They had come to enjoy the delicious breakfast buffet, catch up with old acquaintances and listen to the talk by the speaker, Anna Pietzka. The psychologist has just published her first book on the so-called ‘impostor phenomenon’, which sold extremely well in the very first few days after its release. The author has clearly struck a chord with this topic, as was evident this morning in Kirkel from the rapt attention of the audience.
At the opening, District Administrator Frank John conveyed greetings from the Saarpfalz District’s Women’s Representative, Dr Susanne Nimmesgern, and wished the event every success. On behalf of Saarpfalz Economic Development, which has been a reliable partner of the Women’s Office on career-related issues for many years, the new Managing Director, Alexandra Heß, delivered the welcome address and chaired the event.
After breakfast – which initially provided a welcome opportunity for networking and discussion – Anna Pietzka took to the stage. In a presentation that was as vivid as it was easy to follow, she began by encouraging the predominantly female audience to carry out a self-assessment regarding the imposter phenomenon. The pursuit of perfection, downplaying objective achievements, self-deprecating comparisons and an excessive fear of making mistakes, for example, provide clues to (self-)awareness.
Around 130 guests accepted the invitation from the Saarpfalz District Women’s Office to attend this year’s careers breakfast with psychologist Anna Pietzka. Photo: Daniela Dettenhofer
Anna Pietzka knew how to engage her audience with her remarks and candidly revealed that it was her own experiences that had initially prompted her to explore the phenomenon academically. She also delivered on the strategies promised in the title of her talk: ‘how we can let go of self-doubt and achieve success more easily’. In doing so, she repeatedly emphasised that self-doubt can certainly be justified and provides an opportunity for self-reflection. The imposter phenomenon, on the other hand, refers to chronic self-doubt which, regardless of the qualifications and skills one has acquired, sabotages one’s sense of fulfilment and success in life.
The opportunity to ask questions following the talk was eagerly taken up, and the speaker consistently impressed the audience with her helpful and nuanced answers. Many guests also took the opportunity to purchase a book at the career breakfast and have it signed by the author. Here too, Anna Pietzka took plenty of time and inscribed each book presented to her with personalised, encouraging comments.
All in all, the careers breakfast was a great success and the participants left the venue looking very pleased. In the days that followed, the Women’s Office continued to receive emails containing positive feedback.