The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we move beyond impostor syndrome and talk about the effects of childhood pain and trauma on our experiences as adults. While it’s easy to say that, “the past is the past,” the reality is that our childhood experiences stay with us into adulthood. This week, I talk with Avi Wolfson about his journey to heal his childhood wounds, including the power of leveraging resources to help him do this important work. We also talk about how to share our authentic selves while protecting ourselves in the workplace. And, we talk about the importance of failure to achieving success. About My GuestAvi Wolfson leverages a career as a licensed realtor, professional salesperson, 3 time axe throwing champion, and best-selling author to help audiences directly as a professional speaker. Wolfson, an expert in resilience, entrepreneurship, and self-discovery, inspires others with his story of overcoming childhood trauma and mental health challenges and finding work-life balance. In addition, Wolfson is a proponent of failure as part of the success process, giving back positivity into the universe by paying it forward. Audiences and critics find Wolfson “creative, humble, honest and smart” and adept at growing organizations by “helping people into better positions where they’re happy and flourish.”~Connect with Avi:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aviwolfson/ Website: https://aviwolfson.com Website: https://allstarparent.substack.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 upper limit. Just as homeostasis keeps our bodies in a state of equilibrium, our minds tend to do this as well. Often, we set up an upper limit of what we think we’re capable of, or what we think we deserve, which becomes our own glass ceiling. My guest this week, Jill Avey, shares strategies for how we can push past this upper limit to better utilize our strengths and more confidently achieve our goals. About My GuestJill Avey helps women leaders get promoted to the Director and VP levels. She does this by supporting her clients to develop their strengths, increase their influence, and improve team performance while navigating gender bias. She believes that everyone has talents they haven’t yet fully realized. She is inspired to help her clients find deep fulfillment in their careers, both personally and financially. Her approach is grounded in research, applied behavioral science, and her own personal experience as an executive.~Connect with Jill:Website: https://sistersmart.com/Ikigai exercise: https://sistersmart.com/purpose ~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 trap of the comfort zone. It’s all too easy to get stuck in our comfort zones. Each time we choose not to take action, we reinforce the security of our comfort zones, which makes the outside world feel that much scarier. This week, I talk with Aaron Trahan, a former executive leader turned performance coach who now helps leaders reach their full potential. Here we talk about strategies to break free from complacency and the status quo to become the best versions of ourselves.About My GuestAaron has a 15+ year progressive background as a senior-level executive leader within public-company corporate environments & early-stage startups. Aaron’s leadership roles have included overseeing GTM strategy, operations, key growth initiatives, people & organizational development, & performance management. Aaron is passionate about leadership development, and most especially, helping professionals find their path from good-to-great. As a certified leadership & executive performance coach - Aaron leverages his background & training to support leaders with the implementation of systems, mental models, frameworks, growth programs, & external accountability that allows them to accelerate their path to operating as the best version of themselves and reaching full potential.~Connect with Aaron:https://linktr.ee/aarontrahan ~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 monsters under our bed. We all have them, but they look different for each of us based on our own experiences and beliefs. My guest this week is Sheila Buswell, CEO of Buswell Biomedical and author of the book, “Is This Seat for Me?” Here we discuss her journey with impostor syndrome, which stems not from her work experience but from her identity as a woman, having been told throughout her life that she’s “too girly,” or not “girly enough.” Sheila and I talk about why we experience impostor syndrome in some situations and not others. We also talk about the power of authenticity and vulnerability to slowly change systems around us. About My GuestSheila Buswell is the CEO/ Co-Founder of Buswell Biomedical. She developed the concept for the Upward Mobility in 2018. In 1997, she joined the Army, injuring her foot in Bosnia in 1998. After receiving a medical discharge in 2001, Sheila moved to Missouri to continue her education and help her sister with babysitting. She earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 2005 from Missouri University of Science and Technology (then UMR). Sheila holds an MS in Biomedical Engineering from Saint Louis University.~Connect with Sheila:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuswellbiomedical/~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 reframing our mindsets. Much of our behavior and beliefs are guided by the stories we tell ourselves. So, if we want to create change, we need to examine those stories. My guest this week, Tammy Heerman, shares her perspective on the power of women’s empowerment programming and the value of sharing our stories with one another. We also talk about the freedom that comes with the understanding that we all, regardless of gender, share the same fears. What’s different is how we manage them. With this awareness, we can make more empowered choices about how we show up in our workplaces. About My GuestTammy Heermann is an award-winning leadership expert sought out by some of the world’s top companies for her programs that accelerate women’s advancement. In 2021, she published Reframe Your Story: Real Talk for Women Who Want to Let Go, Do Less and Be More-Together urging women to challenge the current narratives reinforced by society, systems and those of your own making. For over twenty years, she has helped change thousands of mindsets around what it takes to lead, both self and others. While having impact in the C-suite, nothing makes her happier than pushing up-and-coming leaders to break through organizational and self-imposed barriers to reach their potential. Tammy transforms her audiences with alternating moments of humor and heartache as she shares stories of her own journey from senior consultant to senior vice president. She is a perennial mentor with Women in Communications and Technology and is also addicted to the Peloton, Pilates and perogies. She lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter. ~Connect with Tammy:Website: www.TammyHeermann.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tammyheermann Instagram: @tammy_heermann ~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 listening to ourselves so that can we choose our responses, not just react to our surroundings. Many of us are too busy to listen to our bodies, or we try to deny the signals they’re sending us. But we do so at our own peril. My guest this week, Vicki Bradley, is an executive coach and former retail executive who shares how her own experience with ignoring her body’s signals resulted in stress and sickness that forced her to make a career change. Here we talk about the need to listen to our hearts and bodies, so that we can make more empowered choices. We also talk about the power of support networks and asking for help.About My GuestVicki Bradley is the founder and CEO of Women in Leadership Empowered, executive coach, PCC, certified in EQ, CIQ. Primarily work with women in senior leadership roles and emerging leaders. Focus in on being a conscious leader, with a bold voice, and the confidence to achieve your dreams. Spent 25+ years as a Sr Exec and a number of iconic retailers. Currently working on a Transdiciplinary PhD.~Connect with Vicki:Website: www.wilempowered.comWIL Talk podcast: https://www.wilempowered.com/our-podcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-bradley/ ~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 power of optimism. This week, I welcome back Moshe Cohen, a lecturer, coach, mediator, and expert on negotiation. He is also the author of two books on optimism, which we dig into more deeply in this conversation. Moshe shares his own journey with optimism and the benefits he has experienced as a result. We also explore the connection between optimism and empowerment. And we discuss steps you can take to become more optimistic, particularly if it’s not something that comes naturally to you today.About My GuestMoshe Cohen has been teaching negotiation, leadership, conflict resolution and organizational behavior as founder of The Negotiating Table since 1995 and as a senior lecturer at Boston University's Questrom School of Business since 2000. He has worked with thousands of students as well as companies worldwide. As a mediator, Moshe has worked to resolve hundreds of matters, and also coaches executives, managers, and individuals on leading others and negotiating effectively. He is the author of two books - Collywobbles, How to Negotiate When Negotiating Makes You Nervous and Optimism is a Choice and Other Timeless Ideas. He has also written numerous articles and cases, and appears in podcasts, videos, and interviews. Moshe studied Physics at Cornell University and has a Master's in Electrical Engineering from McGill University, specializing in robotics. After a dozen years in robotics, he completed his MBA from Boston University and fell in love with negotiation, mediation, and leadership.~Connect with Moshe:Collywobbles, How to Negotiate When Negotiating Makes You NervousOptimism is a Choice and Other Timeless IdeasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moshecohen/~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 slaying our dragons of self-doubt. My guest this week, Katherine Wintsch is the founder of the Mom Complex and author of, “Slay Like a Mother.” Here she shares her journey from marketing and advertising executive to entrepreneur and how she came to stop caring about what other people think and focus on what means most to her. In the process, she’s built a business and a life she loves. And she shares strategies to help all of us do the same.About My GuestKatherine Wintsch is the founder and CEO of The Mom Complex where she helps some of the largest companies in the world such as Walmart, Johnson & Johnson, Pinterest and Chobani develop better products and services for mothers. She is also author of the popular book Slay Like a Mother – which Parade magazine recently named one of the “top 10 life-changing self-help books of the year.” Katherine’s sought-after research on women and mothers has been featured by The Today Show, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Working Mother magazine. But don’t let all the accolades fool you. She’s also been through years of therapy, decades of self-doubt and more than her fair share of tequila. Thankfully, she tamed her “dragon of self-doubt” and now she’s helping other women do the same.~ Connect with Katherine:Website: https://www.slaylikeamother.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slaylikeamother/?hl=en Blog: https://katherinewintschblog.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 relationship building. While relationship-building tends to happen more naturally than we think, many of us hesitate to reach out and build connection with others due to self-doubt and other fears. My guest this week, Ingrid Goldbloom Bloch, excels at relationship building. Here she shares insights and practical tips to help us feel more comfortable building relationships.About My GuestIngrid Goldbloom Bloch is a sought-after career development leader, trainer and speaker with 20+ years of experience working at the intersection of design thinking, cognitive psychology, career counseling, and coaching. Through her business, Mosaic Careers, Ingrid has helped over 5,000 people transform their careers and expand their businesses. Her sweet spot is helping people see patterns and possibilities where they hadn’t before, leading to career and business transformation.Ingrid works with a globally diverse population of clients across a wide range of backgrounds and sectors. When working with individuals she helps them identify and secure meaningful work, manage difficult work situations and create career growth opportunities within or outside of an organization. When working with organizations, she helps leaders engage, inspire and retain their workforce.Ingrid is not a typical career counselor, trainer and coach. In addition to her business training, she is an internationally recognized artist with a specialty for giving new life to recycled/upcycled/everyday items. Her ability to transform objects into something entirely new, is the same process she uses coaching clients on creative ways to reimagine their careers and businesses.Ingrid holds a Master’s degree in counseling psychology from Lesley University and a dual, bachelor of science degree in communication arts and psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received advanced graduate training in career development from the John F. Kennedy School and is trained in structural consulting from Robert Fritz, Inc. She is also MBTI certified and Master Certified in TypeCoach. ~Connect with Ingrid:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingridgoldbloombloch/ ~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 fear of public speaking. And by public speaking, we’re not referring to a keynote address in front of hundreds of people. We’re talking about the everyday moments in our work when we have to speak up in meetings or present our work to our teams. These moments can trigger intense anxiety and self-doubt, but they don’t have to. My guest this week, organizational psychologist Amanda Tobe, talks about the fear of public speaking and the stories we tell ourselves that reinforce our fear-based narratives. We also talk about steps we can take to reframe our fears and show up more confidently in public speaking situations. About My GuestAmanda Tobe is a Toronto-based organizational psychologist passionate about helping her clients build soul-filled and purposeful careers with less fear. She has spent several years researching job interview anxiety and her work can be found in Harvard Business Review, The Huffington Post, Men's Health Magazine as well as psychology and business journals. Amanda recently designed an 8-week group to help her clients reduce their fears of public speaking to learn to communicate with clarity and confidence. Amanda brings her corporate experience of more than 5 years as a consultant and manager of talent management, talent assessment, and career development for various organizations. She earned her MA and PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Guelph.~Connect with Amanda:Website: www.amandatobe.com Instagram handle: @dr.amandatobe Public speaking group: https://www.amandatobe.com/public-speaking-group-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