🎙️ Episode Summary:
In this candid solo episode, Nichole opens up about her own experience with imposter syndrome—including why she hesitated to hit “record” after a few months away from the mic. From putting off speaking engagements to doubting her podcasting consistency, Nichole reflects on the internal dialogue so many women face at work.

You’ll walk away with practical strategies for recognizing and confronting imposter syndrome, plus reminders that growth takes time—and you're not alone.

💬 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why imposter syndrome can creep in—even when you’re already successful

• How to reframe fear-based thoughts and stop self-sabotage

• Ways to reflect on and celebrate your growth

• The power of technical vulnerability and asking for help

• Why clarity from your leader can reduce self-doubt

• How to use your voice (literally!) to change your mindset

✨ Nichole’s Top Tips:

• Speak truth out loud: Replace fearful thoughts with intentional affirmations.

• Track your growth: Write down how you've improved since starting your current role.

• Don’t go it alone: Ask for support, guidance, or mentorship when you're feeling stuck.

• Connect with your leader: Clarify what success looks like in your role and what to work toward.

📥 Get the Career Growth Guide:
Not sure what to focus on each month in your career? Download Nichole’s Career Growth Guide—it includes two focus areas per month and video support to help you grow with purpose.
👉 Grab it here.

🔗 Let’s Connect:
Nichole would love to hear from you! Say hi on LinkedIn and start a genuine conversation. You’re not alone in your career journey. 💛

In this episode, Nichole Harrop dives into the practice of selecting a Word of the Year to guide personal and professional growth. She shares her own process of choosing the word Momentum for 2025 and how it aligns with her goals. Nichole also offers practical tips for selecting a word, incorporating accountability, and using AI tools to brainstorm meaningful options.

Don't forget to get your copy of the Career Growth Guide

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why choosing a word of the year can provide clarity and motivation
• Nichole's personal journey with goal-setting and accountability
• How to find a word that resonates with your goals and values
• Real-life examples of words chosen by others and their meanings
• How to stay accountable and build momentum throughout the year

Resources Mentioned:

• Career Growth Guide: A resource to help you focus on key areas of growth each month. Get your copy via the link in the show notes.
• LinkedIn Connection: Join Nichole on LinkedIn to participate in free career growth sessions.

Key Takeaways:

• Selecting a word that aligns with your aspirations can help guide your actions throughout the year.
• Building habits and accountability through small steps leads to long-term success.
• Using AI tools like ChatGPT can help generate ideas and refine your word selection process.
• It's okay to pivot and adjust your focus throughout the year as needed.

Real quick, grab the Career Growth Guide here.

Nichole Harrop chats with co-worker Lauren Cohen about her incredible journey through nearly four decades in the tech industry. From programming on mainframes in the '80s to embracing cutting-edge AI and modern workplace technologies, Lauren shares her insights on staying adaptable and thriving in an ever-changing field.

Lauren discusses how she navigated major transitions in technology, overcame challenges as a woman in computer science, and continues to evolve in her role at Vasion. She offers actionable advice on managing change, collaborating across generations, and building confidence through experience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up in your career, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways.

What You’ll Learn:

• Strategies for staying relevant in the tech world.
• The value of cross-generational learning and collaboration.
• How to embrace change and manage frustrations when learning new skills.
• Tips for identifying mentors and leveraging workplace relationships.

Resources Mentioned:

• Career Growth Guide: Plan your development with actionable monthly goals. Get your copy here.

About the Guest:
Lauren Cohen is a Digital Transformation Engineer at Vasion with 37 years of experience in software development. She has a passion for learning and sharing knowledge, and her ability to adapt and thrive in the fast-paced tech world makes her a leader and mentor to her peers.

Connect with Nichole

• Visit www.hellogrowvio.com for more career resources.
• Follow Nichole Harrop on LinkedIn.