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Liz Atlee on Leadership Confidence and Letting Go of Doubt – Raise Your Hand Anyway, Even When You Feel Unsure

In this episode of Professional Quotient: Conversations That Build Equity, host Jason Winningham speaks with legal leader and mentor Liz Atlee about overcoming imposter syndrome and building leadership confidence. Atlee shares practical insights on transparency in leadership and the value of volunteering yourself even when you feel uncertain. The conversation is aimed at professionals in the energy industry looking to grow their leadership presence and self-assurance.

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By Jason Winningham · Career GrowthLiz AtleePersonal GrowthProfessional Equity
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Key takeaways

01

Raising your hand and taking initiative—even when you feel unsure—is a critical habit for career advancement.

02

Imposter syndrome is common among leaders, and transparency about uncertainty can actually strengthen trust and credibility.

03

Leadership confidence is a skill that can be developed through intentional action and a willingness to embrace discomfort.

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In this episode of Professional Quotient: Conversations That Build Equity, host Jason Winningham welcomes legal powerhouse and mentor extraordinaire Liz Atlee for an honest conversation about leadership confidence, imposter syndrome, transparency in leadership, and the importance of simply raising your hand—even when you feel unsure.

Liz brings a wealth of experience navigating high-stakes legal and executive roles while raising three children, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and investing in women-led startups through How Women Lead. Today, she serves as Board Chair of a renewable energy startup and teaches future lawyers at USC.

Jason and Liz’s conversation unpacks what it truly takes to develop leadership confidence across a career shaped by growth, reinvention, and risk-taking.

Main Points:

  • Calling it with confidence – Refereeing soccer games (yes, really) and learning how to make confident calls under pressure
  • Turning challenge into growth – Surviving tough bosses and transforming difficult dynamics into leadership lessons
  • Speaking up anyway – Learning how to speak up even when her inner critic whispers otherwise
  • Paying it forward – Mentoring others and investing in women-led startups to help the next generation rise

This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever thought, “I’m not ready yet.” Because, as Liz reminds us, preparation matters—but belief in yourself matters more.

Liz Atlee is a global C-suite executive and board leader with deep expertise in legal, compliance, governance, and risk, gained through senior roles at Fortune 200 companies like CBRE and BP. As CBRE’s Global Chief Compliance & Ethics Officer and Deputy General Counsel, she led global teams across data privacy, ESG, cyber risk, and litigation, supporting the company’s rapid scale to over 115,000 employees. She currently serves as Board Chair of Cyclum Renewables, guiding strategic growth in sustainable fuels while also championing diversity through board service, mentoring, and DEI advocacy.

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JW
Jason Winningham

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About the Experts

JW
Jason Winningham

Host, Professional Quotient: Conversations That Build Equity

Jason Winningham is the host of Professional Quotient: Conversations That Build Equity, a podcast focused on leadership development and professional growth in the energy industry. He engages with executives, legal professionals, and industry leaders to explore topics such as confidence, equity, and career advancement. His work centers on helping professionals build the skills and mindset needed to thrive in competitive environments.

LA
Liz Atlee

Legal Professional and Mentor

Liz Atlee is described as a legal powerhouse and mentor with extensive experience navigating high-stakes legal environments. She is recognized for her candid perspectives on leadership confidence, imposter syndrome, and transparency in leadership. Atlee is known for encouraging professionals to raise their hand and take initiative even in moments of self-doubt.

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