The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about our natural tendencies to neglect self-care because it feels too selfish or because we don’t believe we have the time. My guest this week, John Chilkotowsky, executive coach and former executive leader, shares his story of how a panic attack changed his relationship with himself and his work. He also shares insights for others who might be neglecting their own self-care.About My GuestWhat if you are the most efficient and effective being alive, but your map is incorrect? First, you will be in constant motion that may look like success for a little while. And second, you will quickly get to somewhere you don’t really want to go. Some might say: “But MY map is correct!” Others might say: “I’m SO fast that I can afford to have a map that’s incorrect. I’ll just go twice the distance.” What do you say? As a former Fortune 100 consultant and nonprofit leader, and as a current entrepreneur Executive Coach, John Chilkotowsky learned a lot from what seemed like failures in the moment, but later as golden opportunities. He helps leaders recognize the ways in which their mindset creates their reality, and how they can create a map aligned with what they really want, and start moving towards the “gold” in their leadership and life.~Connect with John:Website: www.northstar-coaching.comFree guide to more effective communication: www.northstar-coaching.com/influence ~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join 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-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about new ways to think about leadership in a changing world. My guest this week, Keith Rovinelli, is an HR consultant and firefighter who shares his views on leadership, including the importance of kindness and service to others, and how he’s able to transfer lessons and experiences between his two full-time roles. Keith also shares his passion for yoga and how he went from hiding that from his fellow firefighters to bringing it openly to the fire station.About My GuestKeith Rovinelli is a dog loving, yoga practicing, self-proclaimed chef who uses his innate curiosity to connect, listen to and share his unique perspective with others. He finds inspiration in building leadership skills that create thriving communities. As an HR consultant, Keith leverages his experience as a full-time firefighter to serve a portfolio of clients including Fortune 100 companies. ~Connect with Keith:Instagram: https://instagram.com/fireproof_leadersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/KeithRovinelliTikTok: @fireproof_leaders~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join 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-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about success, including how we define it and whether that definition actually works for us. My guest, Jean Tien, intuitive mindset coach, author and podcast host, shares her S.U.C.C.E.S.S. method, which is designed to help us define and achieve success on our own terms, rather than in ways that are influenced by external pressures. We also talk about changes that need to happen in the workplace to make it easier for all of us to pursue our own definitions of success. About My GuestAs the first-born daughter of Asian immigrants, Jean followed her parents’ formula for success. They pushed her in her studies so that she could graduate from an Ivy League university and work in a corporate setting that would provide a nice paycheck. Even though her corporate career flourished with 2 promotions in 2 consecutive years and a 6 figure income jump in only 3 years, she continued to fumble through life until she finally realized that “happily ever after” doesn’t automatically happen when you start to make more money or climb the corporate ladder. She says that following this age-old formula for success, I wasn’t allowing myself to be ME.With over 20 years of experience, Jean knows what it's like to juggle a successful career with being a mom yet still feels like she hasn’t gotten anywhere. No matter how hard she worked to achieve more in life, Jean knew that she couldn't reach it if she kept pushing herself to conform to the expected definition of success. This is what motivated her to create the S.U.C.C.E.S.S Method for ambitious women to achieve the success they never thought possible.Jean is also a podcast host. Her podcast, Being Unapologetically Authentically, has been featured in Armstrong Wolfe, the Financial Advisory Firm for the COO. She’s also been a guest on a number of podcasts, as well as featured in magazines, such as the Authority Magazine, an online publication devoted to sharing in-depth, and interesting interviews, featuring people who are authorities in Business, Pop Culture, Wellness, Social Impact, and Tech.~Connect with Jean:Website: https://jeantien.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanftienFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeantien/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-tien/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeantien~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join 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-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about our tendency to make what we’re doing so much bigger than it actually is, which leads to stress, worry and self-doubt. My guest, Neha Lagoo Ratnakar, shares personal stories of times when she has overinflated the significance of what she was doing in ways that created unnecessary anxiety and stress and how she navigated these situations. We also talk about her extensive global experience, living in eight countries and speaking eight different languages, and what that has taught her about herself and humanity.About My GuestNeha Lagoo Ratnakar was born in Indore, India and currently lives in Amsterdam, Netherlands with her genius husband, a strong-willed daughter, and an extremely gullible dog. Neha’s nomadic life as a trailing spouse could have cost her career, and she knows what taking a break feels like. As she has continued her career journey across changing geographies and sectors, she’s faced challenges and learned invaluable life lessons. It’s these challenges and lessons that have carried her to where she is today as a writer.When Neha isn’t writing, she’s a talent development professional and a part-time entrepreneur. She’s also been a face painter, a handwriting analyst, a website designer, and a henna artist.In her spare time, Neha enjoys playing improv and saying “yes” to the curveballs life throws at her. And when life has nothing to throw, she shakes things up anyway by doing something crazy. Back on Your Feet is Neha’s first published book.~Connect with Neha:Website: https://www.nehalagooratnakar.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nehalagoo/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neha.ratnakar.1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neharatnakar/~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join 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-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we are doing something a little different. My guest this week is Robert Kerbeck, author of the book Ruse: Lying the American Dream from Hollywood to Wall Street. He shares a fascinating story of his career as a corporate spy and the experience of being an actual impostor in the workplace. He also talks about leaving that role for Corporate America and how unprepared he was for the politics and self-serving behaviors he found when he got there. In the end, Robert shares his pivot to his current career as a writer and how that has brought him back to his creative roots. Throughout the conversation, he shares insights and advice to help others along their career journeys.About My GuestRobert Kerbeck’s true crime memoir, RUSE: Lying the American Dream from Hollywood to Wall Street is the story of how a wannabe actor became the world’s greatest corporate spy. Frank Abagnale, author of Catch Me If You Can, said, “Kerbeck has mastered the art of social engineering, or what he calls 'rusing', and taken it to a whole new level,” while Shondaland (the producer of the Netflix series Inventing Anna) described RUSE as "a story almost too good to be true with no shortage of wild stories.” Kerbeck’s previous book MALIBU BURNING: The Real Story Behind LA’s Most Devastating Wildfire, won a 2021 SoCal Journalism Award, the 2020 IPPY Award, and the 2020 Best of LA Award. His writing has appeared in numerous publications including the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Magazine, and Lithub’s Crime Reads.~Connect with Robert:https://www.robertkerbeck.com ~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join 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-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the interview process. Making a career change can feel daunting. It’s a time of great vulnerability, which tends to activate our impostor syndrome and leave us second-guessing ourselves. My guest this week is Gina Riley, career coach, executive search consultant and interviewing expert. She and I explore many of the challenges we face before, during and after the interview process and how to more confidently and effectively navigate the experience. About My GuestAn authority in career transition, Gina Riley is an HR professional, career transition coach, executive search consultant, and interview skills trainer who applies her expertise working with leaders and executives with her Career Velocity™ System. She holds a master’s degree in Whole Systems Design and is a certified YouMap® coach. Riley has authored many articles to include a series called “How Your Next Executive Role Finds You,” and provides access a free Masterclass and printable workbook that outlines how to start a career transition plan. You can find this and more at GinaRileyConsulting.com.~Connect with Gina:To access the free recorded webinar and workbook to aid in the career transition planning process, visit: https://ginarileyconsulting.com/masterclass-series-by-gina-riley/ ~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join 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-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore the “first-generation” experience in the workplace. Maybe that means you’re the first in your family to go to college, or the first in your family to be born in the U.S., or the first in your family to shift from poverty to middle class. My guest this week, Carly Goldsmith, shares her first-generation story as we discuss the unique challenges we experience when assimilating to the workplace and striving to belong. About My GuestCarly Goldsmith brings over two decades of human resource, business and coaching experience to work for her clients. As a coach, she partners with senior and mid-level leaders to leverage their strengths to maximize personal engagement and impact created in their roles. She has a passion for working with individuals who identify as women and first-generation professionals. Compassionate and intuitive by nature, Carly’s facilitation style is often described as engaging, insightful, and empowering.Carly has coached leaders and professionals across multiple industries throughout the US and globally. In addition to her coaching, she has designed and facilitated in-person and virtual workshops and leadership development programs. Most recently, Carly has worked with leaders, groups and teams at Deloitte, Amazon Robotics, Charles River Associates, Verve, Teradata, Mass General Brigham, Alexion, Verizon, CFGI, and Squarespace.  In addition, she has supported women leaders in Executive Education programs at Bentley University and the Prism Program offered by the 3D Leadership Group. She also is the co-founder of Velocity Quest for Women, a global virtual community offering members programs to equip them with the tools to generate momentum towards new possibilities in work and life.~Connect with Carly:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cgoldsmith/https://www.velocityquestforwomen.com/ ~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join 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-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the human experience at work. Regardless of our roles, tenures, backgrounds, etc., at the end of the day, all any organization is a collection of humans – humans with very complex emotions, experiences and insecurities. For much of history, the expectation has been that we essentially check our humanity at the door when we enter the workplace. But what if that’s not only a flawed design that hurts humans but also one that hurts businesses? After all, your ability to achieve business results depends entirely on the well-being of your people. My guest this week, Brian McComak, founder of Hummingbird Humanity, shares his vision to bring human-centered cultures to the workplace. About My GuestBrian McComak is the CEO & Founder of Hummingbird Humanity. He is a consultant, speaker, author, and facilitator with over 25 years of experience in DEI, HR, culture, change management, internal communications, and employee experience. He is an openly gay man and a person with a disability who shares his lived experiences in service of fostering workplaces where humans thrive.Before starting Hummingbird Humanity, he was the Global Head of Inclusion for Tapestry – the home of Coach, Kate Spade & Stuart Weitzman – where he developed and launched the company’s DEI strategy. He put Tapestry ‘on the map’ as a great place for inclusion, earning recognition from the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, Women in the Workplace, and Forbes’ Best Places to Work for Diversity.Brian has also held leadership roles at leading global companies including The Walt Disney Company, L’Oreal, and Christie’s Auction House. His internal experience spans a diverse variety of industries including fashion/retail, hospitality, auction, entertainment/media and he has consulted with organizations in technology, financial services, media, and non-profit.Join Brian in working to create a world where we accept each other, celebrate our differences, and recognize that we truly are better together.~Connect with Brian:HummingbirdHumanity.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmccomak/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmccomak/ ~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join 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-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the power of pushing through our fears and doing the things that scare us. Many of us stay in our comfort zones and avoid taking risks because we’re unsure of the outcome or we don’t have a perfect plan yet. But doing that is not neutral. It leads to regret and missed opportunities. My guest this week, Kathleen Taylor, shares how her curiosity and willingness to connect with others has led her in meaningful new directions. We also talk about how we can all get more comfortable not knowing. About My GuestKathleen Taylor is a self-described storyteller, who believes that everyone has a purpose and a dream and always has had a passion for learning about other people’s stories.  At a young age, Kathleen’s love for travel, music, adventure, and curiosity of people was evident.  She would run around her neighborhood with an old tape recorder of her mom’s, eager to interview anyone in site and would spend hours listening to their conversations.  Throughout elementary school her heroes were Anderson Cooper and Lisa Ling who she watched every morning from school on their news show.  Kathleen has spent her career speaking with brilliant scientists and engineers across the globe, connecting them to impactful teams.  She offers strategic insight to her leadership teams to support long-term growth development and business plans.  But if you ask Kathleen what she is the proudest of throughout her career, it would always be the trusted partnerships and collaboration she has built with her people.  Originally from West Chester, PA Kathleen attended Dalhousie University in Halifax Nova Scotia, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree and spent years studying as a classical pianist.  The world is Kathleen’s favorite destination.  She has grown in her professional development working in both Canada and the U.S and has spent several years working as an ESL teacher for children throughout China.  Her drive for adventures and passion for learning about other cultures has taken her to places such as Vanuatu, Fiji, Taiwan, Japan, France, Monaco, and Australia where she lived for 2.5 years.  Kathleen loves learning different perspectives through the eyes of other people, and she’s an individual who believes you are only one decision away from creating a new you.~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join 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-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the power of vulnerability. Most of us don’t feel comfortable being vulnerable when we feel like an impostor. We look around and think that everyone else has it all figured out. So, we wear our masks and pretend that everything is fine. My guest this week, Kris Kelso, author of the book, Overcoming the Impostor, shares his perspective on vulnerability and how it can help us normalize impostor syndrome, create safer spaces for those around us and help us to better trust the compliments we receive.About My GuestKris Kelso is a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and is the author of “Overcoming The Impostor: Silence Your Inner Critic and Lead with Confidence“. Trained and certified as an executive coach, Kris has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, business owners, and their leadership teams. He is a faculty instructor at the Professional Christian Coaching Institute, an advisor and instructor at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, and is a contributing writer for publications including Fast Company Magazine, Yahoo Finance, and The Nashville Business Journal.Kris has founded multiple companies and has served on the boards of directors of several non-profit organizations. He is an active member of Cornerstone Nashville, where he serves, teaches, and coaches other leaders. He lives with his wife and three teenaged sons in a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee.~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join 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-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com