We all have thought patterns that work against us—whether it’s feeling like an imposter, overextending ourselves at work, or assuming the worst in situations.

Today’s guest breaks down eight negative mindsets that prevent professionals from thriving.

Meet Cynthia Pong. Cynthia is an award-winning executive coach and speaker who empowers women of color leaders to advance their careers into positions of power. A Forbes Contributor and LinkedIn Top Voice for Job Search and Career, she has been featured in HBR, The Atlantic, and on NBC, CBS, NPR, and more. Cynthia’s book, Don’t Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color, has cemented her as a foremost voice on career advancement, negotiation, and thought leadership.

In this episode, Cynthia shares how we can recognize and reframe limiting beliefs, such as the martyr complex, regretful thinking, and comparison bias, to step into our power with confidence.

Through real-world examples, you’ll learn actionable strategies to develop a growth mindset, set healthier work boundaries, and show up as your best self.

Join the conversation now!

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Conversation Topics

(00:00) Introduction
(02:35) Dealing with the martyr complex in the workplace
(10:31) Self-doubt isn’t always imposter syndrome
(14:56) The impact of a weaker locus of control
(20:09) Letting go of regretful thinking
(23:44) Judgmental thinking creates a toxic team culture
(29:05) Stop assuming the worst with crystal ball thinking
(32:35) A great manager Cynthia has worked for
(33:49) Keep up with Cynthia
(35:00) [Extended Episode Only] Comparison bias is stealing your joy
(41:28) [Extended Episode Only] Catastrophic thinking turns small problems into crises

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

- Watch this quick lesson on Imposter Syndrome

- Check out the Self-Compassion Skills Workbook

Keep up with Cynthia Pong

- Follow Cynthia on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

- Subscribe to her YouTube channel here

- Explore her work on Forbes here

FREE PDF: Overcome Negative Beliefs

Cynthia is giving members of Podcast+ a Free 10+ page PDF that includes activities to address the Martyr Complex, Locus of Control, and Comparison Bias to help you overcome negative beliefs.

To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

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347: 8 Toxic Thought Patterns That are Sabotaging You at Work (And How to Stop Them) with Cynthia Pong

The Modern Manager

347: 8 Toxic Thought Patterns That are Sabotaging You at Work (And How to Stop Them) with Cynthia Pong