The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about leadership as an identity, one that empowers us to own our own destinies. My guest this week, speaker, coach and author Sabine Gedeon, shares her story of transitioning from corporate HR leader to entrepreneur. We also address important challenges facing women in leadership, including the need for greater self-awareness so that we understand our greatest strengths and how to best contribute them, the ways in which we de-prioritize our own needs, and the fear-based stories we tell ourselves about what’s possible. She also shares practical, actionable tips for how to empower ourselves to lead in all areas of our lives.About My GuestSabine Gedeon serves as a transformational Speaker, Author, and Coach. With nearly 20 years’ experience across various corporate HR disciplines, in addition to coaching and consulting, she is highly skilled in getting to the root of issues, and creating solutions to support growth and transformation, both personal and professional. From start-ups and Fortune 500 companies, she supports women, emerging leaders, and entrepreneurs by helping them become effective change agents and influencers. Known for her ability to connect with people at the deepest levels of their beings, to reveal their unique brilliance, she helps clients break through their own mental limits to lead with confidence and elevate their influence and impact.She is the Founder of She Leads Network, and host of She Leads Now (a top-rated podcast centered around women in leadership and business), which both exist to empower and equip women leaders with the strategy, resources, and self-belief needed to create fulfillment in every aspect of life.~Connect with Sabine:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinegedeon/Website: https://sheleadsnetwork.com (Use coupon code: Impostor10 for 10% off an annual membership)Free Leadership Report: 10 Ways Your Leadership Approach Is Stifling Innovation & Results - https://sheleadsnetwork.com/report Lead Like A Coach 4-week Accelerator - https://sheleadsnetwork.com/training~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/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/Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the importance of self-leadership. Particularly for those who represent historically marginalized groups, it’s easy to assume that we lack power in our workplaces, but each of us has more power than we think we do. My guest this week, Meenakshi Iyer, founder and principal at NorthStar Solutions and Services, shares her personal story of navigating much of her life feeling different from those around her. She also talks about how her experience has influenced her perspectives on leadership, including the importance of recognizing and leveraging our personal power.About My GuestMeenakshi Iyer thrives at the intersection of People, Process, and Technology. She is a T-shaped leader and community builder with a 25-year portfolio career spanning IT, Agile/Business Process Transformation, international healthcare, HR, and Training, in India and the USA. “Stop, breathe, think, act” is her motto. In her latest career pivot, she serves as the Founder and Principal at NorthStar Solutions and Services, a virtual coaching, training and consulting practice serving clients globally. An ICF-certified Personal Agility, Self-Leadership and Change Leadership Coach, Meenakshi partners with Mid-career Technology Leaders, Women in Tech, and those who, like her, speak English as an additional language.Meenakshi is a speaker, and since 2020, Meenakshi has delivered 20+ virtual, and in-person talks and webinars, hosted panel discussions, and facilitated workshops globally. She is also a certified #IamRemarkable workshop facilitator.  Meenakshi is the creator and co-host of NorthStar’s Annual Future of Work Virtual Conference. In 2021, she founded Building My Runway – a Global Mentorship program for mid-career Women in Tech, and the alumni community is 16 women strong coming from 5+ countries. She is the host of two livestream shows: Exploring Intersections, and The NorthStar Café.~Connect with Meenakshi:Social media - LinkedIn | YouTube | FacebookWebsite - www.northstaratwork.comConference registration:  https://www.uvsity.com/#/dashboard/viewsession?sessionId=830 Promo Code ERG10 to save 10%~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the ways in which our need to prove ourselves, combined with our fear of being exposed as a fraud, lead us to overwork and potential burnout. My guest this week, Caroline Rae, shares her story of living in a burnout cycle for over 15 years because of a constant need to prove herself, driven, in large part, by impostor syndrome. She also shares how she came to see the need for change, including a tough family intervention, and what advice she has for others facing similar challenges.About My GuestCaroline Rae is an executive coach and career strategist who has helped hundreds of experienced professional women to make powerful and aligned career moves they believed were 3-5 years away. In every high-stakes arena her career has taken her (from tackling health inequality to 10 Downing Street to co-founder to coach), she's witnessed the career trajectories of countless brilliant women stagnate at midlife. Caroline is committed to helping women reclaim their career mojo and have even more impact as an authentic, empowering leader.~Connect with Caroline:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinesrae/~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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