Changing Mindsets: Imposter Syndrome
A lunchtime webinar for business services professionals – allies warmly welcome
Thursday 17 September 2026
12.30 – 1.30 pm, online
Join Darren Smyth and Jodie Bates for a candid, practical, and empowering lunchtime session exploring imposter syndrome in business services roles. Drawing on Darren’s personal reflections this webinar will unpack why these patterns arise, why they often hit the most capable people hardest, and how workplace pressures can intensify them.
Darren will share insights from throughout his career, including the perfectionism–procrastination cycle, avoidance behaviours, and the damaging “just a…” mindset that so many of us internalise. As he notes, “every role in our profession is actually business critical” — and shifting how we value ourselves is key to breaking negative patterns.
Jodie will build on these themes with perspectives specific to business services roles, offering strategies for reframing self‑worth, navigating demanding environments, and asking for help early.
Meet the Speakers
Darren Smyth
Darren Smyth is a UK and European Patent Attorney and until 2023 was the head of EIP’s chemistry practice group EIP Elements. He is now Head of Knowledge at EIP, keeping the firm up to date with legal developments and overseeing systems improvements.
Darren has served on the committee of IP Out since its inception (including as co-chair in 2023 and2024) and was a speaker at its inaugural event in 2016. Darren also convenes the LGBT+ affinity group within EIP, EIPride.
Darren has a master’s degree in chemistry and DPhil in synthetic organic chemistry from the University of Oxford and worked in Japan for two years at the Tokyo Institute of Technology before entering the patent profession.
Darren is an Honorary Professor at Queen Mary, University of London, Centre for Commercial Law Studies where he teaches Ethics and Designs modules on the Intellectual Property Law Postgraduate Certificate, MSc Intellectual Property, and Trade Mark Law and Practice Postgraduate Certificate courses (aimed at trainee patent and trade mark attorneys).
Jodie Bates
Photo and bio to follow shortly
Who is it for?
This event is open to everyone working in intellectual property, including paralegals, IT specialists, marketing and finance teams, media and recruitment professionals, administrators, HR colleagues, and more. Allies are also warmly welcomed.
Registration and Cost
This event is free. So are all our resources. That said, we do need money to keep the show on the road, so if you are able please consider choosing a voluntary donation ticket or visiting our Just Giving page.
If you have any access requirements, please do get in touch with us at [email protected]. If you want to use an AI notetaker for accessibility reasons, please get in touch to organise that with us in advance.