Power and Ego in the Boardroom

Episode 036 of the Badass Leaders Podcast with Samuel Osborne and David Graf

Why do so many high performers still feel like frauds even when they’re crushing it? In this powerful episode of The Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Self Worth Sam Osborne ‪@selfworthsam‬ and attorney-turned-coach David Graf for a raw, funny, and deeply clarifying conversation about imposter syndrome, values, self-worth, burnout, conflict, and modern leadership. Sam shares how a former teacher, entertainer, and human beatboxer turned crippling imposter syndrome into a 30-day self-worth framework used by leaders worldwide. David reveals how he hit burnout at 29, walked away from a prestigious law career, rebuilt his life through meditation, and now coaches executives through composure-based conflict resolution. Together, they break down:

• why managers control while leaders influence
• how values—not goals—drive real leadership
• how childhood conditioning shapes our leadership style
• why overthinking is the #1 killer of executive presence
• practical tools to handle conflict without losing your cool

If you’re tired of leading from fear, burnout, or “performing” confidence, this episode is your permission slip to lead with clarity, courage, and self-worth. Key Questions Answered:

• What’s the real difference between a manager and a leader?
• How does imposter syndrome affect high-level professionals?
• How do you define your true values—and lead from them?
• How do leaders stay composed during conflict?
• How can overthinkers become decisive leaders?
• What does “self-worth vs self-esteem” really mean?
• How does meditation impact leadership and relationships?
• How can leaders stop taking everything so personally?

Learn More About Samuel Osborne and David Graf:

• LinkedIn: 
  • Sam https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-osborne-usa/
  • David https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-graf-008781258/
• Website:
  • Sam https://selfworthsam.com/
  • David https://www.liferaftcoaching.com/
• Book:
  • Sam https://www.amazon.com.au/How-Beat-Imposter-Syndrome-Confident/dp/B09L4NV136?ref_=ast_author_dp
  • David: https://www.amazon.com.au/Meeting-Martial-Arts-Approaches-Contentious-ebook/dp/B0FH79LH8W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1SOS9D5N2P77O&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.D4hyuNXbFreXqmTQ6oKCSsH8bOKh2xYPNm_Pyx8maRsIqFDPZ7x2h4DdSmR2s6DAFz47jNWm80dnUo2uzU-f-siBefynEE8bWuOyifv_kpw.A5aaXdm4hgFv_RQidWMB6j6INVCnTc5oKVJ1DVge8YI&dib_tag=se&keywords=meeting+martial+arts+david&qid=1754326425&s=books&sprefix=meeting+martial+arts+david%2Cstripbooks%2C78&sr=1-1 

Mentioned in This Episode

• Dr. John Demartini – Values Determination Process (referenced by Sam Osborne): https://drdemartini.com 
• Guided meditation resources (Spotify – 20-minute spoken word meditations)
• Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend (mentioned by Angela Gill Nelms)
• The Bhagavad Gita (classic Hindu text, referenced by Sam Osborne)
• Make Work, Not Suck (hosted by Daniel Steere, mentioned by Angela)

Listen wherever you get your podcasts from, or watch now on YouTube:

Themes: Manager vs Leader Imposter Syndrome Self-Worth & Emotional Intelligence Conflict Resolution & Difficult Conversations Leadership Identity Values-Driven Leadership Burnout & Stress Regulation Authenticity in Leadership Personal Growth for High Performers

Keywords: manager vs leader, leadership vs management, imposter syndrome, self-worth, self-worth sam, sam osborne, david graf coach, leadership podcast, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, burnout recovery, values-based leadership, authentic leadership, overthinking leaders, nervous system regulation, meditation for leaders, workplace conflict, personal growth, executive presence, angela gill nelms podcast

About Angela:

Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in the creation of exceptional companies and teams. She serves as the Director of Biolocity and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of both The AGN Group and the Recovery Advocate Network. Previously, she held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Aetos Imaging, RenovoRx, and Florence Healthcare. With a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Angela has a proven track record of successfully navigating the FDA, leading diverse teams, prioritizing the needs of customers and patients, and building exceptional companies.

Angela shares her lessons learned around the country in keynote speeches, coaching, and team-building workshops. Learn more about Angela at www.AngelaGillNelms.com.

About The AGN Group:
At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. We offer keynote and panel speaking, leadership and team-building workshops, fractional and management consulting, brand and storytelling services. Email us at hello@TheAGNGroup.com to connect. Learn more at www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bebravebebadass/podcasts
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Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email brave@angelagillnelms.com.

Learn more about the podcast at www.BadassLeadersPodcast.com.