Agenda

9:00 –9:15 A.M.

Welcome & Orientation, Background

Humility as an ancient survival strategy: belonging, safety, survival, and why these matter.

These neuro-systems are at least 300,000 years old and, in that time, have not changed in any appreciable way; yet our social landscape has changed dramatically. Our brains still prioritize social safety over achievement.

9:15–10:15 A.M.

Learning Module 1: Ancient Circuits of Self-Doubt

Overview of amygdala, ACC, insula, DMN as they relate to social identity and group identity; these circuits evolved for survival, not for self-actualization.

10:15–10:30 A.M.

Break

10:30 A.M.–12:00 P.M.

Learning Module 2: Biochemistry Echoes—Cortisol/HPA Axis, Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin

Evidence-based discussion of how and why these systems amplify imposter feelings under stress and evidence that these brain processes have not changed over time (same neurotransmitters, same brain pathways).

12:00–12:45 P.M.

Lunch

12:45–1:00 P.M.

Questions and Answers

1:00–1:45 P.M.

Learning Module 3: The Neural Mismatch—Why Common Strategies Fail

The disconnect between positive affirmations and self-evaluations, cognitive dissonance, and the value of the "fake it till you make it" strategy.

Brief discussion of the related cognitive behavioral therapy principles, followed by discussion of evidence of a “neural mismatch” and implications of “top-down reframes” without physiological safety.

1:45–2:30 P.M.

Learning Module 4: Digging for Neural Gems—What Works!

Presentation of neuroscience-informed strategies for interoceptive retraining, polyvagal-informed safety cues, oxytocin attunement protocols, dopamine recalibration, and serotonergic flexibility aids; focuses on “state first, cognition second” principle, identity integration, and how these strategies are based in decades of emotion theory, including the work of William James and others. 

2:30–2:45 P.M.

Break

2:45–3:45 P.M.

Learning Module 5: Believing in the Friend in the Mirror—From Survival Circuits to Self-Trust

Discussion of identity-level and brain-level practices, and "brain training" that rewires; reference and integration of key principles learned in Modules 1 and 2 and how these inform and relate to strategies.

3:45–4:15 P.M.

Learning Module 6: Resources for Anchoring the Path

Presentation of integration and measurement strategies; sequencing interventions for durability with focuses on imposter scales; behavioral experiments and ethical considerations; group discussion on integration, application, and sharing resources.

4:15–4:30 P.M.

Final Questions and Answers, Closing Remarks