

The Impostor Syndrome Files
Kim Meninger
Do you ever feel like a fraud? Struggle with chronic self-doubt? Wonder if you really deserve your role?You’re not alone. As a leadership coach who’s battled impostor syndrome myself, I created this podcast to provide a place where professionals can share their stories, shed the silent shame and feel seen.Each episode features honest conversations with professionals from all walks of life who’ve faced impostor syndrome and found ways to move through it. We’ll also hear from experts who share practical strategies for managing ourselves and shaping environments that reduce the threat of impostor syndrome.Let’s erase the stigma. Let’s stop pretending we’re the only ones. And let’s come together to share, support and rise above the fear that keeps us playing small.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 30, 2024 • 37min
Maintaining Your Confidence in a Job Search
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about staying confident while looking for a new job. This is difficult under the best of circumstances but is particularly true when you’ve lost your job. How do you stay connected to your strengths and bring your best self to the search process when you still have lots of unresolved feelings? My guest this week, Debra Boggs, is the founder and CEO of D&S Executive Career Management. Here we talk about how to confidently navigate your job search. In addition to discussing higher-level strategy, she also offers great practical tips on how to measure progress, how to reach out to your network and how to update your LinkedIn profile. About My GuestDebra Boggs, Founder & CEO of D&S Executive Career Management, is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and recognized expert in executive career growth, C-level job search strategy, and board candidate best practices. She was recently honored by Forbes as a NEXT 1000 Entrepreneur and is currently a member of the Forbes Business Council. Additionally, she is a founding Member of the Career Industry Authority and holds a master’s degree in Management.~Connect with Debra:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraboggs/Website: www.dscareermanagement.com~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

Apr 23, 2024 • 32min
Are You Managing Up? If Not, Start Now
Executive coach Roberta Matuson discusses managing up to overcome impostor syndrome, emphasizing authentic approaches. Topics include navigating workplace politics, leveraging unique interests for connections, and effective communication strategies for career advancement.

Apr 16, 2024 • 44min
Patriarchy Comes with a Price for Men Too
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the importance of helping men to become more emotionally connected. My guest this week is Mike Cameron, leadership coach and author of the book, Becoming A Better Man: When "Something's Gotta Change", Maybe It's You! Here Mike shares his personal journey from financial entrepreneur to coaching men to improve their mental health by becoming more emotionally connected, which began with the murder of his girlfriend by her ex-boyfriend. Mike and I talk here about the ways in which the patriarchy negatively impacts men as well and how we would all be better off if men were given the space and encouragement to connect with their feelings. About My GuestMike Cameron is a two times TEDx speaker, Canadian author, entrepreneur and Certified Executive Coach. As a sales and leadership authority, Mike has studied the impact that emotion has on human behavior for over 2 decades. After tragedy struck in 2015, Mike sold his award-winning, multi-million dollar business and turned his expertise to teach men to become better leaders. He is an ultramarathoner who loves running hundred-mile races for 30+ hours through the mountains. His adventures have taken him everywhere from the coastal mountains of Costa Rica, and the geothermal pools of New Zealand to the beautiful Rocky Mountains in his own backyard in Canada. A gifted storyteller, Mike will share stories that challenge and inspire you. He will introduce you to his S.O.A.R. framework for resilience. He will teach you to become a stronger leader connected with your passions and purpose in life. He excels at helping leaders pull the best out of themselves and their teams. He is the founder of Connect’d Men, an organization designed to create a safe space for men to practice emotional fitness. His 2018 CBC Op-Ed “Dear Men” has been shared over 125,000 times. His 2017 Tedx “The way men think of strong is wrong”, urges society to help redefine what it means to be a badass. He is also the co-founder of the Ignore No More Run for Respect, an event designed to raise awareness around gender-based violence and specifically engage men and boys in the conversation. ~Connect with Mike:Website: https://mikecameron.ca/Connect’d Men Men’s Group: https://mikecameron.ca/activity-2/Book: https://mikecameron.ca/shop/~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

Apr 9, 2024 • 36min
Don’t Let Self-Doubt Hold You Back
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about overcoming self-doubt. Self-doubt gets in our way more often than we think. It creeps up on us in big and small ways that keep us from leaving our comfort zones, even when those comfort zones are making us miserable. My guest this week is Amy Bernstein, author of the upcoming book Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration. Amy shares her own story of pivoting from a career in government to a full-time writer and the steps she took to make that transition. She also encourages us to have an honest reckoning with ourselves and offers great practical advice on how to reconnect with our joys and passions so that we can find more meaning and purpose in our lives.About My GuestAmy L. Bernstein's nonfiction book of inspiration for creative people, Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration, will be published by Bancroft Press in 2024. She is also the author of four novels and when not writing, she is coaching other writers to success as a certified book coach. Learn more on her website and on Substack.~Connect with Amy:Author Website: https://amywrites.live Doubt Monster on Substack: https://amylbernsteinauthor.substack.com Wordfirst Book Coaching: http://wordfirstbookcoach.com~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

Apr 2, 2024 • 42min
Letting Go of Your Scripts
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about letting go of our scripts at work. We all have scripts that guide our behavior in the workplace. These scripts might be internally generated based on past experiences and influences. Or they might be dictated by external forces, such as our manager, who tells us how to show up in certain situations. When we adhere too closely to these scripts, we lose our authenticity and our ability to build trust with those around us. This week, I talk with Ulrike Seminati, a coach and former C-Suite leader, about how to let go of these scripts so we can be ourselves. We also talk about the ways in which our egos undermine our communication and connections in the workplace and what we can do instead. And, finally, Ulrike shares strategies you can use to build your confidence and manage what she calls the thunderstorm in your head.About My GuestUlrike Seminati, a globally operating coach, trainer, and consultant, brings a wealth of experience as a former C-level executive to her expertise in authentic leadership and impactful communication. By blending the latest self-development methodologies with her extensive practical experience in leading across all levels of hierarchy, she enables leaders to establish trust and lead change through effective communication. Ulrike's clients benefit from her pragmatic and user-friendly tools that enable them to make lasting improvements.~Connect with Ulrike:Website: https://ulrikeseminati.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulrikeseminati/~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

Mar 26, 2024 • 39min
What Do You Need to Thrive?
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the absence of career satisfaction that so many of us feel and the effects of that on our confidence, mental health and overall well-being. My guest this week, Anthony Kuo, is a career satisfaction coach who shares strategies we can all use to thrive at work. Anthony shares his personal journey of feeling pressured to do things he was good at, even though he didn’t enjoy them. He also teaches us how to spot not just the red flags, but also the green flags to help us better understand what we need to be our best selves at work.About My GuestYou are more than your job, and your career is more than a shiny resume. Much more! Anthony Kuo is a Career Satisfaction Coach - and he wants to help you intentionally craft a career you're excited to wake up for. Anthony graduated from the NYU Stern School of Business in 2010 and subsequently took an 8-year tour through the Fortune 500 world, rising up the corporate ladder before realizing he was filling his bank account but leaving his soul empty. Anthony integrates his practical experience with his training as a Transformational NLP Practitioner to gently and playfully guide his clients through one of life's most omnipresent questions: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"~Connect with Anthony:Transferable Skills Checklist: https://www.untamedcareer.com/transferable-skillsWebsite: https://www.untamedcareer.com/ Free Care Card Training: https://www.untamedcareer.com/care-card-signup "Is your career building or breaking your mental health?" Quiz: https://www.untamedcareer.com/quiz~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

Mar 19, 2024 • 41min
Transforming Power Dynamics for Greater Equity and Business Outcomes
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about power. Power is an abstract concept -- it’s hard to put your finger on. But we all know when power is empowering or disenfranchising. And when the power dynamics aren’t designed to empower, everyone loses. This week, I talk with Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall, an educator and consultant who has done fascinating work on power. Here we chat about the importance of mindfully building or re-building your power structure to foster greater equity and empowerment and, in return, improve results and boost your bottom line. About My GuestDr. Tanji Reed Marshall earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specializations in English Education and Critical Literacy from Virginia Tech. She has more than 20 years in education, including classroom teaching experience, coaching/supporting teachers and leaders at a district level through many avenues, and supporting educational organizations. Most recently, Dr. Marshall served as the Director of P12 practice with the Education Trust in Washington, DC. She has served as the principal consultant of educational equity consultancy Liaison Educational Partners where she works to partner with districts, states and organizations to support increasing equitable outcomes for all students. Her experience in education has created space for her voice to be heard on issues across the nation as a sought after keynote speaker and facilitator, panelist, national and international conference presenter, a thought partner to districts, schools and educational organizations, a co-host of an education equity podcast, and an author; with published articles in magazines and journals, and book chapters. Her ASCD published book, Understanding Your Instructional Power: Curriculum and Language Decisions to Support Each Student, was released in February 2023 with more than 2,700 copies sold.~Connect with Tanji:Newsletter: https://creative-founder-5785.ck.page/39787554e1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liaisoneducationalpartners/Email: liaisoneducationalpartners@gmail.com ~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

Mar 12, 2024 • 41min
Our Stories Are Collectively Created
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about trauma. If you experience grief or trauma, you may be given a pep talk, told how strong you are, or otherwise encouraged to put the past behind you. We feel pressured to get back up again and move on. But our minds and bodies don’t work that way. Our symptoms might be physical, emotional, mental or more and we might not even realize they’re connected to the traumatic event. And these events might not be recent. They might stem back to our childhoods. If we don’t take the time to process our experience, we will carry the burden indefinitely. This week, I’m talking with Nichole Lee, a trauma-informed life coach, about her experience with trauma after losing her mother and how she supports others in healing from their own experiences.About My GuestNichole Lee is on a mission to help millions create a life they love. She serves as a Trauma-Informed Multidisciplinary Healer, Intuitive Guide, Life Coach, Speaker, Well-Being Educator, and Transformative Retreat Curator, recognized for her unique and holistic approach to achieving personal fulfillment and transformation. Nichole specializes in guiding individuals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unfulfilled into creating a more authentic and fulfilling life by rediscovering who they are, healing inner wounds, and cultivating more meaning, purpose, and passion in their lives. With expertise spanning across spirituality, positive psychology, neuroscience, energy healing, meditation & mindfulness, health & well-being, trauma-informed care, and 20 years prior experience in global business management consulting, Nichole offers a comprehensive approach to supporting her clients as they navigate the complexities of personal and professional life. Nichole is also the host of a globally recognized podcast, 'Transcending Identity’, where she engages her audience in insightful discussions about personal transcendence, transformation, and triumph. At the heart of Nichole’s work lies her unwavering belief that love and compassion are the keys to healing, and that each person’s healing journey has a ripple effect, extending its transformative power into healing our communities, and, ultimately, our world.~Connect with Nichole:Website: www.nicholelee.loveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamnicholelee/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholelee/~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

Mar 5, 2024 • 37min
Be Wildly in Love with Your Life
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how to stop settling for mediocrity in our careers. If you’re tolerating work that’s “just okay,” you’ve internalized a belief that work is supposed to suck, or you’re making things harder than they need to be, you’re not alone. This week, I talk with Elena Pastore, a leadership and career coach, about how to think differently about how we manage our careers. We explore actionable steps you can take to feel more empowered and less attached to situations that aren’t working for you so that you can be wildly in love with your life.About My GuestElena is a Leadership & Career coach who utilizes a unique blend of expertise surrounding psychology, strengths, and professional growth tactics. She challenges clients individually and organization-wide to redefine the status quo and lean into curiosities about exploiting their own talents to add value groups they serve.She works with clients on anything from mindset, to positive psychology and language, to boundary setting, to understanding your unique value, and developing strategies to call it into reality.Elena is a double gator with a Master’s degree in International Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida. She is also an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach.~Connect with Elena:Website: https://allenatorecoaching.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenapastore/ TikTok: @elena_pastore Instagram: @allenatorecoaching~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

Feb 27, 2024 • 36min
Redefining Confidence
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about building confidence by better understanding our bodies. Many of us think of confidence as a belief in how amazing we are and an absence of self-doubt. But if we define confidence in this way, we’ll never achieve it because it’s not realistic. This week, I talk with Zeina Habib, an embodied coach, trainer and project manager, about how to strengthen our confidence. She offers practical tips for how to tune into your body’s sensations so that you can better understand your emotions and more confidently show up at work.About My GuestZeina Habib is an embodied coach and trainer and a project manager. She has 7 years of experience in coaching and training adults and youth in areas such as well-being, confidence building, communication and embodied leadership. She has worked with multiple coaching clients in the MENA region and the US. Her main goal is to help empower women to become more embodied, authentic and grounded.~Connect with Zeina:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeinahabibInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeinahabib_coachingWebsite: https://voice-within.com/~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com


