765: How to See What’s Holding You Back, with Marty Dubin - Coaching for Leaders Recap

Podcast: Coaching for Leaders

Published: 2026-01-12

Duration: 37 minutes

Guests: Marty Dubin

Summary

Leaders often face obstacles due to identity blind spots, where their sense of self does not align with their professional roles. Marty Dubin discusses how recognizing and addressing these blind spots can lead to more effective leadership.

What Happened

Marty Dubin, a clinical psychologist and entrepreneur, addresses the common barrier leaders face: themselves. He argues that identity blind spots occur when leaders' self-perceptions clash with their professional roles, hindering their progress. Dubin illustrates this through his own experience as a CEO where his psychologist identity created challenges in business operations.

He emphasizes that while skills are often the focus during promotions, the psychological adjustment of one's identity is frequently overlooked. This mismatch between identity and role can lead to career derailment if not addressed. He suggests leaders review their recent activities to see how well they align with the identity their role demands.

Dubin identifies common identity archetypes that could obstruct progress, such as the 'imposter' or 'rule follower.' He advises embodying a new identity even if it doesn't yet feel natural, suggesting that small, consistent behavior changes are more impactful than radical transformations.

A notable example Dubin mentions is a woman who saw herself as the 'invisible glue' of her company, which stunted her career growth. By shifting her identity narrative, she opened up new professional opportunities. Dubin argues that changing the story one tells about oneself is akin to a personal brand change, leading to better alignment between identity and role.

Dubin also highlights the significance of noticing the first and last things people say in interactions, as these can reveal underlying self-identities. This awareness can foster internal consistency and enhance leadership effectiveness.

Finally, the episode underscores the importance of executive coaching in facilitating these identity shifts, helping clients make incremental changes that align their identities with their roles. This approach not only aids personal development but also enhances leadership capabilities.

Key Insights