“The inner critic may be loud, but it doesn’t have to be in control. When you challenge those negative thoughts and replace them with truth, kindness, and self-compassion, you reclaim your power and open the door to growth.”
— Raina Gandhi
In a world where self-doubt and comparison often hold us back, understanding our “inner critic” becomes essential to personal and professional success. Raina Gandhi, a women-centered coach and founder of Rising Tide Consulting LLC, has made it her mission to help women recognize that critical inner voice, reframe their thoughts, and unlock their full potential. Drawing from her own experience of re-entering the workforce after an 11-year hiatus, Raina offers a unique perspective on breaking free from limiting beliefs, battling imposter syndrome, and building a mindset rooted in self-compassion and confidence.
In this insightful interview, Raina shares actionable strategies to identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that so many of us carry. From reframing self-talk to celebrating small wins and creating a supportive community, her approach empowers women to thrive at any stage of their journey. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, comparison, or feeling “not good enough,” this conversation will give you the tools and inspiration you need to quiet your inner critic and embrace your true worth.
Thank you so much for joining us, Raina! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share a bit about my journey as a women-centered coach, dedicated to empowering women to thrive in their careers and personal lives. My passion for this work is deeply rooted in my professional experiences navigating career pivots in investment banking, consulting, nonprofits, and higher education as well as based on what I learned from relaunching my career after taking an 11-year hiatus to focus on my family, which gave me a fresh perspective on work-life balance.
Throughout my career, I bumped up against several structural barriers and witnessed many women colleagues facing similar struggles as they battled imposter syndrome, doubted their abilities, and hesitated when advocating for themselves. Having walked in their shoes and overcome these obstacles, I wanted to provide women with the tools and resources they needed to overcome these challenges, embrace their worth, and unlock their true potential.
Today, I’m committed to guiding women to recognize their value, no matter where they are in their career journey, because when they thrive, everyone wins. They not only feel fulfilled and empowered, but also bring tremendous value to organizations as resilient, adaptable, empathetic, and strong leaders.
What exactly is the “inner critic,” and why does it have such a strong hold on us?
The inner critic is that voice in your head that constantly judges, doubts, and undermines you. It’s the voice that says, “you’re not smart enough,” or “you’re going to fail.” It stems from a mix of childhood experiences, societal norms, and self-imposed expectations. For many of us, it begins early—a hypercritical caregiver, a bullying experience, or even cultural messages about what success should look like.
The power of the inner critic comes from its ability to distort reality. You might achieve something amazing, but instead of celebrating, you focus on one tiny mistake and tell yourself the entire thing was a failure. The critic feeds on these thought patterns and keeps you stuck in self-doubt.
How does comparison amplify the inner critic, especially in today’s social media-driven world?
Comparison is one of the biggest triggers for the inner critic. Social media magnifies this because it shows us everyone’s carefully curated highlight reels. You see someone on vacation, landing a big promotion, or achieving something “perfect,” and suddenly, you feel like you’re not doing enough.
What we often forget is that we’re comparing our real lives—messy, unfiltered, and imperfect—to someone else’s polished version of success. We don’t see the struggles, sacrifices, or setbacks behind their wins. The key is to focus on your progress, not someone else’s.
What are the common ways the inner critic shows up in our daily lives?
The inner critic disguises itself in specific thought patterns:
- It serves as a filter so you end up focusing on the negatives while ignoring the positives in a given situation.
- It personalizes situations by taking the blame for something beyond your control and can be as simple as sending a group text, not getting any responses, and jumping to the conclusion that you’ve done something wrong so no one wants to respond.
- It catastrophizes by assuming the worst-case scenario immediately. For example, if a subway train stops, you think, “I’ll be stuck here for hours,” instead of recognizing it’ll likely be resolved soon.
- It polarizes using all-or-nothing thinking so if you don’t do something perfectly, you label yourself as a failure.
These thought patterns distort your view of reality, making challenges seem bigger than they are.
What strategies can people use to recognize and challenge their inner critic?
The first step is awareness. Recognize when that voice is speaking and pause to ask, “Is this thought true? What evidence supports it?” Journaling can help with this—write down your thoughts to identify patterns and triggers.
Another strategy is reframing. If your inner critic says, “I’ll never be good at this,” challenge it by asking, “What would I tell a friend in this situation?” Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d show someone you care about.
How can gratitude journaling specifically help with overcoming negative self-talk?
Gratitude journaling is a simple but powerful tool. Writing down just three things you’re grateful for every day shifts your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. It helps rewire your brain to look for the positive, even in difficult situations. Over time, this practice reduces the influence of negative self-talk and strengthens a mindset of abundance and appreciation.
How does mindfulness play a role in quieting that inner voice?
Mindfulness is about observing your thoughts without judgment. When you feel the inner critic creeping in, pause, take a deep breath, and ask yourself, “Is this thought helping me or hurting me?” Instead of getting swept up in negativity, mindfulness allows you to acknowledge the thought and let it pass without reacting. Apps like Calm or Headspace can be great tools to build this habit.
You work with women at different stages of their careers. What unique challenges do women face when dealing with the inner critic?
Women often face unique pressures—whether it’s societal expectations, gender stereotypes, or the challenges of balancing work and family. For women re-entering the workforce, there’s an added layer of self-doubt. They worry they’ve “fallen behind” or lost their edge. Women in leadership roles also battle imposter syndrome, feeling like they need to prove themselves constantly.
What’s important to remember is that these struggles are universal, but they’re not permanent. With the right mindset shifts and tools, women can silence their inner critic and reclaim their confidence.
How can women overcome self-criticism that stems from childhood experiences or trauma?
Breaking free from long-held narratives requires self-awareness and intentional effort. First, it’s important to recognize that those childhood messages—“You’re not good enough,” “You’re lazy”— it’s likely these messages were never true. Fact-check those thoughts against who you are today.
Also, as you’ve built a career, a family, and/or experienced personal growth, those accomplishments speak for themselves. Replace the old narrative with a new one that reflects your reality. Seek support if needed, whether through coaching, therapy, or trusted mentors who can help guide you toward healing and self-compassion.
What role does reframing play in changing your inner dialogue?
Reframing allows you to shift your perspective. Instead of saying, “I failed,” reframe it as, “I learned something valuable.” Instead of, “I’m not good enough,” say, “I’m growing and improving every day.” Reframing doesn’t erase the challenge, but it changes how you respond to it. This practice helps you move forward rather than staying stuck.
How do group coaching sessions create a sense of community for women struggling with self-doubt?
Group coaching provides a supportive space where women can connect, share, and learn from each other. Hearing someone say, “I feel the same way,” is incredibly validating. It reminds you that you’re not alone. We tackle topics like imposter syndrome, self-advocacy, and leadership, creating a sisterhood where women uplift and inspire each other.
For women re-entering the workforce, what are some of the first steps to rebuild confidence?
Start by identifying the skills and experiences you’ve gained, even outside of traditional work. Time management, juggling multiple priorities, and leadership from raising a family are all transferable skills. Build a clear plan, refresh your resume, and prepare for interviews. Most importantly, focus on your worth and the value you bring to the table.
Why is celebrating small wins so essential in managing the inner critic?
Small wins add up to big results. When you celebrate progress—no matter how small—it boosts your confidence and keeps you motivated. If you focus only on what’s missing, you’ll miss the growth happening right in front of you. Acknowledge each step forward.
Where can our readers further follow your work online?
You can connect with me on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/rainabgandhi/, through my website, www.risingtideconsultingllc.com, via email at [email protected], and follow me on Instagram at @rising.tide.consulting.
This has been such an insightful and inspiring conversation. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and strategies with us today!
Thank you so much! It’s been wonderful sharing this space with you.ce your true worth.
Raina Gandhi is the founder of Rising Tide Consulting LLC, a dedicated women-centered coach, and a passionate advocate for empowering women to thrive personally and professionally. With a Wharton MBA, background in organizational leadership, and personal journey of re-entering the workforce after an 11-year hiatus, Raina specializes in helping women overcome self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and limiting beliefs. Her approach combines mindset coaching, actionable strategies, and a deep understanding of the challenges women face in the workplace, creating transformative results for individuals and teams alike.