being liked. This mindset shift not only eases nerves but also ensures your message resonates more deeply with your audience.
Takeaway Tip: Before any speaking engagement, ask yourself, "What does my audience need? How can I make them 1% better by the end of my talk?"
2. Reframe Imposter Syndrome as Growth
Imposter syndrome doesn’t have to be a barrier; it can be a sign you’re stretching yourself. Jess emphasized that imposter syndrome is common, even among highly successful people. Instead of letting it hold you back, use it as evidence that you’re pushing your limits and growing.
Takeaway Tip: Build an “evidence bank” of your successes, from small wins to glowing testimonials, to remind yourself of your capabilities during moments of doubt.
3. Embrace Inspired Ambition Over Anxious Hustle
Inspired ambition is fueled by creativity and purpose, while anxious hustle stems from comparison and pressure. Jess explained that the best ideas come from a place of joy and possibility rather than fear or competition.
Takeaway Tip: Perform a “purpose test” on your goals: When I first considered starting this podcast, I asked myself, "Would I still do it if no one knew it was me behind the mic?" That single question shifted my focus from external validation to creating meaningful content, and it’s a question I return to whenever I feel stuck. If you had to remain anonymous while achieving your goal, would you still pursue it? If yes, it’s driven by inspired ambition.
4. Balance Motherhood and Ambition with Seasonality
As a mom of two under two, Jess shared her approach to balancing parenting with entrepreneurship. She’s learned to embrace the seasonality of life and to be unapologetic about setting boundaries. Productivity and clarity come from focusing on what truly matters in the moment.
Takeaway Tip: Schedule a weekly family meeting to align priorities and identify when you need to go all-in on work or family responsibilities.
5. Find Power in Collaboration
Jess’s success has been amplified by leaning into collaboration, not just for professional growth but for the emotional support it provides. Sharing ideas and connecting with others can spark inspiration, build confidence, and remind you that you’re not alone in your journey. The camaraderie and encouragement that come from working with like-minded individuals can turn challenges into opportunities.
Takeaway Tip: Seek out like-minded communities, like Mic Drop Workshop, where you can exchange ideas, share opportunities, and feel supported by a network that lifts you up.
Conclusion
This episode with Jess Ekstrom deeply resonated with me, reminding me to embrace the balance between ambition and clarity. Her insights on reframing imposter syndrome and leaning into collaboration have inspired me to approach my own goals with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. Whether you’re navigating imposter syndrome, juggling motherhood, or trying to find balance in your ambition, Jess’s insights offer practical ways to move forward with confidence.
Ready to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode here and subscribe to The Ready Enough Podcast for more conversations that inspire and empower.
Share Your Takeaways
What part of Jess’s story spoke to you the most? I’d love to hear! Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social media with your favorite takeaway from the episode—let’s keep the conversation going! Together, we’ll keep taking those tiny steps toward our dreams.
If you’re ready to silence self-doubt and embrace inspired ambition, subscribe to The Ready Enough Podcast today! Don’t forget to share this post with a friend who could use a little extra motivation.
