Adelaide University’s Vice-Chancellor on why self-doubt never fully disappears — even at the very top — and why that’s not the problem we think it is.

Adelaide University&rsquo;s Vice-Chancellor on why self-doubt never fully disappears &mdash; even at the very top &mdash; and why that&rsquo;s not the problem we think it is.

Ready to take a leap and build your own business? So is Sav Perera. Join Sav (MasterChef 2024) as she gets the low down on all things business, leadership, venture capital and entrepreneurship from women at the top of their game.

You’re in Charge will delve into the business of building confidence, the business of bouncing back, the business of brokering security, and the business of being you throughout it all. Get ready for the ultimate mentorship that will help take your ambition to the next level.

You’re in Charge is brought to you by ThincHer, an initiative of ThincLab at The University of Adelaide. Google ThincHer to join our empowering community of like-minded women in business.

Got thoughts? Email us at thincher@adelaide.edu.au

Follow ThincHer:

Facebook: ThincLabADL

Instagram: @thinclabofadelaide

LinkedIn: ThincLab

Follow Sav:

Instagram: @savisquishles

Ready to take a leap and build your own business? So is Sav Perera. Join Sav (MasterChef 2024) as she gets the low down on all things business, leadership, venture capital and entrepreneurship from women at the top of their game.
You&rsquo;re in Charge will delve into the business of building confidence, the business of bouncing back, the business of brokering security, and the business of being you throughout it all. Get ready for the ultimate mentorship that will help take your ambition to the next level.
You&rsquo;re in Charge is brought to you by ThincHer, an initiative of ThincLab at The University of Adelaide. Google ThincHer to join our empowering community of like-minded women in business.
Got thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:thincher@adelaide.edu.au">thincher@adelaide.edu.au</a>
Follow ThincHer:
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thinclabADL/">ThincLabADL</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thinclabofadelaide/?hl=en">@thinclabofadelaide</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinclabnetwork/?originalSubdomain=au">ThincLab</a>
Follow Sav:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/savisquishles/?hl=en">@savisquishles</a>

Ready to take a leap and build your own business? So is Sav Perera. Join Sav as she gets the low down on all things business, leadership, venture capital and entrepreneurship from women at the top of their game.

You're in Charge

“Confidence Isn’t the Absence of Doubt” — Nicola Phillips on Self-Doubt in Leadership (Mini Episode)

What does it really take to lead at the very highest levels - and do you ever stop questioning whether you're good enough?

In this episode, Sav sits down with Professor Nicola Phillips, Vice-Chancellor and President of Adelaide University - one of Australia's newest and most ambitious universities, formed by the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. With 30 years of experience across the UK and Australia, Nicola brings a rare mix of academic rigour and hard-won leadership experience to one of the most significant roles in Australian higher education.

Nicola and Sav go deep on the questions that matter most to women in leadership: the non-linear path to the top, the impostor feelings that persist even at Vice-Chancellor level, how to make clear decisions when the buck truly stops with you, and why the human element of leadership isn't a soft skill - it's the whole game. They also talk about what it's like to lead an institution of tens of thousands of people through a once-in-a-generation transformation, and what the future of Adelaide University looks like from the inside.

If you've been waiting for someone at the very top to admit that self-doubt doesn't disappear with seniority - this is that conversation.

What does it really take to lead at the very highest levels - and do you ever stop questioning whether you're good enough?
In this episode, Sav sits down with Professor Nicola Phillips, Vice-Chancellor and President of Adelaide University - one of Australia's newest and most ambitious universities, formed by the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. With 30 years of experience across the UK and Australia, Nicola brings a rare mix of academic rigour and hard-won leadership experience to one of the most significant roles in Australian higher education.
Nicola and Sav go deep on the questions that matter most to women in leadership: the non-linear path to the top, the impostor feelings that persist even at Vice-Chancellor level, how to make clear decisions when the buck truly stops with you, and why the human element of leadership isn't a soft skill - it's the whole game. They also talk about what it's like to lead an institution of tens of thousands of people through a once-in-a-generation transformation, and what the future of Adelaide University looks like from the inside.
If you've been waiting for someone at the very top to admit that self-doubt doesn't disappear with seniority - this is that conversation.

Leading Australia's Biggest University Merger | Nicola Phillips on People, Power & Self-Doubt

“Not making a decision is just not an option.” That’s how Professor Nicola Phillips opened her conversation with Sav Perera - and it set the tone for everything that followed.

In Episode 1 of You’re In Charge Season 2, our Vice-Chancellor and President sits down to talk about the leadership lessons that don’t usually make it into a keynote: the impostor feeling that never fully goes away, why self-doubt is healthy humility rather than weakness, and what it really means to lead an institution of this scale through once-in-a-generation change.

Honest, grounded, and genuinely useful. Season 2 is here - listen now!

&ldquo;Not making a decision is just not an option.&rdquo; That&rsquo;s how Professor Nicola Phillips opened her conversation with Sav Perera - and it set the tone for everything that followed.
In Episode 1 of You&rsquo;re In Charge Season 2, our Vice-Chancellor and President sits down to talk about the leadership lessons that don&rsquo;t usually make it into a keynote: the impostor feeling that never fully goes away, why self-doubt is healthy humility rather than weakness, and what it really means to lead an institution of this scale through once-in-a-generation change.
Honest, grounded, and genuinely useful. Season 2 is here - listen now!

Nicola Phillips on People, Power & Self-Doubt Trailer

Welcome to Season 2 of You’re In Charge.

Hosted by chef, business owner, and MasterChef Sri Lanka judge Sav Perera, this season digs into what it really takes to lead — the confidence to back yourself, and to build a life and career on your own terms.

Across the season, Sav sits down with inspiring women in business and leadership to unpack the real stories behind their success: the wins, the challenges, and the moments that shaped them. From entrepreneurship and creativity to confidence and personal growth, these are conversations made to help the next generation of women step up and take charge.

So whether you’re starting a business, finding your voice, or figuring out your next move — this one’s for you.

You’re In Charge is brought to you by ThincHer, an initiative of ThincLab at Adelaide University.

Got thoughts? Email us at thincher@adelaide.edu.au

Follow ThincHer:

Facebook: ThincLabADL

Instagram: @thinclabofadelaide

LinkedIn: ThincLab

Follow Sav:

Instagram: @savisquishles

Welcome to Season 2 of You&rsquo;re In Charge.
Hosted by chef, business owner, and MasterChef Sri Lanka judge Sav Perera, this season digs into what it really takes to lead &mdash; the confidence to back yourself, and to build a life and career on your own terms.
Across the season, Sav sits down with inspiring women in business and leadership to unpack the real stories behind their success: the wins, the challenges, and the moments that shaped them. From entrepreneurship and creativity to confidence and personal growth, these are conversations made to help the next generation of women step up and take charge.
So whether you&rsquo;re starting a business, finding your voice, or figuring out your next move &mdash; this one&rsquo;s for you.
You&rsquo;re In Charge is brought to you by ThincHer, an initiative of ThincLab at Adelaide University.
Got thoughts? Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thincher@adelaide.edu.au">thincher@adelaide.edu.au</a>
Follow ThincHer:
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thinclabADL/">ThincLabADL</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thinclabofadelaide/?hl=en">@thinclabofadelaide</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinclabnetwork/?originalSubdomain=au">ThincLab</a>
Follow Sav:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/savisquishles/?hl=en">@savisquishles</a>

“Confidence Isn’t the Absence of Doubt” — Nicola Phillips on Self-Doubt in Leadership (Mini Episode)

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