The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we dive into what it really means to lead with courage and integrity in complex and sometimes disheartening environments. My guest this week is Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves, historian, women’s leadership expert and author of Leading with Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women. Jodi brings decades of experience in higher education, feminism and mentorship, and shares how she’s translating these values into community leadership and career coaching.Together, we explore what it looks like to lead from your values, even in systems that don’t always reward that. Jodi opens up about the grief she feels as DEI efforts are increasingly under attack, but also the hope she sees in those continuing the work. We talk about managing your idealism over the course of a career, how to build coalitions for change from inside large institutions and how to define your legacy through the lives you touch, not just the structures you build. She also shares powerful insights on intergenerational mentorship, networking for values-aligned connection and how to stay grounded when perfectionism and urgency take over.About My GuestDr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves is a leadership strategist, coach, consultant, facilitator, editor, and author.  Her work with organizations and individuals builds on more than 25 years of experience in higher education, non-profit leadership, authorship, teaching, and mentoring. She empowers leaders and facilitates career journeys for people at all stages, with an emphasis on values, social impact, and creating inclusive communities. She is especially committed to developing diverse women's leadership.  With a doctorate in History, Jodi taught and held leadership roles for many years at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, focusing on systems of privilege and inequality and social change. Her specialties include women’s history and gender, race, and leadership. She also directed her community's Diversity Council.Jodi is the author of Modern Motherhood: An American History (Rutgers University Press, 2014). Her latest book, Leading with Courage: Empowering Women for Impactful Careers, is available for purchase.~Connect with Jodi:Leadership Course: https://www.jodivandenberg-daves.com/onlineleadershipcourseWebsite: https://www.jodivandenberg-daves.com/Book: https://bookshop.org/lists/leading-with-courage-a-career-long-guide-for-idealistic-women~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.co

In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore how to make friends in an era of loneliness. My guest this week is Dr. Linda Lin, a psychology professor at Emmanuel College who has spent more than two decades researching and teaching about mental health, happiness and well-being. Through her course, The Psychology of Wellness and Happiness, Linda helps students move beyond surface-level wellness tips to better understand what it really means to live a meaningful and connected life.Together, we talk about the shifting landscape of connection, especially for younger generations, and how technology, the pandemic and evolving social norms have made it harder to build and maintain authentic relationships. Linda shares what she's seeing in her own classroom, from once-lively chatter before class to eerily quiet rooms where students rarely interact, and how that reflects a broader cultural shift. Linda also breaks down the five essential ingredients of strong friendships and how we can use them to deepen existing relationships or build new ones. This conversation offers simple but powerful tools to help you reconnect with yourself and others.About My GuestDr. Linda Lin is an international expert on mental health who has conducted psychological research on well-being, body image, and health behaviors for the past 30 years and has published dozens of scientific journal articles and book chapters. She has given over 65 national and international presentations around the world and is currently a Professor of Psychology at Emmanuel College and was the Director of Social and Emotional Learning for Moms as Mentors. Dr. Lin has been featured in the Boston Globe, Washington Post, U.S. News and World Report, and Salon.~Connect with Linda:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-lin-a9abb37/ Emmanuel College: https://www.emmanuel.edu/linda-lin ~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 dive into the psychology behind high performance with developmental theorist Max Stephens. Max’s work is rooted in a bold premise: the greatest chokehold on any business or career isn’t the market or the competition, it’s our own personal psychology. And until we understand and address that, we’ll continue to get in our own way.Together we explore the hidden forces that shape high performers, from early emotional wounds that fuel relentless ambition to the dysfunctional patterns that drive success but undermine fulfillment. Max shares why so many achievers feel an insatiable need to “get there” yet never arrive, and how shifting from self-focused achievement to contribution-focused growth changes everything.We also examine the deeper purpose of personal development as self-transcendence, how expanding our “circles of concern” leads to more meaningful leadership and why forgiveness, mortality awareness and radical honesty are essential starting points for transformation. Finally, Max offers powerful insights into how we can break free from cultural narratives, reorient our goals around contribution and create ripple effects of positive change in the people and systems around us.About My GuestMax Stephens is a personal development coach, speaker, philosopher and author of What the F*ck Do You Really Want? who works with executives, entrepreneurs, and high performers who have achieved traditional success but still feel something is missing. Through a sharp, no-BS approach, he dismantles outdated success narratives, helping individuals discover their authentic contribution—the key to unlocking their deepest potential. Blending philosophy, psychology, and real-world application, Max’s work isn’t about abstract theory; it’s about guiding people to a tangible, measurable way of living at their highest level. His book and coaching provide a roadmap for those ready to move beyond materialism and into a life of true meaning and significance.~Connect with Max:Website: MaxStephensCoaching.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 talk about experimenting with your own growth. My guest this week is Jen Wilson, a coach and consultant whose nontraditional career path has taught her that confidence doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from trusting yourself to handle whatever happens next.Jen shares how she built her career through unexpected twists and turns, including co-founding innovative schools, burning out and then reinventing her work on her own terms. We explore why self-trust matters more than fearlessness, how small, low-risk experiments can rewire long-held patterns of self-doubt and practical ways to pause, observe your triggers and create new neural “tracks” that support courage and authentic action.About My GuestJennifer Wilson is a consultant, coach, educator, activist, and author. She founded New Leaf Coaching and Consulting in 2006 to partner with world-changing organizations, such as The Obama Foundation and NRDC, that are committed to social and environmental justice. As an abuse survivor, she uses both her pain and resilience to support others in their own healing.Jennifer earned a Masters in Counseling and Educational Psychology, leading to a career in community social work with youth and families before holding multiple roles within K12 public schools and higher education in Wisconsin. After co-founding two high schools serving marginalized urban youth in Milwaukee, she shifted her focus to working for transformational change within higher education and the nonprofit sectors to ensure that future generations live on a healthy planet in just societies.Jennifer has had a lifelong love affair with words and writing. She had her first byline in 4th grade, reporting the 4-H club news for her local paper, and the first book she bought with her own money was Roget's Thesaurus. When she's not reading or writing, she heads outside for inspiration, across her home state of Wisconsin and around the world. ~Connect with Jen:Book - Waking Up to Your Worth: https://consultnewleaf.com/waking-up-to-your-worth-ten-touchstones-for-overcoming-imposter-syndrome/ Website: https://consultnewleaf.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/consultnewleaf/ ~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 whether to pursue an MBA. My guest this week is Ellin Lolis, founder of Ellin Lolis Consulting and a career coach who’s spent more than a decade helping professionals tell their stories, clarify their goals and navigate the competitive MBA admissions process.Ellin shares her journey from working behind the scenes in admissions to building a thriving global consulting practice. Together, we unpack how to decide if an MBA really fits your goals, when it can open doors and when it might not be the best use of your time and money. Ellin also shares practical advice on shaping a clear career narrative, what admissions teams truly look for and how to avoid common traps like over-credentialing to fill a confidence gap.About My GuestEllin Lolis is the founder of Ellin Lolis Consulting, one of the most successful MBA admissions firms in the world, with a 98.9% success rate helping applicants get into programs like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.But her work goes far beyond résumés and test scores. Ellin is a master of storytelling, helping ambitious professionals find the clarity, confidence, and voice they need to land their dream MBA—and build meaningful, purpose-driven careers afterward.A passionate writer turned entrepreneur, she’s built a seven-figure business by doing things differently: leading with honesty, prioritizing depth over polish, and redefining what leadership can look like.~Connect with Ellin:Websites: www.ellinlolis.com and www.myadmitcoach.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 talk about burnout, not just feeling tired or having a hard week, but the deeper, chronic exhaustion and self-doubt that so many high achievers experience but rarely name. My guest this week is Alison Campbell, founder of unBurnt and a former senior corporate leader who turned her own health crisis into a mission to help others recover from and prevent burnout.Alison shares her journey from fast-paced corporate roles in finance, retail, and tech to the moment she landed in the ER, the wake-up call that changed everything. Together, we unpack what burnout really is (and isn’t), how to recognize its unique signs and why exhaustion, cynicism and self-doubt often travel together. We also explore practical ways to shift from constant reactivity to proactive self-care, including Alison’s simple but powerful stressor scan exercise to bring clarity and agency back to your week.About My GuestAlison Campbell is the Founder of unBurnt - a company on a mission to eliminate workplace burnout with modern and measurable solutions. Aimed at improving resilience across teams and helping employees build sustainable micro-habits to reduce chronic stress, unBurnt is tackling the global burnout epidemic with a fresh and innovative approach.Prior to founding unBurnt, Alison had nearly twenty years of corporate experience across Finance, Ecommerce and HRTech. In her last corporate role, she was the Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy & Analytics at a $1B global company. But after years of accepting exhaustion & overwhelm as normal, a health scare became the catalyst to change course. Now, Alison is combining her operational experience with expertise as a Certified Health & Wellness Coach to reimagine how we work, lead and live. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by professionals in fast-moving organizations, unBurnt delivers workshops, training and coaching interventions to unblock friction and help companies thrive.~Connect with Alison:Website: www.getunburnt.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-campbell-3035b63/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/get_unburnt ~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 charisma, and not the slick or manipulative version we sometimes imagine. My guest this week is Milam Miller, leadership development and sales consultant and author of The Charisma Craft: A Modern Leadership Guide to Enhance Your Riz Factor.Milam shares how his own journey from Texas football to New York sports to European soccer and now entrepreneurship taught him that charisma is not an inborn trait but a skill we can all develop. We dig into the ABCs of charisma (Authenticity, Boldness, Curiosity), why confidence is quiet and deeply human and how kindness and decency fuel true influence and connection.About My GuestMilam Miller personifies healthy charisma. His optimistic outlook and zest for life allow him to engage with audiences in an authentic way that inspires bold action and fierce courage.BCK – “Be Confident and Kind” – was a private mantra that Milam created to serve him in the corporate world. Over the course of his career in sports & entertainment, Milam negotiated more than $100MM in commercial revenue for all of the organizations he proudly represented. From the red carpet of The ESPY Awards in Los Angeles to the desert dunes of Doha, Milam has built deep relationships through his study of soft skills and genuine care for people.Milam’s mental health severely suffered in a fully remote senior leadership role during the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. After seeking out help from coaches and therapists, Milam realized he was living out of alignment. In 2022, he stepped back into his power to launch BCK and serve leaders desiring to create stronger teams and drive better results.What was once a personal philosophy is now a public movement to positively transform the future of work. BCK does this by teaching charismatic leadership principles on how to influence, motivate, persuade others. Milam speaks to and coaches Executives, Senior Leaders, and Managers, alike. He also facilitates workshops for Fortune 100 companies, such as Amazon and Google. His subject matter is culturally relevant, topical, and most all, engaging & fun.~Connect with Milam:Website: https://beconfidentandkind.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milam-miller-bck/The Charisma Craft: https://shorturl.at/2gMPL~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 it takes to create a fulfilling professional life while also protecting our well-being. My guest this week is Bree Groff, a seasoned consultant, transformation expert and author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously).Bree shares her unconventional career journey from teaching middle and high school math and physics, to acting, to consulting and culture change and ultimately to authoring a book about joy at work. Along the way, she opens up about identity shifts, learning to slow down and the hard-earned perspective that comes from life’s toughest seasons, including caring for her mother through terminal illness.Together we talk about:The messy, non-linear path to a fulfilling careerWhy “future you” is stronger and more resourceful than you thinkHow to create more joy in your workdays without ignoring hard realitiesPractical strategies for setting boundaries, pacing yourself and making space for what matters mostAbout My GuestBree Groff is a workplace culture expert and author of "Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously)". She has spent her career guiding C-suite leaders at companies such as Microsoft, Google, Pfizer, Calvin Klein, Target, and Hilton through periods of complex change. She is a Senior Advisor to the global consultancy SYPartners, previously served as the CEO of NOBL Collective, a consultancy pioneering new ways of working, and she holds an MS in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University. Bree lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.~Connect with Bree:Book: www.breegroff.com/bookSubstack: https://breegroff.substack.com/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bree-groffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bree_groff/~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 learning to manage impostor syndrome by recognizing how your hard work has led to your success. My guest this week is Dr. Julien Willard, Chief Economist at Arcstone Private Intelligence. Julien’s path from medicine to healthcare economics to corporate strategy and economic intelligence offers a fascinating window into how high achievers wrestle with impostor feelings even as they build extraordinary careers.We explore how growing up in a highly intellectual family shaped Julien’s early drive and self-doubt, why he sees career pivots not as failure but as evolution and how his work taught him to stop calling success “luck” and own the hard work behind it. Julien also shares why building a personal board of directors is essential, how mentors can help shift your inner narrative and why leaning into discomfort is the only way to move past fear and into confidence.About My GuestDr. Julien Willard is a startup CEO advisor and former strategy executive at Accenture and IBM who tackles the world's most pressing problems. This health economist and diplomat has guided both country leaders and big pharma executives through complex challenges while battling impostor syndrome along the way.~Connect with Julien:LinedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienwillard/Website: https://julienwillard.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 talk about what it really takes to lead when the stakes are high. My guest this week is leadership coach and author Kathy Archer. Here we explore two leadership lows that shaped her path, the flow from competence to courage to confidence and how values alignment fuels integrity. We also dig into practical tools like vulnerable narration, weekly reviews and micro-moments for learning so you keep growing even when time is tight.About My GuestKathy Archer knows what it’s like to constantly put out fires, question every decision, and carry the weight of an entire organization. She was once that overwhelmed nonprofit leader, teetering on the edge of burnout. Now, as a leadership development coach, she helps nonprofit leaders stop drowning in work, doubting themselves, and carrying it all alone, so they can lead with confidence, set boundaries, and finally take control of their leadership and life.She is the author of Mastering Confidence and Character-Driven Leadership for Women, the host of the Surviving to Thriving Podcast, and the creator of The Training Library, a membership that helps nonprofit leaders lead with confidence and control.~Connect with Kathy:Website: https://www.kathyarcher.com/Membership: https://www.kathyarcher.com/library.htmlCharacter Driven Leadership book: https://www.kathyarcher.com/character-driven-leadership-book.htmlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathydarcher/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathydarcherTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kathydarcherYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kathydarcherFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathydarcher~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