The Difference Between Managing Projects and Leading People With Estrella Parker

In this episode of ChoinqueCast, host Jim Emerick sits down with Estrella Parker, an Advisor, Investor, and Board Director Candidate at Independent Advisory, and a former two-time CHRO. Listeners learn how to reframe imposter syndrome, build stronger team relationships, and lead through change without relying solely on individual achievement.

Estrella Parker grew up in the Philippines, studied computer science, came to the United States for an MBA, and worked in management consulting before moving into leadership roles. Her experience leading organizational effectiveness and strategy consultants, serving as CHRO, and learning to balance ambition with health informs her perspective on developing leaders and supporting women in the workplace.

Expect to Learn:

• How to treat imposter syndrome as part of adjusting to a new role rather than evidence that you do not belong.
• Why emotional intelligence and mindfulness become essential as leadership depends more on relationships and shared results.
• The difference between managing tasks and leading people to grow, stretch, and meet high standards.
• How brief, playful activities can change a group’s energy and create more openness for problem-solving.
• Why the process of becoming matters alongside professional achievement, especially for women pursuing ambitious goals.
• How to set goals across different dimensions of your life to maintain balance over time.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [01:30] – Jim welcomes Estrella Parker and introduces the discussion of imposter syndrome.
• [08:20] – Parker explains why emotional intelligence and mindfulness sustain leadership momentum.
• [11:03] – A first management role and new motherhood reveal the difference between managing and leading.
• [17:45] – Parker describes how playfulness creates openness and supports innovation.
• [21:26] – Her guidance for women includes claiming the right to pursue their own aspirations.
• [30:34] – Parker outlines a whole-person framework for balance, growth, and learning from others.
• [32:06] – Parker identifies LinkedIn as the best way to connect with her.

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.

🔗 Connect with the Guest, Estrella Parker:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estrella-parker/

👉 Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/independent-advisory/

🔗 Connect with the Host, Jim Emerick:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimemerick/

🔗 More from Choinque:

👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog

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👉 Email: iamgood@choinque.com

🔗 More about Leadership Courses:

👉 Schedule: https://www.academyleadership.com/Emerick/

🔗 Follow the Podcasts:

👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choinquecast/id1290927745

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