Maureen in the Media

Where Science, Story, and Self-Doubt Collide.

As a former NASA propulsion research engineer (aka “rocket scientist”) and leading voice on impostor syndrome, Maureen delivers data-driven insight with candor, humor, and unexpected angles. Invite her for a conversation that’s thoughtful, energizing, and anything but predictable.

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Why Hosts Love Having Her On

A Guest Who Makes Your Show Unforgettable

Rocket-science credibility, real stories, and zero fluff. Maureen gives your audience something they’ll actually remember.

Data-Driven Insight

Rocket-science credibility that backs every claim with substance, not hype.

Candor & Humor

Honest, funny, and warm. She keeps listeners leaning in, not tuning out.

Unexpected Angles

She reframes impostor syndrome in ways your audience hasn't heard before.

Camera-Ready Guest

Studio-grade camera, lighting, mic, and internet. Low-friction, always prepared.

Press-Ready Bio

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Media Byline

From NASA’s Propulsion Systems Laboratory to the professional speaking stage, Maureen Zappala challenges high achievers to conquer their impostor syndrome. A keynote speaker and author of five books, she helps professionals recognize self-doubt, reverse it, and lead with greater authority.

Full Bio

From the control room of NASA in Cleveland to the bright lights of her adopted home of Las Vegas, Maureen Zappala has built an uncommon career at the intersection of science, performance, and self-doubt. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she spent 14 years at NASA-Lewis Research Center in Cleveland conducting jet propulsion research, where she became the first woman and the youngest Facility Manager of the NASA Propulsion Systems Laboratory.

Today, Maureen is a leading voice in overcoming impostor syndrome, the silent self-doubt that steals confidence from the competent. She’s an inaugural licensed associate of the Impostor Syndrome Institute and the author of five books, including Get Your Best People to Give Their Best Effort.

While many speakers reference impostor syndrome in passing, Maureen has devoted her work to understanding it deeply—equipping high achievers and leaders to recognize self-doubt, reframe it, and rise with greater clarity and authority.

Whether speaking to STEM professionals, healthcare leaders, or women in executive roles, Maureen blends scientific credibility with candid storytelling and intellectually honest insight. Her audiences appreciate her humor, transparency, and the riveting NASA stories that make complex ideas unforgettable.

If you want to match your confidence to your competence and unleash your influence, visit www.MaureenZ.com for more info.

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IN-PERSON, IN-STUDIO & VIRTUAL

A Guest Who Shows Up Ready

Maureen has been on dozens of podcasts and comes fully equipped for a broadcast-quality conversation, so you get clean audio and video with none of the setup headaches.

Podcasts Featuring Maureen

Hear Her In Action

A sample of the shows where Maureen has helped audiences conquer self-doubt.

Teach the Geek · with Neil Thompson

Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals

Listen

The Rainmaking Podcast · with Scott Love

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome Once and for All

Listen

The Business Growth Show · with Ford Saeks

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Listen

Momentum Leaders

Making Peace with the Imposter to Live Courageously

Listen

The Power of Story & Science · with David Otey

Impostor Syndrome and Your Story

Listen

Be Freaking Awesome Podcast

Tackling Imposter Syndrome in Life and Workspaces

Listen

Anatomy of Leadership · with Chris Comeaux

Conquering Imposter Syndrome

Listen

Lead with Purpose · with Merv Jersak

Why Successful Leaders Still Feel Like Frauds

Listen

BE HER NEXT GREAT EPISODE

Book Maureen on Your Podcast

Give your audience a guest who brings data-backed insight, real stories, and a lot of humor. Camera-ready, easy to work with, and always prepared.