expertise, your education, your influence, your character qualities and recognize the value that brings to the table, no matter how big or small that table is. PPAI Media: Communication and communication channels are such buzz words in organizations. I imagine even a friendly manager with an open door won’t communicate well with their team if imposter syndrome is rampant. Do you notice it affecting communication? Zappala: Step No. 1 is to recognize what imposter syndrome is and realize that you’re not alone. Once you realize that, whether you’re the person struggling with it or the person who manages that person – because chances are you both do – it’s like the great equalizer. Then it’s easier to bridge that gap and open conversations. Managing someone with imposter syndrome is a whole other issue, because that person is working so hard to present this picture of someone competent and qualified. That manager can see that and say, ‘Wow, they’re doing just fine,’ but behind the scenes is someone who is frantic and worried. Interpreting that is the trick for a leader. PPAI Media: Plenty of people in the promo industry were entrepreneurs who found themselves here by happenstance, and then there are so many terms and understood ways of doing things that someone new to the industry might feel everyone but them is savvy to. At a place like The PPAI Expo, do you think it would be helpful to assume some people are hoping they don’t get exposed for still learning the business? Zappala: Imposter syndrome screams the loudest in times of change. It can scream when people change from one industry to another. Part of the change is I’ve never done this before. But part of the change actually has to do with, believe it or not, verbiage; the language, buzzwords and terminology. Give yourself grace and understand when you’re catastrophizing. If I mess this up they’ll think I’m stupid or my career is over. It’s illogical. The people you want to glom on to, you can say to them, ‘Help me learn and understand.’ People will respond to that and see it as worthy of respect. It means you want to work hard and want to learn and are capable of learning. Your character qualities are going to carry you over that hump of not knowing what everyone else knows. They’re going to see you as creative, resilient, optimistic and a team player. Registration is now open for The PPAI Expo 2023 (January 9-12). TENTh Anniversary Special PPAI/582106 SAGE/50398 Full Color, Full Coverage on Canopy and Rear Wall Rugged Hex Aluminum Frame Wheeled Carry Bag Complete Package Includes: } Regular Price $1,210(C) NowJust Valid thru 12/31/22 Must use Promo Code PP1222 $947(C) TCT11200 - 10’ x 10’ 40mm Hex Aluminum Frame includes full color full coverage printed rear wall • 600D Coated Polyester • UV Protected • Fire Retardant • Water Resistant • One Piece Minimum • Free PMS Matches Limited Time Offer! Available options include half side walls, billboard banner, leg covers, curved overhead banner and more, for all options & styles go to: DiscountMarketingProducts.com NO SET UP CHARGES! HURRY! Sale Ends 12/31/22 | DECEMBER 2022 | 77 CONNECT
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