Impact of Leader Academy Training on Growth Mindset and Imposter Phenomenon

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a cohort-based leadership training program on growth mindset and imposter phenomenon experiences among student and pharmacist participants. METHODS: Pharmacy students and pharmacists enrolled in the Phi Lambda Sigma Leader Academy completed online surveys before and after the five-month program. Surveys included the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), the Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scale (ITIS), and demographic questions. Only participants who completed both pre- and post-surveys were included in the final analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired comparisons. RESULTS: Of 53 initial participants, 45 completed the Leader Academy program, with 43 and 42 completing the CIPS and ITIS assessments, respectively. No significant changes were observed between pre- and post-program ITIS and CIPS median scores per Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (Z < -0.61, p > 0.51), or their respective categories per McNemars tests (p>0.99). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant decrease in growth mindset (from 100% pre-program to 46% post-program, McNemars test, p=0.03) among older participants, but not among younger participants. CONCLUSION: In our study, the leader academy program did not significantly impact growth mindset or IP experiences in the short term. Cohort-based leadership training may foster self-awareness, but more targeted interventions may be necessary to meaningfully impact mindset development and IP.