Maureen Zappala
A former NASA propulsion engineer (aka "rocket scientist") challenges your team to "push the envelope" of their own expectations so they can eliminate Impostor Syndrome once and for all.
Maureen Zappala, an award-winning speaker, author, and founder of High Altitude Strategies, works with highly educated and smart people to show them how to overcome the hidden self-doubt of Impostor Syndrome. A native of NYC, she has a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame. She spent more than 13 years at NASA's Lewis Research Center in Cleveland (now Glenn Research Center) conducting aircraft engine research. She became the youngest and first female manager of NASA's Propulsion Systems Laboratory, a jet engine test facility.
Despite stellar credentials and accomplishments at NASA, the annoying "Impostor Syndrome" was her constant companion, whispering in her head, "They think I'm smarter than I really am, and they're going to figure it out!" This led to her focus on showing successful and smart people how to silence those condemning voices that stand in the way of embracing their success and advancing in their world. She teaches them to match their confidence to their competence, giving them more influence. Audience members have called her strategies "game-changers."
In 2009 and 2020, she was in the top 10 of 30,000 contestants in the Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking contest. As a presentation coach, she works with people who want to launch their speaking skills to the next level. She is the author of 4 books, including her most recent one, "Pushing Your Envelope: How Smart People Defeat Self-Doubt and Live with Bold Enthusiasm." She co-authored (with Jack Park) "Buckeye Reflections: Legendary Moments from Ohio State Football" (yes, she's an Irish Buckeye!)
She's a licensed associate/presenter for the Impostor Syndrome Institute, the world's #1 resource for impostor syndrome solutions.
She's mom to two adult children; her hobbies and interests include fitness, college football, decorating, sewing, ballroom & Latin dance. In 2019, after 35+ years in Ohio, Maureen moved from Cleveland, Ohio, to Las Vegas, Nevada. She still hasn't found her winter coat, and that's totally ok with her!
Maureen Zappala, an award-winning speaker, author, and founder of High Altitude Strategies, works with highly educated and smart people to show them how to overcome the hidden self-doubt of Impostor Syndrome. A native of NYC, she has a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame. She spent more than 13 years at NASA's Lewis Research Center in Cleveland (now Glenn Research Center) conducting aircraft engine research. She became the youngest and first female manager of NASA's Propulsion Systems Laboratory, a jet engine test facility.
Despite stellar credentials and accomplishments at NASA, the annoying "Impostor Syndrome" was her constant companion, whispering in her head, "They think I'm smarter than I really am, and they're going to figure it out!" This led to her focus on showing successful and smart people how to silence those condemning voices that stand in the way of embracing their success and advancing in their world. She teaches them to match their confidence to their competence, giving them more influence. Audience members have called her strategies "game-changers."
In 2009 and 2020, she was in the top 10 of 30,000 contestants in the Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking contest. As a presentation coach, she works with people who want to launch their speaking skills to the next level. She is the author of 4 books, including her most recent one, "Pushing Your Envelope: How Smart People Defeat Self-Doubt and Live with Bold Enthusiasm." She co-authored (with Jack Park) "Buckeye Reflections: Legendary Moments from Ohio State Football" (yes, she's an Irish Buckeye!)
She's a licensed associate/presenter for the Impostor Syndrome Institute, the world's #1 resource for impostor syndrome solutions.
She's mom to two adult children; her hobbies and interests include fitness, college football, decorating, sewing, ballroom & Latin dance. In 2019, after 35+ years in Ohio, Maureen moved from Cleveland, Ohio, to Las Vegas, Nevada. She still hasn't found her winter coat, and that's totally ok with her!
Confidence is Not Rocket Science: How Smart People Defeat the Secret Self-Doubt of Impostor Syndrome
"Everyone thinks I'm smarter than I really am. They don't know that I don't know what I'm doing and I'm about to be discovered as a fraud!" Have you ever thought that to yourself? Then you suffer from Impostor Syndrome, the persistent feeling that your success is a cosmic accident. Regardless of what accolades describe you, you still feel inferior, incompetent, and terrified of failing. You overcompensate by working harder, being charming, and demanding perfection from yourself. You're...
Leadership is NOT Rocket Science! How to Turn Your Super Stars into Super Novas!
You’d never believe that your high performers have THIS problem. They seem confident and secure, but something is secretly killing their creativity and sapping their energy. Even though you’ve provided all the best training and resources, something is lurking beneath the surface of their performance.
It’s a little-known fact: the #1 issue blocking truly epic performance is Impostor Syndrome.” Even the smartest, most accomplished people experience this secret self-doubt...
Rethinking Impostor Syndrome™ : Why Capable People Feel Like Impostors and What to Do About It
- Do you chalk your success up to luck, timing, or computer error?
- Do you agonize over even the smallest flaws in your work?
- Are you crushed by even constructive criticism, seeing it as evidence of your ineptness?
- When you do succeed, do you think, "I fooled them again!"?
If so, join the club!
Millions of people - CEOs and entry-level professionals, first-year college students and PhDs, artists, and programmers - secretly...
Cleared for Confidence: Group Coaching to Overcome Your Impostor Syndrome
Ready to soar above impostor syndrome like a gutsy fighter pilot? Buckle up and join our transformative group coaching program! Just like adjusting your altitude mid-flight, you'll be guided through a smooth journey to overcome self-doubt and embrace your true capabilities. Your coach (Maureen Zappala) will navigate you through practical techniques and flight-tested strategies, ensuring you gain control over those pesky impostor feelings. Connect with fellow Flight Path Pioneers...
Member Of
Certifications & Awards
