

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

Sep 24, 2024 • 37min
Strengthening Your Relationship with Yourself
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about building stronger relationships with ourselves. We often think we know ourselves well but, in reality, we’re too busy living and reacting to the demands around us to notice the way our thoughts, feelings and actions influence our experience in the world. My guest this week is Pallavi Srivastava, executive coach and author of the book, Relationship with the Self. In addition to discussing the importance of strengthening our relationships with ourselves, we also talk about how to better understand our inner critics and what to do to manage them more effectively.About My GuestWith 18 years of supporting people to thrive in their careers and lives as a therapist and coach, Pallavi partners with organizations and leaders to elevate their effectiveness, performance and resilience for sustainable results.Pallavi's diverse 18+ years of career journey includes closely collaborating with executives in multifaceted roles. In her professional stint 1.0 as business journalist she worked with CEOs and other c-suite leaders asking tough questions. Her personal experience with burnout inspired her to pivot to stint 2.0 as a workplace well-being therapist. In her present role as CEO of The Wellbeing Ways LLC and a Leadership Coach, Pallavi partners with leaders, scientists and start-up founders on topics like self-leadership, presence, resilience, conflict management, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, etc. She has guided leaders towards their highest potential and sustainable high performance.Her book 'Relationship with the Self,' underscores her commitment and expertise in fostering self-leadership and thriving. Pallavi has coached leaders across the world and industries for over 1000 coaching hours and with results that have earned consistent re-engagement of her services. ~Connect with Pallavi:Coaching/workshop engagement queries: pallavi@thewellbeingways.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pallavisrivastava/Website: https://thewellbeingways.com Book Links:Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Relationship-Self-Pallavi-Srivastava/dp/1032160039Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/Relationship-with-the-Self-Actionable-Inputs-for-Personal-Growth-and-Change/Srivastava/p/book/9781032160030~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

Sep 17, 2024 • 33min
Overcoming Extrovert Envy
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the pressures facing introverts. Many introverts believe that they need to be more extroverted in order to achieve success in the workplace. As a result, they exhaust themselves by trying to be someone they’re not. My guest this week, Kimberly Charvet, shares how she went from growing up with extrovert envy to recognizing that her introversion is actually a superpower. Here she shares insights and strategies to help other introverts do the same.About My GuestMeet Kimberly Charvet! Wife, mom to a blended family of 5, avid reader, organization nerd and obsessed with all things The Grinch! With 25+ years in Corporate America leadership experience and 20 years in Direct Sales as a life-long introvert she's found her passion for helping other introverted women in business to succeed. As the founder of Quiet Spark Coaching - Business & Life Coaching for introverted women, Kimberly helps women to increase their profits by helping them to achieve their top three goals over one year. She offers one-on-one coaching, workshops on planning for your business, and masterclasses on networking and discovering your purpose.~Connect with Kimberly:Website: https://www.kimberlycharvet.com MeetUp: https://www.meetup.com/introverted-women-meetup-group/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/quietsparkcoaching Email: kimberly@quietsparkcoaching.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

Sep 10, 2024 • 34min
The Power of Hidden Leaders
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about hidden leaders. Hidden leaders, according to my guest, Ali Wilson, possess traits that make them great leaders but, paradoxically, also keep them from reaching higher levels of leadership. Here we discuss the ways in which we overvalue confidence, and even narcissism, which holds hidden leaders back. We also explore ways that hidden leaders can emerge from the shadows. Ali also offers one of my favorite reframes of impostor syndrome.About My GuestAlison Wilson’s journey from chemical engineering to executive coaching has been driven by a passion for unlocking leadership potential in those who may not see it in themselves.In every organization she has worked with, she has come across talented leaders who feel trapped in roles below the level of their capability and ambition. She has come to realize that for many, the traits that keep them stuck are the very same traits that ultimately make them exceptional leaders. It's a paradox that harms everyone, leading to organizations where the most capable people are not the decision makers and results are delivered in spite of leadership, not because of it. She has developed the Hidden Leaders program to empower these individuals to recognize their talent, amplify their impact and progress to the leadership roles where their true potential can be realized.~Connect with Ali:Website: https://www.hidden-leader.co.uk/~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

Sep 3, 2024 • 33min
I’m Here for a Reason
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about navigating self-doubt as an “only”. My guest this week, Carrie Driscoll, is the co-founder of Reef Consulting. Here she shares her career journey from winning a college scholarship as the only female in computer science to working in software startups to eventually founding her on consulting firm. Carrie shares how she navigates self-doubt and offers tips and strategies we can all use to show up more confidently at work.About My GuestWith over two decades of experience in Agile coaching, project management, and change management, Carrie Driscoll co-founded Reef Consulting to help organizations achieve quality, speed, growth, scalability, and innovation. As the president of Reef Consulting, Carrie leads a team of agile experts who provide executive coaching, strategic guidance, digital transformation, and change management to fortune 100 clients across various industries.Carrie holds multiple certifications in agile methodologies, including Scrum@Scale, Scaled Agile Framework Program Consultant (SPC), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and ICAgile Certified Practitioner (ICP). Carrie is passionate about empowering high-performing teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and delivering value to customers and stakeholders. Carrie also enjoys sharing her insights and best practices as an entrepreneur, speaker, and mentor in the Agile community.~Connect with Carrie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-driscoll-3458552/ Website: https://reefconsultingllc.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

Aug 27, 2024 • 45min
Navigating Middle Management with Confidence
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about middle management. Many of us don’t like to think of ourselves this way but if you’re responsible for managing up and down, you’re likely a middle manager. My guest this week is Jeff Sigel, author of the book The Middle Matters, a Toolkit for Middle Managers. Jeff argues that middle managers are actually doing three roles at once – doing, leading and influencing. But they’re not often given proper guidance on how to effectively perform and balance these roles. Here we talk about the challenges facing middle managers and what you can do to become a more confident, effective leader.About My GuestJeff Sigel is a Strategy, Business Intelligence and Marketing leader with over 20 years of experience across the Food Manufacturing, Grocery Retail, and Restaurant industries. His focus is on helping companies go beyond PowerPoint strategies, ensuring that there is alignment between strategic planning, brand building, analytics, and leadership behaviors at every level. Jeff is particularly passionate about helping middle leaders learn the skills they need to deliver results, build engaged teams, and realize bold visions for the future.~Connect with Jeff:Website: www.proprioceptive.io/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TwinningStrategy~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

Aug 20, 2024 • 40min
Applying the 50/50 Method to Advance Your Career
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about balancing work with career management. Many women tend to struggle with prioritizing their own career growth because they’re too focused on the needs of the business. This week, I talk with Marja Wagenaar, a leadership specialist, former member of parliament in the Netherlands and author of “The Leadership Book for Women”. Here we discuss the ways in which we hold ourselves back by doing silent work without recognition, hesitating to raise our hands for new opportunities and focusing too heavily on being a “good girl”. We also explore her 50/50 method, which is designed to break these habits so that you can more confidently and effectively advance your career.About My GuestMarja Wagenaar PhD is a leadership expert. With her company Leadershipint. she helps leaders and their organizations to advance their strength worldwide. She developed the 50/50 method: a successful approach for female leaders and all those women who aspire to become a leader. ~Connect with Marja:Book: https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Book-Women-Marja-Wagenaar/dp/9089657223Website: https://www.leadershipint.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

Aug 13, 2024 • 36min
How to Be a More Confident People Manager
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about people management. Whether or not you manage people today, you likely know that it’s a tough job! Not only do you have responsibility for a team of people who are relying on you but you’ve likely gotten very little training and support on how to lead them effectively. My guest this week is Cree Scott, founder and CEO of Serenity and consulting psychologist who specializes in human-centered leadership development. Here we talk about the challenges facing people leaders, how to evaluate whether or not you want to manage people and what you can do to show up more confidently in the role.About My GuestDr. Cree Scott, founder and CEO of Serenity, is an esteemed consulting psychologist with over 15 years of experience specializing in human-centered leadership development through a change management lens. With a robust background in clinical psychology, consulting, and executive coaching, she excels in creating customized leadership development programs for a diverse range of industries, leveraging evidence-based practices for impactful learning and growth. Dr. Scott combines the rigor of psychology with a strengths-based approach to drive organizational change and personal breakthroughs in leadership.~Connect with Cree:Website: www.serenitypsyhealth.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creescott/ LinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/facilitating-safe-authentic-communication-as-a-leader/guiding-principles-for-safe-space-conversations~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

Aug 6, 2024 • 35min
What’s Your Anti-Vision?
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the power of an anti-vision. Visions can be inspiring but they’re often not powerful enough to break through fear. My guest this week, author and coach Scott Allan, talks about how he uses an anti-vision to push himself out of his comfort zone and face his fears. We also talk about the importance of reminding ourselves that confidence follows action, celebrating small wins and recognizing when we might be a little too comfortable. About My GuestWith his books published in 16 languages, and over 500,000 copies sold worldwide, Scott Allan is on a mission to transform the human potential. Scott is the bestselling author of Fail Big, Relaunch Your Life, and Do the Hard Things First. As a former corporate business trainer in Japan and Transformational Success Strategist, he has invested over 10,000 hours of practice and research into confidence development and mindset mastery training. With an unrelenting passion for teaching, building critical life skills, and inspiring people worldwide to take charge of their lives, he is committed to a path of constant and never-ending self-improvement.~Connect with Scott:Website: https://scottallanbooks.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

Jul 30, 2024 • 35min
Doing Your Best Does Not Mean Being Perfect
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk stress and burnout. If you’re a high achiever (hint: if you’re listening to this podcast, you are), you’re likely at higher risk for stress and burnout because of the way you approach your work. My guest this week is Avery Thatcher, a former ICU nurse who now specializes in burnout recovery. Avery shares her personal journey as someone who understood the risk factors for burnout yet still suffered from what she refers to as her own epic burnout experience. Here we talk about the three stages of chronic stress and how to recognize them. We also talk about how to manage our energy to prevent burnout. And we talk about how to do your best work without the pressure to always be perfect.About My GuestAvery Thatcher is a former ICU Registered Nurse with over a decade of experience specializing in acute and chronic stress, it's impact on the body, and how to prevent or even reverse the negative health effects of stress to avoid burnout and illness. In her Flow State app, and group programs, she has been helping highly sensitive high achievers recover their energy and optimize their habits so they can elevate their impact since she started her business in 2015.~Connect with Avery:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetruthaboutburnout/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becomingavery/ Website: www.thetruthaboutburnout.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

Jul 23, 2024 • 39min
Using Problem Solving Frameworks to Ease Self-Doubt
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how using problem-solving frameworks can help you ease self-doubt and make better decisions. My guest this week, Tommy Ogden, co-founder of Activera Consulting, shares his career journey, including the twists and turns along the way. Here we talk about the importance of trying new things to figure out what you want to do, failing quickly and moderating your expectations when you’re learning something new. Tommy also shares practical frameworks you can use to make more confident decisions and temper your impostor syndrome.About My GuestTommy Ogden is the Co-Founder and Agility & Analytics Lead of Activera Consulting, a boutique management consulting firm based in Houston, Texas, focused on the future of energy. With expertise in strategy, execution, and change, Activera's collaborative teams approach complex challenges with a mindset of inquiry. They tailor and custom-build solutions with a dedicated focus on measurable impact for clients. Possessing a diverse skill set across many industries and educational pursuits, Tommy has developed business acumen through 20 years of experience working in myriad capacities, including – investment advisor, financial analyst, business analyst, management/strategy consultant, and project/program manager. He has earned certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), and SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC). He is known for his ability to produce unique ideas for solving problems, offer an innovative perspective, and lead a team to accomplish results within assigned deadlines, having consistently provided actionable deliverables in the agility, analytics, and strategy arenas. Tommy also holds two Masters degrees in business administration – an MBA and a Master of Global Management in International Business & Consulting – and has most recently worked for two Fortune 20 companies in both the technology and energy industries. He was driven to continue his business education by a desire to (co-)found and lead his own business as an entrepreneur.~Connect with Tommy:Website: www.activeraconsulting.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/TommyOgdenEmail: togden@activeraconsulting.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


