Meet Jill Stoddard | Psychologist, Author, Speaker & Podcaster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jill Stoddard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jill, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Like 70% of high achieving individuals, I’m intimately familiar with the Imposter Syndrome–that feeling that at any moment everyone will find out I don’t really deserve my success and I’ll be revealed as a fraud. Imposter Syndrome could have been a major stumbling block to my success, but I use the same psychological principles in my life that I use with my clients–one of which is to become a curious observer of that critical inner voice without letting it boss me around. So when I decided to start my own anxiety clinic and that voice said “who do you think you are, you’re not really an entrepreneur” I noticed the thought and took the risk anyway. I now have a successful multi-site practice with a team of 5 incredible women. When I had an idea for a book and that voice said “you’re not a writer! you’re not an expert in that topic!” I thanked my mind for trying to protect me from failing and I took the risk anyway. I’ve now published two successful books on the very principles I’m talking about here. When I wanted to email the co-hosts of my favorite podcast and my mind said, “don’t be a silly fan girl!” I let myself feel vulnerable and did it anyway–as a result I’m now a co-host of that very podcast. And on that podcast when my mind says “you can’t ask THAT person to be a guest, they are too big and important to talk to you” I step out of my comfort zone, make space for the distress that comes with occasionally being rejected and take the risk anyway–and I’ve had some of the most meaningful professional conversations with some super cool people as a result. My personal motto is Play Big which is all about taking risks and being willing to feel vulnerable, to possibly be rejected, but to probably have incredible opportunities arise as a result.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
There are two sides to my business: I own and operate a multi-site outpatient anxiety clinic (www.csamsandiego.com) where my team of 5 amazing therapists and I provide evidence based treatment (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for anxiety and related disorders. I also have a more creative side to my business (www.jillstoddard.com) where I write, speak publicly, podcast, and soon will offer online courses. I’m most proud of being someone who is a life long learner and always looking to challenge myself and grow–hence the newer creative business. I’m a big believer in having and providing a supportive community. I’m also very grateful to my entrepreneur dad who has always been my go-to for advice and guidance. It is my mission to share wisdom that works with as many people as I can. I recognize not everyone has the resources (or desire) to participate in therapy, so I write, speak, and podcast in an effort to reach a broader audience who can benefit from the principles I teach in therapy and use in my own purpose-driven life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Most of my friends have kids, so we’d hit Legoland, the Safari Park, the beach, and our community pool. If we were lucky enough to have an adults-only visit, I’d take her shopping in La Jolla and on a driving tour to the top of Mt Soledad, over the hill into PB (best views ever), have sunset cocktails at Tower 23, dinner at Market in Del Mar, followed by late night drinks at Captain Charles Kenneth speakeasy back home in Carlsbad.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shout out to all the incredible women who have been my cheerleaders along the way, especially my CSAM team, the women in the Association for Contextual and Behavioral Sciences, and my Psychologists Off The Clock podcast co-hosts.

Website: www.jillstoddard.com
Instagram: @jillastoddard
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/jillstoddardphd
Twitter: @jill_stoddard
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jillstoddardphd
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jastodda

Image Credits
Imaya Stevens-Remenak