The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore what it takes to lead through change. My guest this week is Erin Herman, keynote speaker, writer and consultant, whose mission is to help people lead with more humanity. Drawing on her experiences in both the private and public sectors, Erin shares why courage, empathy and a growth mindset are essential for navigating change.Here we talk about what gets in the way of leading change effectively, including outdated workplace systems and cultural resistance to vulnerability. Erin offers powerful insights into the difference between confidence and self-assurance, and how a strong personal value system can be a grounding force when self-doubt or impostor syndrome creep in. We also discuss how to influence our environments at every level, not just from the top.About My GuestFor over 20 years, Erin Herman has worked with executive teams across the globe, including Fortune 500 companies, to lead change that actually sticks. Her leadership career has taken her from the boardrooms of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to the global halls of the United Nations. Along the way, she’s built partnerships that created lasting impact—like securing a $300 million commitment to support pediatric research, one of the largest gifts ever made to a children’s hospital.One of the projects she’s most proud of is the Learning Passport—a digital education platform she co-created with Microsoft and Cambridge University. It now reaches children in more than 40 countries and was named one of TIME’s 100 Best Inventions. It’s also been ranked the third most influential project in the world by PMI.Erin has spoken at the UN General Assembly, led global initiatives across China, Finland, Italy, and South Africa, and been featured by organizations like the University of Missouri’s Bloch School of Business. But at the heart of everything she does is a single goal: helping people lead with more humanity.Whether she’s working with C-suite leaders navigating change or high-achieving women ready to stop shrinking and start leading, her work is about creating the kind of transformation that resonates—long after the keynote ends.~Connect with Erin:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-herman-97832217/ Instagram: @eebherm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.beaton.18 Podvantage Page: https://erin.podvantage.ai/ Website: https://theerinherman.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/leadinghumansgroupJoin 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, I talk with Melanie Marshall, keynote speaker, coach and former foreign correspondent for BBC News. Melanie spent decades reporting from some of the most dangerous and disaster-stricken parts of the world and what she came away with might surprise you.We explore how, in the midst of violence, tragedy and injustice, Melanie discovered the power of human connection, joy and purpose. She shares what she’s learned about storytelling, resilience and the importance of grace, especially toward ourselves. We also talk about how imposter syndrome can show up even after massive success, and how owning your story can be the most courageous act of all.About My GuestMelanie Marshall is a speaker, coach and filmmaker who spent over 20 years as a BBC journalist in some of the world’s most high-risk - and surprisingly inspiring places.Working under immense pressure, in wild uncertainty, for high stakes; she managed to come out the other side with award-winning results, and with her sanity and sense of humour (mostly) intact.Now from the TEDx stage to the boardroom, Melanie's new mission is to help people use her hard-won lessons to thrive in uncertainty by leaning into their 'accidental bravery' and optimism.~Connect with Melanie:Website: www.melaniemarshall.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-marshall-237a641/~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/leadinghumansgroupJoin 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 explore how flow states, those moments of effortless focus and peak performance, can help us reconnect with our true selves and quiet the inner critic. My guest this week is Tom Roberts, retired dentist, race car driver, Buddhist practitioner and author of the upcoming book From Fear to Flow.Together, we examine what it really means to be in a flow state and why it's more accessible than most people think. Tom shares his personal journey of discovering flow through racing and Buddhist practice, and how that journey helped him reframe impostor syndrome as a form of ego protection. We also talk about why flow isn’t just for elite performers, it’s our natural state, how our ego and old narratives block access to flow and creativity and what racing taught Tom about fear, failure, and finding his own lane.About My GuestTom Roberts is a retired dentist, race car driver, longtime Buddhist practitioner, and author of the upcoming book From Fear to Flow: Transcend the Ego and Discover the Life You Were Meant to Live.~Connect with Tom:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-roberts-flow/~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/leadinghumansgroupJoin 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 explore the powerful truth that courage isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you build. My guest this week is Jen Hardy, COO at the Academy of MotivAction. Together, we discuss how early life experiences shape our inner stories, why emotional awareness is key to personal growth and how courage and vulnerability are interconnected. Jen shares her own journey from feeling like an impostor in the classroom to stepping into her voice and owning her role as a teacher and coach. We also talk about how self-sabotage often shows up as a protective strategy, how to start identifying the unconscious patterns that keep us stuck, and why courage is a skill that must be practiced in order to build resilience and self-trust. About My GuestJen Hardy, the COO at The Academy of MotivAction, is a transformation-driven educator, speaker, and coach who bridges logic and emotion to create lasting impact. A former public educator and state championship soccer coach, Jen left the traditional system to pursue a broader mission—empowering individuals to harness resilience, clarity, and emotional intelligence under pressure. With expertise in neuroscience, behavioral science, and communication, she helps people break through limitations, build confidence, and take decisive action. Beyond her work, Jen is a lifelong learner who thrives on deep conversations, is always juggling at least two books, and still finds joy on the soccer field.~Connect with Jen:Website: https://motivaction.academy/~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/leadinghumansgroupJoin 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 explore what happens when logic isn’t enough to break through self-doubt—and how hypnosis can help us shift long-held patterns that keep us stuck. My guest this week is Jennifer Fidder, a social psychologist, NLP practitioner, and transformational hypnotist who helps high-achievers move from awareness to sustainable change.Together, we discuss the hidden logic of the subconscious mind and why the fears, perfectionism, and self-sabotage we experience aren’t personal failings—they’re outdated protective strategies. Jennifer offers a powerful reframe of impostor syndrome, not as a flaw to fix, but as a signal that we’re leveling up and stretching into new territory.We also dive into how hypnosis can help rewire our thinking and create space for more confident action — from applying for a promotion to simply taking the next bold step. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of overthinking, procrastination, or fear of failure, this episode offers a fascinating look at how we can reprogram old patterns and move forward with clarity and courage.About My GuestJennifer Fidder is a social psychologist and hypnotist with almost 20 decades experience in the coaching field. She helps others overcome their fears, doubts, and insecurities, so they can feel more empowered, confident, and fulfilled - in their personal life and business.Her services include virtual one-on-one hypnosis sessions, workshops, seminars, as well as speeches.~Connect with Jennifer:Website: https://www.jenniferfidder.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/leadinghumansgroupJoin 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 explore how to bridge the gap between believing and achieving and what it really takes to pursue your potential, even when the path ahead is unclear. My guest this week is Adam Haston, entrepreneur and author of The Wonder Effect.Together, we unpack the importance of believing in yourself, recognizing limiting assumptions and developing a practical framework to move from believing to achieving. Adam shares his perspective on why we must first shed the false narratives we’ve absorbed from others—teachers, advisors, even well-meaning mentors—so we can reconnect with our authentic vision and values.We also talk about why mindset and strategy matter more than rigid tactics when it comes to change, how to break through the fear of not knowing what you want by paying attention to the everyday clues that already surround you, and the value of seeking advice from people just a few steps ahead of you—and how to balance guidance with your own inner compass.Whether you’re at a crossroads or simply curious about what’s next, this episode offers a refreshingly honest take on how to take action, one small step at a time.About My GuestAdam J. Haston, author of The Wonder Effect, is an entrepreneur, educator, and community leader dedicated to helping others unlock their potential. The founder and CEO of Haston Equity Group, a financial and real estate firm, he combines business acumen with a passion for personal growth.A former rabbi and director of programming at Chabad of Greater New Haven, Haston learned that transformation begins with truly listening. He has mentored professionals, students, and entrepreneurs, guiding them through career transitions, personal challenges, and leadership development. He has led workshops on financial success, personal growth, and resilience. His philanthropic work includes fundraising for schools, synagogues, and the Friendship Circle, where he organized a charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. A lifelong adventurer, Haston has run the NYC Marathon and traveled the world, but his greatest journey is as a devoted husband to Esther and father to seven incredible children. You can learn more at www.adamhaston.com~Connect with Adam:Website: https://www.adamhaston.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/leadinghumansgroupJoin 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 explore a life transition that often goes unexamined: retirement. What happens when your professional identity has defined you for decades, and suddenly you’re faced with the question, “What now?” My guest this week is Sarah Friedell O’Connell, executive transition coach and founder of ChangePoint Advisors. Sarah specializes in helping high-achieving professionals prepare for the non-financial side of retirement—what it means for their identity, purpose, and daily life.Together, we unpack the emotional and psychological aspects of leaving full-time work, how to intentionally design your next chapter and why so many of us struggle to imagine a fulfilling life outside of our careers. Whether you’re approaching retirement or simply want to live more intentionally now, this conversation is a powerful reminder that transitions don’t have to be terrifying, they can be transformational.About My GuestSarah Friedell O’Connell is an Executive Transition Coach and the owner of ChangePoint Advisors, a firm dedicated to helping senior executives navigate career changes. Sarah brings both business and career management expertise to her work with senior leaders, and her background as a former communications executive at Fidelity Investments and a spokeswoman for the President of Harvard University gives her a unique perspective and deep understanding of business and leadership. Sarah made her own career pivot into executive coaching, so she understands what it takes to successfully manage major change.Sarah has been coaching C-suite executives for over 10 years, helping hundreds of executives across a variety of industries and functions achieve success personally and professionally. Sarah is a graduate of the College of William and Mary where she received a B.A. degree, and is certified in several psychological assessment tools. She is a graduate of the Coaches Training Institute and the College of Executive Coaching and is a Certified Retirement Coach.~Connect with Sarah:Website: https://www.changepointadvisors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfriedelloconnell/~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/leadinghumansgroupJoin 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 it really means to lead with confidence, especially when you feel like you don’t belong. Are you constantly trying to prove yourself at work—working harder, saying all the right things, hoping others will finally see your value? My guest this week is Chris Marr, executive coach and author of Become an Authoritative Coach. In this inspiring conversation, Chris shares how his journey from people-pleasing and self-doubt to grounded self-respect transformed the way he shows up as a leader.We explore how the need to be liked quietly undermines our authority, why true confidence is an inside job and how embracing your unique perspective can be your greatest leadership asset. Chris also shares practical strategies to show up with intentionality in high-stakes moments, how to stop over-performing to prove yourself and why setting clear rules of engagement helps build stronger, more honest relationships—at work and beyond.About My GuestChris Marr is the founder of The Authoritative Coach and the author of Become an Authoritative Coach: Stop People-Pleasing, Challenge Your Clients, and Be Indispensable.Chris has over 15 years of experience working with client-facing professionals and has helped individuals and teams across the globe—from small businesses to nine-figure enterprises—build stronger client relationships, navigate difficult conversations, and position themselves as indispensable experts.What’s really fascinating about Chris is his obsession with client communication. He’s made it his mission to help professionals overcome people-pleasing habits, troubleshoot high-stakes client situations, and gain the confidence they need to truly thrive in their roles.Chris’s work doesn’t stop there—he’s also the creator of the People Pleaser’s Path to Authority assessment, a tool that helps professionals identify and overcome habits that hold them back from doing their best work.~Connect with Chris:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theauthoritativecoach/~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/leadinghumansgroupJoin 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 navigating mid-career transitions. Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Is this it?” -- that mid-career moment when you feel too far in to start over but too young to retire? If so, you’re not alone. My guest this week is executive coach Robin Camarote. Here we talk about the very real questions that arise for professionals who are reevaluating their careers, goals and identities. We explore what it means to reflect deeply on where you’ve been, what you want and how to move forward, even in the midst of a busy life. Robin shares both personal stories and practical tools to help you reconnect with your values, reclaim your time and build a more fulfilling path forward on your terms.Key Topics DiscussedThe myth of the linear career and what a “jagged” path really meansInternal vs. external pressures when questioning your career directionHow to reframe regret and leverage your past for future clarityWhat to do when you don’t know what you want—starting with what you don’t wantSimple, daily practices to check in with yourselfWhy clarity and confidence come from action, not overthinkingThe risk of inaction—and how to know when it’s time to moveAbout My GuestRobin Camarote is a leadership strategist and executive coach who helps organizations and teams take bold action on their biggest opportunities. With deep expertise in leadership alignment, business development, and executive presence, she helps leaders go after high-stakes “moonshot” opportunities—big goals with transformative potential.Through her Moonshot Workshop, she guides leadership teams to pinpoint the critical actions that actually drive success, gain teamwide buy-in, and create a clear, focused strategy that dramatically increases their win probability.She also speaks and writes extensively on overcoming imposter syndrome, executive presence, and the role of candid conversations in business success. Her work has helped countless leaders and teams shift from “this feels impossible” to “we’ve got this.”~Connect with Robin:Website: https://www.robincamarote.com/growthworkshopLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robincamarote/ ~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/leadinghumansgroupJoin 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 embracing uncertainty as a leader. What does it really mean to lead with humanity—especially in an age of AI, change fatigue, and constant uncertainty? My guest this week is Jim Bouchard, author, speaker, and founder of The Human Centric Leader. In this powerful conversation, Jim shares how his personal journey from addiction to leadership taught him what transformation really takes—and why the best leaders don’t have all the answers.We explore what it means to lead through uncertainty, the importance of sharing power and time, and how AI may actually amplify our humanity rather than replace it—if we use it well. We also dig into why resistance is a powerful compass, and how impostor syndrome can get in the way of becoming the leader you were meant to be.About My GuestBy his own admission, Jim Bouchard should have been dead or in jail many times over. Martial arts helped him overcome a life of crippling self-doubt and self-destruction. In his programs, Jim shares his inspiring transformation from dropout and drug addict to Black Belt and Sensei -- and how that experience made him a genuine leader.  He went on to open 5 martial arts schools, helping hundreds of people achieve their Black Belt rank, and thousands more discover their best selves.Today, Jim helps leaders around the world connect on a deeply human level to attract, engage, and lead people to their highest levels of performance and productivity.~Connect with Jim:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbouchard/Website: https://www.thehumancentricleader.org/Join the Community: https://keep-it-human.mn.co/landing?space_id=17243140~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/leadinghumansgroupJoin 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