The Impostor Syndrome Files

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

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about embracing your authentic self. Are you constantly trying to prove yourself at work? Do you feel like you're playing a role, hoping no one notices you're unsure beneath the surface?This week, I’m joined by Aaron Helton, executive coach, leadership consultant, and self-proclaimed “cartographer of the soul.” In this powerful conversation, Aaron opens up about his personal journey with impostor syndrome, his late-in-life autism diagnosis, and the deep belief systems that shape how we show up in the world.Together, we explore the hidden stories we tell ourselves, how they’re formed, and how we can learn to rewrite them from a place of self-compassion and strength. Aaron shares how he helps clients—from young professionals to senior leaders—reconnect with their authentic selves, challenge outdated beliefs, and lead with intention.This episode is a must-listen if:You’ve ever felt like you’re hiding parts of yourself to fit inYou struggle to feel confident in spaces where you feel differentYou’re ready to challenge the perfectionism and pressure that fuel impostor syndromeKey Themes We Explore:How high expectations and cultural narratives can shape impostor beliefsWhy “doing it right” isn’t the same as being true to yourselfThe power of naming all parts of your identity to feel wholeHow Aaron’s autism diagnosis gave him permission to release shame and lead with loveThe difference between coaching and therapy—and why coaching isn’t just for people who are strugglingWhy love is a leadership skill, not a liabilityHow to make the business case for heart-centered leadershipAaron’s mission to “gather weirdos to change the world”About My GuestAaron works as an executive coach and leadership consultant for Integrated Leadership Systems, guiding individuals toward authenticity and self-improvement, and transforming businesses through heart-first processes. With an M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Aaron applies a Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology framework to facilitate smooth collaboration and inclusion among all members of a team, leading to better individual lives and a better overall organization.~Connect with Aaron:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-helton-b128b8181/~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’s possible when we shift from fear to curiosity in the face of the unknown. Change is hard—not just because of what’s happening around us, but because of what’s happening inside of us. Our brains are wired to protect us, constantly scanning for threats and steering us toward what feels safe. But that protective wiring can also trigger self-doubt, fear, and impostor syndrome—especially when we’re doing something new. My guest this week is Lisa DeAngelis, author of Embracing the Unknown. Together, we talk about what it means to reframe fear as a natural part of growth—and how we can consciously choose curiosity over judgment. We explore the “stretch zone,” that powerful space between comfort and panic where learning and transformation occur. And we discuss how to create “proof loops” to help our brains (and bodies) build new confidence through lived experience. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re capable of what comes next, this episode is a reminder that your brain may be trying to keep you safe—but everything changes when you choose curiosity instead.About My GuestLisa DeAngelis is a holistic change practitioner, author, teacher, and speaker, and a skilled expert in the art of navigating sustainable change. Lisa brings a warm, thoughtful, and creative approach to her work guiding personal and leadership transformation, and is sought after for her ability to coalesce and communicate information, weaving together ideas in meaningful ways. Lisa's personal goals include a commitment to "walking her talk" and helping re-envision how leaders can navigate change with more authenticity and intentionality to embrace the process of growth while learning to align with guiding principles and core values that support meaningful and impactful choices. Her debut book, Embracing the Unknown: Exploring the Pathways to Change offers research, wisdom, and aspirational stories that empower others in their quest to gracefully navigate change in their own lives. An avid traveler, singer, and lover of the arts, Lisa lives and works in New York City.~Connect with Lisa:Embracing the Unknown: Exploring the Pathways to Change - Lisa’s BookUse promo code “confidence” for $0.99 version of ebook: https://lisadeangelis.com/purchase/ebook-digital-downloadWebsite: https://lisadeangelis.com/Instagram: @lissop44Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-deangelis1/~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’re talking about one of the biggest blind spots in leadership today—the difference between leading from fear and leading with trust. So many of us were taught to prioritize logic, results, and control in the workplace. But the truth is, we’re emotional beings, not rational machines. And when we ignore the emotional side of leadership, we unintentionally create environments where fear—not engagement—drives behavior. My guest this week is Thomas Gelmi, a global leadership expert who helps organizations strengthen what he calls “human skills”—the emotional intelligence and self-awareness needed to lead with empathy, humility, and trust. In this conversation, we talk about why so many leaders get promoted despite emotional blind spots, and how this disconnect impacts psychological safety, performance, and retention. We also explore the emotional cost of high pressure, what makes 360 feedback so powerful, and how leaders can begin shifting from fear-based habits to more confident, connected leadership. If you’ve ever wondered whether emotional intelligence really matters in the workplace, this episode makes the business case—loud and clear.About My GuestExecutive Coach Thomas Gelmi has been a trusted advisor to leaders and their teams for more than two decades. His programs, which have attracted roughly 10,000 participants from nearly 90 countries, reflect his adaptability and appeal across cultures and industries. Thomas works in four languages and his clients range from global corporations to SMEs and private individuals worldwide.Thomas draws on an extraordinary biography with exciting milestones, such as his many years as a Maître de Cabine, leading cabin crew at Swissair, and eight years as operations manager of an international leadership development company. In addition to his extensive professional experience, he also gathered years of experience as a trained caregiver, providing psychological assistance to victims in crises, accidents, and other extreme situations.~Connect with Thomas:Facebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/thomas.gelmi/ LinkedIn: http://ch.linkedin.com/in/thomasgelmi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasgelmi YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thomasgelmi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thomas.gelmi ~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 the challenges facing working moms. Are you struggling to balance your professional ambitions with the demands of home life? Wondering if it’s even possible to stay in the workforce without burning out or stepping back? My guest this week is Kathryn Sollmann, career coach and author of The Four Jobs Club. Kathryn is on a mission to keep women in the workforce—and in this conversation, she shares practical, compassionate advice for doing just that. We talk about why so many women leave the workforce at emotional low points, how to reframe unpaid work in business terms, and why letting go of perfection is key to thriving at work and at home. We also discuss how to have proactive conversations with your employer to create more flexible, sustainable career paths. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, contemplating a career pivot, or just trying to stay afloat, this episode is a powerful reminder that you have more options—and more power—than you think.About My GuestKathryn Sollmann, Speaker, Coach and Author, has made it her mission to keep women working toward financial security in a flexible way—alongside child and aging parent caregiving roles. Kathryn’s forthcoming book, The 4 Jobs Club: How Smart Women Care for It All—Kids, Aging Parents, Home & Career, features 200+ simple tips and strategies from 50 C-Suite Women on how they have found ways to blend work and life—and take care of themselves, too.\~Connect with Kathryn:Website: https://www.kathrynsollmann.com/the-4-jobs-club/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynsollmann/~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 digital overwhelm. Are you feeling digitally overwhelmed? So much of our communication these days happens virtually, which inherently feels more performative and high-pressure. If you’re already prone to impostor syndrome, you may feel even more like a fraud in these environments. But it doesn’t have to be this challenging. My guest this week is Craig Mattson, professor of communication at Calvin University, who shares his research on work culture in our digital age, which inspired his book, Digital Overwhelm: A Mid-Career Guide to Coping at Work. Here we discuss the added stresses and self-doubts that come with communicating virtually. We also explore strategies to maintain confidence, leverage our existing strengths and communicate with greater intentionality.About My GuestProfessor Mattson taught and conducted research for 20 years at Trinity Christian College on the south side of Chicago, where he and his wife brought up four children. Now, having moved to Grand Rapids, Craig and Rhoda enjoy hiking, playing racquetball, and walking their Shih Tzu, an extremely timid creature named Chaucer. Craig writes quite nearly every day of his life and enjoys reading hard books in the company of good-humored folk.~Connect with Craig:Website: https://www.themodeswitch.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 the power of relationships at work, not just with others but with ourselves. Do you prioritize building relationships at work? Are you intentional about nurturing those relationships? If not, you may be missing important opportunities. My guest this week is Morag Barrett, a leadership expert and executive coach. Here we talk about how to make time for relationship-building when you’re feeling too busy to connect. We also talk about simple steps you can take to build and nurture trusted relationships. And we talk about why it’s so important to set healthy boundaries in order to have the best relationship with yourself.About My GuestMorag Barrett is a leadership expert, executive coach, and author with over 20 years of experience helping leaders build stronger, more meaningful workplace relationships. As the founder of SkyeTeam, she has worked with over 15,000 leaders across 20 countries, empowering them to cultivate high-performing teams and navigate the complexities of professional relationships. Morag’s work is grounded in the power of connection, and she is passionate about creating cultures of collaboration and trust, whether in-person or remote. She’s the author of Cultivate: The Power of Winning Relationships and You, Me, We, Why we all need a friend at work (and how to show up as one!) and is on a mission to help leaders—and organizations—cultures of connection in a world of disconnection.~Connect with Morag:LinkedIn and subscribe to newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moragbarrett/  Learn more at: https://www.skyeteam.com/blog Listeners are invited to complete their complimentary Ally Mindset Profile: https://www.skyeteam.cloud/youmewe~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 managing impostor syndrome. Does impostor syndrome keep you paralyzed and afraid to take risks? Do you find yourself asking, “Do I belong in this room?” If so, you’re far from alone. My guest this week is Damon Lembi, bestselling author, podcast host and CEO of Learnit. Here we talk about his experience with impostor syndrome as a college baseball player. We also talk about how that experience led him to create a 4-step framework for managing impostor syndrome that he continues to use to this day. Lastly, we talk about the importance of helping your people recognize their greatness.About My GuestDamon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.~Connect with Damon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/  Podcast: https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/podcast Website: www.learnit.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