Deesha Dyer, Obama's Social Secretary, On How She Tackled Imposter Syndrome, Parties at the White House & More

LET IT OUT

This week I spoke to President Obama’s Social Secretary, Deesha Dyer. She recently published her memoir, Undiplomatic, which dives into how a hip-hop journalist without credentials, connections, or a college degree conquered imposter syndrome while landing one of the most sought-after positions in the White House. Moved by the election of the country's first Black president, she applied for a White House internship at 31, taking a leap that carried her through being hired in a full-time position that landed her at the epicenter of politics.

I loved her book and was stoked to get to talk to her. We covered: the importance of following curiosity and acting on it, what she learned from spending time with Michelle and Barack Obama, redefining societal timelines, throwing parties at the White House, the Obama years overall, and the connection between pop culture and politics. As well as: the importance of cross-learning in mentorship and having customer service experience. Let us know if you listen!

Show notes:

-Find Deesha on the Web | Instagram

- Deesha's book, Undiplomatic

- NYT article on "medium friends"

- Find me on IG: @letitouttt + @katiedalebout | Substack

- A couple spots left in the Creative Clinic: book a call with me here

- Check out the Let It Out Kits | Write Kit | Talk Kit Waitlist

- More on Creative Underdogs/In Process here | waitlist

If you liked this episode, try out from the archive:

Episode 354 Don't Let It Get You Down: Savala Nolan Returns (part 1)