A cornerstone of most scientific disciplines is “evidence-based outcomes”. You have lived experience and you have evidence that Alfred works. Maybe it won’t work for everyone, but then what strategy does? In any field?
Remember that you’re dealing with people. Your pitch was to investors but they’re also people (hence the laughter which makes your pitch memorable - great work!) Alfred’s success relies on its resonance with people who are users. All you need from nutritionists is for them to not diss it. They don’t need to dissect it, especially if you have evidence that it works. You may want to lean more heavily on behavioural economics (nudge theory) than nutritional science anyway.
I lived with imposter syndrome for ages until I realised that any pioneer is likely to feel that way. So just own it. No-one knows your lived experience better than you. (Also it helps to remember that what other people think of you is none of your business.)
Thank you so much again Esse!!! All your advice has been spot on and I can't thank you enough. But I have a couple of questions: Why are you helping me? And why did you have imposter syndrome?
Hmm, good questions. Firstly, my day job is mentoring business owners, so it’s in my wheelhouse.
I feel that people should share knowledge rather than hoarding it, because building capability early can boost a business performance trajectory (and maybe help someone else not bumble through all the same mistakes you made!)
Why did I have imposter syndrome? Woman in a male-dominated field with both external critics plus my own internal voice saying “who do you think you are?”
Stopped caring what others thought: no imposter syndrome. Also made me more open to feedback because I wasn’t taking it personally. Win:win
In my current contract, disaster-affected businesses under the Commonwealth Government's Strengthening Business service in the Entrepreneurs' Programme. In my private capacity ... businesses I like and believe in.
I run a business that turns over $5,000,000+ a year and I have no formal qualification whatsoever.
The point is, it doesn't matter.
I understand nutritionists getting annoyed but not everyone is after such nuanced service. Roadworkers don't need to eat or track like elite athletes. That's why Alfred is perfect for the everyday person.
Thanks mate and I guess my worries about that comes from having a father who's Professor of Genetics, and I was always told study study study from a young age.
"Roadworkers don't need to eat or track like elite athletes" - couldn't have said it better myself, and most people dont need too to feel great. They just need to be mindful when eating, which is what happens when you track what you eat.
100%. I find if I stick to my daily staples that I know are healthy and give me enough of the key food groups, I have some wiggle room for some cheeky shit after dinner.
Mix that in with a consistent sleeping/training plan and generally I feel pretty good. Not being drunk all the time helps too. Haha.
Good post mate. Whilst not related to dietary matters, I have struggled with imposter syndrome and the impact it has on my own self-confidence for years. For whatever reason, at times I disregard my vast experience and achievements in my chosen profession, and I am quick to put other people above me. It is not only not true but is not helpful to my mental health. Acknowledging these thoughts and challenging them is the most effective ways of rising above and getting on with it. I have no doubt your own personal experience regarding dietary matters, would outweigh (pardon the pun) the thoughts and beliefs of academics out there.
Hi Ben, the most effective way to challenge the thoughts I have found is relying on skills I have refined with cognitive behavioural therapy. I just challenge the negative thoughts with simple responses like "I do belong in this boardroom with the other senior managers", "I am valued by the business and have a proven track record in delivering projects on time and within budget" and "stop mind reading other people's thoughts that they think you are not up to this level". I have also consulted with my psychologist on these matters and he has been very helpful as well.
The causes of my imposter syndrome I believe has come from constant doubts and negative thoughts I have let invade my thinking over many years. I have always thought I do not belong at a senior level and that others question this as well. There is no evidence to suggest that is the case, however I just think it is. I also compare myself to others and think that I am not on their level and would not handle shit if it really hit the fan.
How many Test matches mate? I think that is evidence enough that you belonged.
Regarding shit hitting the fan, I know I can step up and have previously. Being in the events industry, shit does happen and I am generally the most relaxed person in the situation. To be honest, it is more worrying about not being about to cope when the workload gets too much. The cycle that happens is that I get a bout of anxiety, work longer hours and get on top of my emails/work requirements and then I relax. I wish I just didn't worry about not coping and although I am better at managing it, it still gets me sometimes.
Strongly relate, Tone. Take on lots because that’s how I feel productive. Stress I won’t get it done. Work like hell to get on top of it. Relax. Repeat.
Unfortunately, this is the way I have worked for 20 years. I find it hard to manage it any other way. I struggle as I don't want to fall behind and cause my boss to question my ability and work ethic. All the evidence suggests otherwise, however I have been like this all my life. I don't want to let people down and want people to like me.
Thanks Ben! Yeah, I had it for most of my rugby career and when I first started writing, and I think it contributed to my attempts trying to get each blog perfect. But your right, just forcing yourself to press publish enough will make the voice start to fade.
I am glad to hear that your pitch went well. I get the concept of imposter syndrome. I do not think that it matters what qualifications you have, there is always someone who either espouses that they know more or we feel inferior to because we do not have the same knowledge or experience (or at least feel like that). There is a bit of self talk here too but I think that we need to be wary of getting swept away by these feelings as understandable as they are. Lived experience is so important. It has worked for you and the reason why there are so many conflicting ideas about different approaches is because human beings are different. There will be people who relate to your approach and ideas and those who do not. Be there for those who can see what you have achieved and want the support from what Alfred offers. Keep up the great work!!
Hey Dianna! Thanks and your right about the the value of lived experience, and perhaps I need to value my own more. And spot on that I need to accept Alfred won't work for some people, and that's ok. I set my heart on trying to help everyone, but the reality is I can't, and if I try to help everyone, I'll end up helping no one. Thanks again for all your support and great stuff with your blog! Keep it up!
I find live experiences are far more valuable. Who are we to tell someone they are wrong when they experienced it? Just because they don't have qualifications. Just because you don't have qualifications doesn't mean you haven't done your research which is probably more than what most social media "influencers" do. You're an honest bloke with a product that helped you and you feel it could really help others. I'm not a calorie counter myself, but one of the cons with calorie counting is that it discourages forming a good relationship with food. People exercise because of guilt and because they have to "burn off" the food that they just ate. When you exercise for the love of it, your relationship with food changes and you start making smarter decisions. You look at the food and think well I could eat that chocolate bar, but if I have the yoghurt and berries I will be full for longer and it's better fuel for my body. But there are also days when you need to eat the yoghurt, berries and the chocolate bar. It's not going to kill you. The vision of Alfred is fostering good relationships with food and helping people to eat mindfully. People who don't eat "junk food" can be overweight too, simply because their meal sizes are too big. Alfred helps people to see that by reducing their meal portions, they're giving their body the energy it needs for activities of daily living.
I'm in a situation where, even though I have 15 years of clinical experience in massage, to apply for rehabilitation consultant jobs I need to have a BA in physio, EP or nursing. My experience is the main reason I feel ready to move into this kind of role, but it's not good enough in the eyes of employers.
Hey Clare! Awesome stuff with your blog! How are you finding writing? Enjoying it? Nervous about the first post?
Totally agree with everything you said about calorie counting, and like you mentioned, the goal of Alfred is to simply help people become mindful when eating, which is what happens when you track what you eat. I only saying calorie counting in 1 minute per day because blokes understand what that is (most blokes think the term "eating mindfully" is airy fairy non sense) and I also think a big part of what people have negative view of calorie counting is:
1. It takes a long time to do, which means you have less time each day for other stuff
2. Previous apps have let people set unrealistic goals and encouraged them to set crazy low calorie totals each day. 2 things we do not allow with Alfred as I've made those 2 mistakes many times before.
Employers just want to make an easy decision before hiring someone I reckon, and whether someone has a relevant degree or not is traditionally the easiest way to tell they can do the role. But I'm not sure what could be a better indicators that someone is up for the job then 15years clinical experience???
Haha thanks Ben! I think it took me an hour to write my first post, 2nd post maybe not quite as long but enjoying it so far.
Yep! I love the objective and values of Alfred hence why I saw it a good fit for my emerging technologies assignment in a community battling weight issues and chronic disease. I prefer the concept of Alfred to point systems diets because people tend to "blow" their points allowance in one donut and then starve themselves for the rest of the day. I remember watching a documentary once on gastric banding where they scanned people before and after surgery and found that people were less stimulated by unhealthy foods post surgery (I can't remember what it was called as it was at least 8 years ago) but they discussed the need for further research and how to make these brain changes without the gastric surgery. Of course you've got plenty of people who, just eat less of the same unhealthy food as opposed to eating better. I think pricing and availability plays a big role too. As a consumer, it's often cheaper to buy the bigger packet. At football games, you can buy cans of beer but you can only get a 600ml bottle of soft drink so people over-consume because that's the only size available.
Definitely. You've got two ends of the spectrum. Job ads that say experience essential, and then job ads that say qualifications essential, sometimes there are job ads with both. The experience essential is probably more frustrating because, how do you get experience if no one will give you a go?
A cornerstone of most scientific disciplines is “evidence-based outcomes”. You have lived experience and you have evidence that Alfred works. Maybe it won’t work for everyone, but then what strategy does? In any field?
Remember that you’re dealing with people. Your pitch was to investors but they’re also people (hence the laughter which makes your pitch memorable - great work!) Alfred’s success relies on its resonance with people who are users. All you need from nutritionists is for them to not diss it. They don’t need to dissect it, especially if you have evidence that it works. You may want to lean more heavily on behavioural economics (nudge theory) than nutritional science anyway.
I lived with imposter syndrome for ages until I realised that any pioneer is likely to feel that way. So just own it. No-one knows your lived experience better than you. (Also it helps to remember that what other people think of you is none of your business.)
Thank you so much again Esse!!! All your advice has been spot on and I can't thank you enough. But I have a couple of questions: Why are you helping me? And why did you have imposter syndrome?
Hmm, good questions. Firstly, my day job is mentoring business owners, so it’s in my wheelhouse.
I feel that people should share knowledge rather than hoarding it, because building capability early can boost a business performance trajectory (and maybe help someone else not bumble through all the same mistakes you made!)
Why did I have imposter syndrome? Woman in a male-dominated field with both external critics plus my own internal voice saying “who do you think you are?”
Stopped caring what others thought: no imposter syndrome. Also made me more open to feedback because I wasn’t taking it personally. Win:win
What type of business owners do you mentor?
In my current contract, disaster-affected businesses under the Commonwealth Government's Strengthening Business service in the Entrepreneurs' Programme. In my private capacity ... businesses I like and believe in.
Breeny has a degree he doesn't use! Who cares! The proof is in the results, mate. Which you have in spades.
In 2017 1/3 of Australian Uni Grads didn't work in the same field they studied in. Not sure what it's like now.
https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/careers/one-in-three-university-graduates-work-in-jobs-unrelated-to-their-study/news-story/192aec4a81b673fcd004f9608a750c3b.
1 in 4 unemlpoyed Australians in 2021 had a degree
https://theconversation.com/1-in-4-unemployed-australians-has-a-degree-how-did-we-get-to-this-point-156867
I run a business that turns over $5,000,000+ a year and I have no formal qualification whatsoever.
The point is, it doesn't matter.
I understand nutritionists getting annoyed but not everyone is after such nuanced service. Roadworkers don't need to eat or track like elite athletes. That's why Alfred is perfect for the everyday person.
Thanks mate and I guess my worries about that comes from having a father who's Professor of Genetics, and I was always told study study study from a young age.
"Roadworkers don't need to eat or track like elite athletes" - couldn't have said it better myself, and most people dont need too to feel great. They just need to be mindful when eating, which is what happens when you track what you eat.
100%. I find if I stick to my daily staples that I know are healthy and give me enough of the key food groups, I have some wiggle room for some cheeky shit after dinner.
Mix that in with a consistent sleeping/training plan and generally I feel pretty good. Not being drunk all the time helps too. Haha.
Good post mate. Whilst not related to dietary matters, I have struggled with imposter syndrome and the impact it has on my own self-confidence for years. For whatever reason, at times I disregard my vast experience and achievements in my chosen profession, and I am quick to put other people above me. It is not only not true but is not helpful to my mental health. Acknowledging these thoughts and challenging them is the most effective ways of rising above and getting on with it. I have no doubt your own personal experience regarding dietary matters, would outweigh (pardon the pun) the thoughts and beliefs of academics out there.
Thanks Tone. How did you challenge those thoughts? And what caused you to suffer imposter syndrome?
Hi Ben, the most effective way to challenge the thoughts I have found is relying on skills I have refined with cognitive behavioural therapy. I just challenge the negative thoughts with simple responses like "I do belong in this boardroom with the other senior managers", "I am valued by the business and have a proven track record in delivering projects on time and within budget" and "stop mind reading other people's thoughts that they think you are not up to this level". I have also consulted with my psychologist on these matters and he has been very helpful as well.
The causes of my imposter syndrome I believe has come from constant doubts and negative thoughts I have let invade my thinking over many years. I have always thought I do not belong at a senior level and that others question this as well. There is no evidence to suggest that is the case, however I just think it is. I also compare myself to others and think that I am not on their level and would not handle shit if it really hit the fan.
Thanks for your openness Tone and I never thought I belonged at international level, mostly because I didn't play like a normal prop.
What makes you think you couldn't handle everything if shit hit the fan?
How many Test matches mate? I think that is evidence enough that you belonged.
Regarding shit hitting the fan, I know I can step up and have previously. Being in the events industry, shit does happen and I am generally the most relaxed person in the situation. To be honest, it is more worrying about not being about to cope when the workload gets too much. The cycle that happens is that I get a bout of anxiety, work longer hours and get on top of my emails/work requirements and then I relax. I wish I just didn't worry about not coping and although I am better at managing it, it still gets me sometimes.
Strongly relate, Tone. Take on lots because that’s how I feel productive. Stress I won’t get it done. Work like hell to get on top of it. Relax. Repeat.
It is a bloody cycle
Is working longer hours the only way to manage the extra work?
Unfortunately, this is the way I have worked for 20 years. I find it hard to manage it any other way. I struggle as I don't want to fall behind and cause my boss to question my ability and work ethic. All the evidence suggests otherwise, however I have been like this all my life. I don't want to let people down and want people to like me.
Well done Ben!
And re: imposter syndrome... it never really goes away completely in my experience.
I've been writing /podcasting about leadership for 8 years and I used to struggle sharing the stuff I wrote even though I had good experience too.
"Who am I to write this?" and all that.
Now the nagging thoughts still remain but they're just noise and I hit publish anyway 😄
Thanks Ben! Yeah, I had it for most of my rugby career and when I first started writing, and I think it contributed to my attempts trying to get each blog perfect. But your right, just forcing yourself to press publish enough will make the voice start to fade.
It didn't seem to stop you in your rugby career either!
Hi Ben,
I am glad to hear that your pitch went well. I get the concept of imposter syndrome. I do not think that it matters what qualifications you have, there is always someone who either espouses that they know more or we feel inferior to because we do not have the same knowledge or experience (or at least feel like that). There is a bit of self talk here too but I think that we need to be wary of getting swept away by these feelings as understandable as they are. Lived experience is so important. It has worked for you and the reason why there are so many conflicting ideas about different approaches is because human beings are different. There will be people who relate to your approach and ideas and those who do not. Be there for those who can see what you have achieved and want the support from what Alfred offers. Keep up the great work!!
Then I just read Esse's comments and realised that we have said almost the same thing :-).
Hey Dianna! Thanks and your right about the the value of lived experience, and perhaps I need to value my own more. And spot on that I need to accept Alfred won't work for some people, and that's ok. I set my heart on trying to help everyone, but the reality is I can't, and if I try to help everyone, I'll end up helping no one. Thanks again for all your support and great stuff with your blog! Keep it up!
I find live experiences are far more valuable. Who are we to tell someone they are wrong when they experienced it? Just because they don't have qualifications. Just because you don't have qualifications doesn't mean you haven't done your research which is probably more than what most social media "influencers" do. You're an honest bloke with a product that helped you and you feel it could really help others. I'm not a calorie counter myself, but one of the cons with calorie counting is that it discourages forming a good relationship with food. People exercise because of guilt and because they have to "burn off" the food that they just ate. When you exercise for the love of it, your relationship with food changes and you start making smarter decisions. You look at the food and think well I could eat that chocolate bar, but if I have the yoghurt and berries I will be full for longer and it's better fuel for my body. But there are also days when you need to eat the yoghurt, berries and the chocolate bar. It's not going to kill you. The vision of Alfred is fostering good relationships with food and helping people to eat mindfully. People who don't eat "junk food" can be overweight too, simply because their meal sizes are too big. Alfred helps people to see that by reducing their meal portions, they're giving their body the energy it needs for activities of daily living.
I'm in a situation where, even though I have 15 years of clinical experience in massage, to apply for rehabilitation consultant jobs I need to have a BA in physio, EP or nursing. My experience is the main reason I feel ready to move into this kind of role, but it's not good enough in the eyes of employers.
Hey Clare! Awesome stuff with your blog! How are you finding writing? Enjoying it? Nervous about the first post?
Totally agree with everything you said about calorie counting, and like you mentioned, the goal of Alfred is to simply help people become mindful when eating, which is what happens when you track what you eat. I only saying calorie counting in 1 minute per day because blokes understand what that is (most blokes think the term "eating mindfully" is airy fairy non sense) and I also think a big part of what people have negative view of calorie counting is:
1. It takes a long time to do, which means you have less time each day for other stuff
2. Previous apps have let people set unrealistic goals and encouraged them to set crazy low calorie totals each day. 2 things we do not allow with Alfred as I've made those 2 mistakes many times before.
Employers just want to make an easy decision before hiring someone I reckon, and whether someone has a relevant degree or not is traditionally the easiest way to tell they can do the role. But I'm not sure what could be a better indicators that someone is up for the job then 15years clinical experience???
Haha thanks Ben! I think it took me an hour to write my first post, 2nd post maybe not quite as long but enjoying it so far.
Yep! I love the objective and values of Alfred hence why I saw it a good fit for my emerging technologies assignment in a community battling weight issues and chronic disease. I prefer the concept of Alfred to point systems diets because people tend to "blow" their points allowance in one donut and then starve themselves for the rest of the day. I remember watching a documentary once on gastric banding where they scanned people before and after surgery and found that people were less stimulated by unhealthy foods post surgery (I can't remember what it was called as it was at least 8 years ago) but they discussed the need for further research and how to make these brain changes without the gastric surgery. Of course you've got plenty of people who, just eat less of the same unhealthy food as opposed to eating better. I think pricing and availability plays a big role too. As a consumer, it's often cheaper to buy the bigger packet. At football games, you can buy cans of beer but you can only get a 600ml bottle of soft drink so people over-consume because that's the only size available.
Definitely. You've got two ends of the spectrum. Job ads that say experience essential, and then job ads that say qualifications essential, sometimes there are job ads with both. The experience essential is probably more frustrating because, how do you get experience if no one will give you a go?