You used to feel lit up. Now you are just functioning. The plates keep spinning, but your own needs are the first thing to disappear.
Anna Shears MSc, EMCC
Positive Psychologist • Accredited Coach • Consultant
I support people who are doing well on paper but carrying more than they let on, helping them find clarity and ease in how they live and work.
What I Notice Most Often
People who:
→ Do what is expected of them and still feel a quiet sense of doubt.
→ Carry responsibility easily but struggle to switch off.
→ Hold themselves to standards that leave little room for rest.
→ Take on emotional strain while keeping things calm on the surface.
What I Do
I create space, perspective and evidence based practices that support meaningful change.
→ You feel steadier inside and less at war with yourself.
→ Your thinking becomes clearer and less driven by pressure.
→ You trust your own judgement.
→ The way you work with others feels calmer and more honest.
How I Work
I combine psychological insight, coaching and consulting to support individuals, leaders and teams who are carrying more than is visible. This might look like:
→ One to one conversations that bring clarity and relief.
→ Leadership support that steadies decision making and reduces hidden strain.
→ Team and organisational work that addresses patterns beneath behaviour, not just what shows up on the surface.
If something in this feels familiar, that is usually where change begins.
I work with people and teams to strengthen trust, unlock collaboration, and embed lasting change.
With over 25 years of leadership and policy experience, including senior roles at the Department of Health and Social Care, I have advised Ministers in Parliament, led national engagement programmes, and supported transformation across healthcare and corporate sectors.
I also understand the personal cost of high performance. Having once lived behind the mask of “I’m fine,” I know how it feels to appear successful while questioning yourself inside.
My work now combines the evidence of positive psychology with the belief that success should not come at the cost of wellbeing. Clients describe me as calm, gifted, and quietly transformational.
My experience of domestic abuse in early adulthood informs the compassion I bring to my work. I’m proud to support IDAS as an Ambassador and Advisory Board member, championing the importance of safety, voice, and respect for women and young children.
Outside of work, I love being outdoors, cold water dips, sound baths, family time and house music, so I’ve no plans to hang up my dancing shoes anytime soon!

25+
Years Working with Senior Leaders
10+
Years Immersed in Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology.
Purpose
Define what truly matters, aligning decisions, actions, and goals with your values.
Clarity
See challenges clearly, focus on priorities, and make confident decisions.
Alignment
Lead with your strengths so you and your teams perform at your best.
Impact
Step into influence, communicate with authority, and recognise your achievements.
Focus
Maintain balance and focus, even under pressure.
Connection
Build meaningful connections & stronger collaboration in your teams.
Resilience
Recover quickly from setbacks, adapt to change, and sustain performance.
Authenticity
Trust your capabilities, own your success, and create lasting impact.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Office
the authentic imposter co. ®
PO Box 102, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire,
LS24 0BW
The Imposter Reset
