How to Conquer Imposter Syndrome and Build a Thriving Coaching Business: Insights from Brooke Monaghan
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in your industry or questioned whether you’re “cut out” for entrepreneurship, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is a sneaky little voice that whispers, “You’re not good enough,” and it’s something even the most successful entrepreneurs struggle with.
In the latest episode of The Anti-Professional Podcast, I sat down with Brooke Monaghan, a business coach and trusted advisor who helps entrepreneurs and leaders align their businesses with their values. Brooke shared her journey of overcoming self-doubt, tuning into her intuition, and building a thriving coaching business—all while breaking the rules of traditional professionalism.
You can watch the full episode here, but if you’re more of a reader, I’ve distilled the key takeaways into this blog post. Let’s dive in.
1. Imposter Syndrome is a Liar (But It’s Also a Teacher)
Brooke opened up about her own battles with imposter syndrome, sharing that even after four years in business, she still questions herself weekly. “Once a week, I’m like, Nope, you’ve been going down the wrong path this whole time,” she admitted.
But here’s the thing: imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for success. In fact, it’s often a sign that you’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and growing. Brooke’s advice? Lean into the discomfort.
“If you feel like you’re opening yourself up to the risk of being rejected or not being liked, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re probably doing it right,” she said.
2. Ditch the Rulebook and Trust Your Intuition
One of the biggest themes of our conversation was the importance of breaking the rules—especially the ones that don’t serve you. Brooke’s approach to coaching is deeply rooted in intuition and authenticity, which she says is the key to building a business that feels sustainable and fulfilling.
“The beautiful thing about being in business for yourself is you get to do it however you want,” she said. “Your people are going to find you.”
Brooke shared a story about a client who reads tarot cards and sends handwritten poems in the mail. At first, her client doubted whether this unconventional approach could work. But Brooke encouraged her to lean into her unique style—and it paid off.
“Weird niche businesses are often more successful because they stand out,” Brooke explained. “It’s not about mass-market appeal. It’s about finding the people who resonate with your unique approach.”
3. Professionalism is Overrated (But Integrity is Everything)
One of the core themes of The Anti-Professional Podcast is redefining what it means to be “professional.” For Brooke, being anti-professional doesn’t mean being unprofessional. It means prioritizing integrity over appearances.
“Being professional is often about keeping up appearances and perpetuating systems that benefit a very specific group of people,” she said. “But being anti-professional is about doing what’s right for you and your clients—even if it breaks the rules.”
Brooke emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and communicating your needs as a service provider. “If you don’t hold those boundaries, you’ll end up in completely unsustainable situations,” she warned.
4. Embrace the Messy Middle
Entrepreneurship is messy. It’s full of highs, lows, and existential crises. But Brooke believes that’s part of the journey.
“If you think you have it together all the time, you’re probably avoiding some big stuff,” she said. “The existential crisis is part of the job description.”
Brooke encouraged listeners to normalize the struggle and share their experiences with others. “When you see someone else struggling in the same way you are, it gives you permission to stay true to yourself instead of constantly trying to figure out the ‘right’ way,” she said.
5. Trust the Process (Even When You Can’t See the Results)
One of the most powerful insights Brooke shared was the importance of trusting the process—even when you don’t have tangible evidence that it’s working.
“Entrepreneurship is all about moving forward even when you don’t have the evidence,” she said. “The only option is to cultivate some amount of trust.”
Brooke pointed out that metrics and certifications can be misleading. “Metrics can always be manipulated,” she said. “The reason most of us are chasing metrics is not because of the metric itself—it’s because of the way it makes us feel.”
Instead of obsessing over numbers, Brooke encouraged entrepreneurs to focus on their intuition and the impact they’re making. “What matters is that you’re showing up in a way that’s aligned with your values,” she said.
Brooke’s Current Projects
Brooke is always working on something exciting, and right now, she’s focused on making her work more accessible. She’s:
Starting a YouTube channel to provide in-depth, real-world advice for entrepreneurs.
Launching the Aligned Business Portal, a guided experience to help entrepreneurs create offers and messaging that feel authentic and aligned.
Developing management trainings for new leaders at a values-driven organization.
How to Connect with Brooke
If Brooke’s insights resonated with you, here’s how you can learn more and connect with her:
Website: www.brooke-monaghan.com
Instagram: @briggsmonaghan
Podcast: Transcend Your Dichotomy
Final Thoughts
Brooke’s journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come from following the rules—it comes from trusting yourself, embracing your uniqueness, and staying true to your values.
As Brooke put it, “There’s no version of leadership or business in the way we truly want to see ourselves without taking a risk.”
So, what risk will you take this week? Let me know in the comments—or better yet, share your thoughts on the YouTube video. Let’s keep the conversation going!
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Anti-Professional Podcast for more insights on breaking the rules, building a business on your own terms, and embracing the messy, beautiful journey of entrepreneurship.
