Show Notes
What if the only thing standing between you and the opportunity of a lifetime is the belief that you’re not ready?
In today’s episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with former CEO, executive coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author Patty Azzarello, who became Hewlett-Packard’s youngest General Manager at 33, ran a billion-dollar software business at 35, and became a CEO by 38.
But behind the impressive titles was a woman battling self-doubt, imposter syndrome, workplace bullies, and the feeling that she didn’t belong in the room.
Patty shares the unfiltered lessons from her new book, Why Is She Still Here?, revealing how confidence is built after action, why most people disqualify themselves too early, and how kindness can become your greatest leadership advantage.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
✓ Why confidence is an outcome, not a prerequisite ✓ How to overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt ✓ The surprising reason executives seem more confident than they are ✓ How women can navigate low expectations in leadership ✓ Patty’s strategy for dealing with workplace bullies ✓ Why being kind doesn’t make you weak ✓ How to protect your energy and avoid burnout ✓ The career advice that nearly changed everything for Patty ✓ How to stop disqualifying yourself from opportunities
About Patty Azzarello:
Patty Azzarello is a former Silicon Valley CEO, executive coach, speaker, and bestselling author. She became Hewlett-Packard’s youngest General Manager at age 33, led a billion-dollar software business by 35, and later served as CEO. Today, she helps leaders achieve greater impact without sacrificing themselves in the process.
Connect with Patty: Website: pattyazzarello.com LinkedIn: Patty Azzarello
⏱ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction 01:36 The 3 lessons everyone needs to hear 03:00 Imposter syndrome and why everyone is bluffing 07:08 Childhood bullying and overcoming insecurity 10:03 The executive meeting that changed Patty’s life 13:21 Why being “all business” can hurt your career 15:36 Confidence is an outcome, not a prerequisite 18:20 Women in leadership and low expectations 19:54 The “smart rats vs stupid rats” experiment 24:00 Mentorship and finding people who believe in you 26:01 How to survive rooms where you feel unwelcome 30:52 Why kindness is not weakness 31:14 Patty’s strategy for dealing with bullies 35:52 Work as an exchange of life force for money 37:12 Ruthless priorities and avoiding burnout 40:06 Recovery time and guilt-free rest 42:16 The opportunity Patty almost missed 45:58 Never disqualify yourself 46:45 The 3-part career growth framework 49:06 Patty’s definition of success 49:59 Books that changed her life 51:27 What Patty would tell her younger self 53:07 Final advice for building a successful career
If this episode helped you rethink confidence, leadership, or your career path, subscribe to The SMARTA Podcast and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder:
Scared does not mean disqualified.
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