The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the general sense so many of us have that something is missing from our careers. Maybe we feel it but can’t pinpoint it. Or, maybe it’s staring us in the face. Often it shows up as burnout, overwhelm or the constant need to prove ourselves. And, typically, when this occurs, it’s because we’ve given our power away. This week, I talk with Melani Dziire, a leadership coach and former internal audit executive about her experience transitioning out of her former career. We also talk about the importance of establishing guardrails to ensure that we remain in control of our own careers and lives. About My GuestMelani Dziire is the owner of Desired Outcomes, LLC. which provides coaching and business consulting services. Ms. Dziire has an extensive background in the financial services industry as a senior executive focused on risk management, internal audit, and governance functions and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Ms. Dziire’s executive/life coaching and leadership consulting practice was born out of her desire to help individuals unlock their full potential by finding purpose and becoming exceptional leaders. She also hosts ‘The Unfulfilled Achiever’ podcast which delves into the often-overlooked emotional landscape of achieving levels of success but still seeking the elusive sense of fulfillment. She is a thought leader and consultant in risk management, internal audit, and governance drawing from her many years of experience as a senior executive with organizations such as USAA, PNC Bank, and SunTrust Bank (now Truist). As a DEI Champion, Ms. Dziire has been instrumental in establishing and leading multiple employee engagement and affinity teams, namely PNC’s Internal Audit Black Leadership Advisory Council which effectively served and advocated for 400+ audit professionals. Ms. Dziire is a proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a degree in accounting and completed the Graduate School of Bank Investments and Financial Management Program at the University of South Carolina. She holds a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification from Cornell University and is also a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Project Manager. Ms. Dziire has held several board positions and is currently on the Board of Trustees for Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina. ~Connect with Melani:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniwalkerdziire/Facebook: Desired Outcomes CoachingInstagram: desired.outcomes.coaching~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

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about our natural tendency to compare ourselves to others, which often leads us to dismiss what we uniquely bring to the world. This week, I talk with Juan Taveras, an HR and DEI leader, about his journey in the DEI space, as well as his perspectives on the future of DEI. We also talk about the responsibility and opportunity each of us has to do our own DEI work. And, finally, we talk about how Juan has navigated impostor syndrome as a new entrepreneur.About My GuestJuan Taveras is a people-oriented Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional with 17+ years of experience designing, orchestrating, and championing inclusive workplace initiatives that foster psychological safety, strengthen organizational alignment, and increase engagement. Juan began his career in the hospitality industry managing hotels and restaurants. Thirteen years ago, he transitioned into the nonprofit sector where he held HR leadership roles at various organizations. Last year, Juan and his wife co-founded DEI Pro Finder, a public online directory for DEI consultants. Juan’s unique blend of experiences and passion for the human resources profession make him an ideal partner for any leader looking to bring out the best in their team members.~Connect with Juan:LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-taveras-mba-sphr Business Website: https://www.deiprofinder.com/ Online Course: https://psychsafety.kartra.com/page/PsychologicalSafetyCourse~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

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about self-awareness. Most of us don’t know ourselves as well as we think we do. Self-awareness is hard work. It requires time we might think we don’t have. It might mean facing some truths that scare us. But self-awareness is critical to our self-trust and self-empowerment. This week, I talk with Zovig Garboushian, an executive coach, speaker and trainer, about the ways in which self-awareness unlocks our power and puts us back in charge of our own lives.About My GuestZovig Garboushian is the fiery force behind Boldness Ablaze Coaching and Zovig Speaks. She's an Executive Coach, Speaker, and Trainer with nearly 25 years of experience in marketing, people, and organizational development. She focuses on providing learning and development opportunities that tap into your head, heart, and intuition, and combines practical insight with answers to the intangible questions of life. She's worked with leaders and their teams at AT&T, Google, Microsoft, Southern New Hampshire University, University of Delaware, Bungie Games, Pivotal Ventures, and more. Her home base is Seattle, Washington, and she works with clients worldwide.~Connect with Zovig:Website: https://www.boldnessablazecoaching.com Email: info@boldnessablaze.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoviggarboushian/~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

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how to better understand and manage our feelings. Do you know the difference between your feelings and intuition? For many of us, it can be difficult to tell them apart. Here I talk with Joanna Armstrong, an emotional relief expert, about how to interpret our feelings and use them as information to guide us forward. We also talk about how our feelings generally reflect the rules of society whereas our intuition helps us define our own paths.About My GuestFor the past 14 years, Joanna Armstrong has been helping clients free themselves of everything from stress, worry, insecurities and overwhelm to anxiety, fear, sleeping problems and imposter syndrome. Her clients are raving about her unusually liberating science-based technique, combining EFT-tapping, EMDR and Positive Psychology. Being a so much wiser burn-out survivor, she now enjoys her family life on a woodland homestead in the countryside.~Connect with Joanna:Website: https://www.blissyjoy.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

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the constant need that so many of us feel to prove ourselves. And with that need often comes the belief that we’re not doing enough. This insidious way of thinking is pervasive in the workplace, particularly among women and members of marginalized groups. But what if you get to decide what’s enough? This week, I’m talking with Jamie Lee, a fellow executive coach who helps women who hate office politics get promoted. She and I explore how the context in which we operate primes us to experience impostor syndrome. And she shares some powerful steps you can take to manage anxiety and show up more confidently.About My GuestJamie Lee is a certified executive coach who helps smart women who hate office politics get promoted and better paid without throwing anyone under the bus. In her practice, she blends the best of negotiation strategies with practical neuroscience techniques, so her clients lead and negotiate with confidence and ease.~ Connect with Jamie:Website: www.jamieleecoach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leejieunjamie/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieleecoach~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

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the role our stories play in our confidence journeys. When we’re doing something scary, or experiencing self-doubt, too often, our story is one of disempowerment – I don’t belong here, or I’m not good enough. It’s a fluke, or there’s been a huge mistake. But what happens when we change the story? My guest this week, Jodi Flynn, is the CEO and founder of Women Taking the Lead. Here we talk about the impact of our stories and what we can do to adopt more empowered mindsets. We also talk about the importance of consistently stretching and expanding our comfort bubbles so that they don’t shrink and suffocate us.About My GuestJodi Flynn is the CEO and Founder of Women Taking the Lead, a leadership development company that works with allies, organizations, and boards to close the performance gap by attracting, developing and successfully promoting more women into senior levels of leadership. She helps organizations realize these benefits through coaching, consulting, leadership development programs and keynotes. Featured in Entrepreneur and Forbes magazines she is the host of the nationally recognized Women Taking the Lead podcast, and an Amazon bestselling author with her book, Accomplished: How to Go from Dreaming to Doing.Jodi is a Co-Founder of The Maine Women’s Conference and has spoken at the Massachusetts Conference for Women, the Women in Banking Conference, Emerging Leaders Conference, and Podcast Movement.~Connect with Jodi:Website: WomenTakingTheLead.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiflynn Women Taking the Lead Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/wttlWomen Taking the Lead Podcast episode featuring Kim Meninger: https://womentakingthelead.com/imposter-syndrome/~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

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about what happens when we put everyone else’s needs above our own. If you’re living your life or managing your career on someone else’s terms, eventually it’s going to catch up with you. My guest this week, Jen Schwytzer, is a life coach who shares her journey from social work in a hospital setting to coaching others to manage stress and overwhelm. Jen shares how putting herself last led to burnout and loss of love for the work she did and how changing her career empowered her to prioritize herself and her family. We also explore steps you can take to start putting yourself first, even if it feels scary and uncomfortable to do so.  About My GuestJen Schwytzer is a certified Life Coach and launched KINDfulness Coaching to help professionals ditch chronic stress and overwhelm and establish calm, productive order in life and business. Jen has 17 years of experience as a social worker in both the medical and mental health arena which allows her to bring a unique experience to her coaching practice. Jen has won the Award for Excellence in Outstanding Social Work from the University of Rochester Medical Center and continues to provide mental health education through partnerships with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.~Connect with Jen:Website: www.kindfulnesscoaching.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/kindfulness_coaching~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

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about leveraging the power of love languages to create long-lasting change. My guest this week, Paul Zolman, grew up in a family of abuse where he learned to be angry. This anger followed him into adulthood until he decided he no longer wanted to live this way. Here Paul shares the approach he took to change his behavior, which ultimately led to a shift from anger to love.  About My GuestPaul Zolman is the author of Love is God. In His wisdom, He placed us in a variety of circumstances that require us to find our way back to His pure love. So, what qualifies Paul Zolman to speak about love? His childhood experience of the opposite of love. From that austere beginning, and the distaste it formed inside him, he searched for and eventually created a method that transformed his life from anger to loving everyone. Growing up in a family of abuse, physical touch became his preferred love style, only because of the regularity. He could almost count on it. It was consistent. He came to think that was the way to express love. But deep inside, he knew that was a twisted belief. He wanted a better life for himself, which is why he created a paradigm shift that works. In this book, you’ll find what helped Paul Zolman move from a childhood boot camp of abuse to being a person who loves everyone and can find good about anyone in any circumstance. This is truly the role of love.~Connect with Paul:Website: www.roleoflove.comRole Of Love Dice (@roleoflovedice) • Instagram photos and videos Paul Zolman | Author (@paul_zolman) • Instagram photos and videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.zolman.7/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulzolman/Role of Love Dice (@roleoflovedice) / X (twitter.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

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the gap that often exists between our confidence and competence. How often have you looked at someone with lots of confidence and thought, “That person is all confidence and no substance?” Too many of us have so much to offer but struggle with self-doubt while others toot their own horns with very flimsy evidence to support their greatness. My guest this week, Annie Margarita Yang, is a finance guru and author of the book The 5-Day Job Search. Here she shares her journey with impostor syndrome as she launched a career in accounting with no formal training. Over the years, Annie has come to believe in her own greatness by closing the gap between her competence and confidence. She also shares practical strategies to help you build your confidence, including embracing courage, which always comes first.About My GuestAnnie Margarita Yang is the go-to finance guru for Millennials refusing to lose in a system stacked against them. A candid, no-fluff YouTube personality and best-selling author of The 5-Day Job Search and 1,001 Ways to Save Money, Annie is a part of the group she educates—the demographic most misunderstood because they must overcome finance challenges previous generations didn’t.She is skilled at creating easy-to-follow systems, intentional in addressing the unique concerns of Millennials, and relentless about creating financial independence.With more than 1 million views on YouTube, her witty approach to tough talk sets her apart from others.She lives with her husband in Boston, where she is fully committed to learning the piano!~Connect with Annie:Website - annieyangfinancial.com - to buy the book and get a 10% off discount code on a signed paperback copyYouTube - https://youtube.com/c/anniemargaritayang~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

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the ways in which high-pressure, high-intensity environments lead us into suffering contests that undermine our mental and physical health. My guest this week, Gary Simonds, is a retired neurosurgeon who shares the ups and downs of his educational and career journey. We also explore practices we can all use to increase our self-compassion, self-care and overall sense of empowerment. About My GuestGary is a highly experienced neurosurgeon, former head of an academic neurosurgery program at Virginia Tech/Carilion Clinic. He is a Professor, and teaches regularly at, the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.Gary was a biochemistry major at Dartmouth College. He went on to medical school at Rutgers and Neurosurgery residency and medical research fellowship at Walter Reed. He also holds a master’s degree in Health Care Delivery Science from Dartmouth.Gary has written and spoken widely on the subjects of neuroscience, medical school admissions, humanism, medical socioeconomics, medical ethics, burnout, personal wellness, spirituality, death and dying, and the interface between science and religion. Known for his compassion and sense of humor, he also writes fiction and is an accomplished and entertaining storyteller.Born in New Jersey, Gary has lived in New Jersey; England; Washington D.C.; Denver; Danville, Pennsylvania; and Roanoke, Virginia. He currently lives in the beautiful town of Black Mountain, North Carolina. ~Connect with Gary:Website: https://garyrsimonds.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