

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

Dec 1, 2020 • 30min
Be Real About How You Feel
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we look at the importance of understanding and owning our feelings in order to effectively step into action. My guest, Christina Kwan, shares her personal journey from financial services leader to entrepreneur and the struggles she faced with Impostor Syndrome. We also ask whether it’s really possible to fake it ‘til you make it.To join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/To learn more about the Leading Women discussion group, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/leading-women-discussion-group/To schedule time to speak with me directly about your questions/challenges, visit:https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session

Nov 24, 2020 • 37min
Don't Give Your Power Away
In this powerful episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we have a candid conversation about the ways in which we stand in our own way. My guest, Olivia Jaras, shares her expertise as a women’s salary coach and offers hard truths about how we give our power away. She also offers inspiring insights into how to re-frame failure and rejection so that we can ultimately achieve what we’re worth.To join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/To learn more about the Leading Women discussion group, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/leading-women-discussion-group/To schedule time to speak with me directly about your questions/challenges, visit:https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionAbout My GuestOlivia Jaras is an internationally recognized expert on gender wage gap and salary negotiations for women. She is also considered one of the top resume experts in the United States. Her work has been featured by Forbes, BBC, CNN, MSN, The World Economic Forum, Recruiter.com, Lifehack.com and hundreds of other global media sources.Olivia is also an international, bestselling author of the book Know Your Worth, Get Your Worth: Salary Negotiation for Women (2016).Together with her team of experts, Olivia helps women all over the world realize their market value and how to advocate for it.

Nov 17, 2020 • 31min
You Have to Talk About It to Solve It
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the importance of understanding ourselves and those around us. My guest, Natalie Garramone, shares her personal journey and how serving as a mediator has helped her develop the skills to help herself and others through challenging situations. We also examine the ways in which being an "expert" triggers Impostor Syndrome.To join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/To learn more about the Leading Women discussion group, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/leading-women-discussion-group/To schedule time to speak with me directly about your questions/challenges, visit:https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session

Nov 10, 2020 • 30min
The Link Between Impostor Syndrome and Burnout
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore the relationship between Impostor Syndrome and burnout. My guest, Nikole Stanfield, shares how her experience with burnout led her to shift from reactive to reflective. We also discuss how she came to the realization that her value comes from who she is, not what she does.To join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/To learn more about the Leading Women discussion group, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/leading-women-discussion-group/To schedule time to speak with me directly about your questions/challenges, visit:https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionAbout My GuestSince 2014 Nikole has been an online copywriter with her own business, and she has worked to improve herself through personal development. After experiencing burnout last summer she now coaches successful business owners who are so busy they don’t have time for an unscheduled cup of coffee to create a work-life balance they love. This helps them actually enjoy time with their loved ones, do fun things on the weekends, take a vacation, and take downtime without feeling guilty. You can learn more about her at www.MyIntuitionCoach.com.

Nov 3, 2020 • 39min
The Relationship Between Confidence and Mentoring
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we look at the important relationship between confidence and mentoring. My guest, Leang Chung, shares her personal journey as a previous corporate employee and recent entrepreneur. She stresses the critical role of mentorships in helping her to manage self-doubt and increase her confidence.To join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/To learn more about the Leading Women discussion group, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/leading-women-discussion-group/To schedule time to speak with me directly about your questions/challenges, visit:https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionAbout My GuestLeang Chung is the Founder & CEO of Pelora Stack, HR strategist, speaker, career coach, instructor, and learning content designer. Throughout her career spanning 15+ years as an HR executive and trusted advisor, she partnered with business leaders to lead and scale transformational changes. Specializing in helping companies successfully transition from one business phase to the next. She has a M.A. degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University with a specialization in Change Leadership. Leang also sits on the board with the Global Connections for Women (GC4W) organization.

Oct 27, 2020 • 30min
When Comparison and Self-Doubt Intersect
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we look at the impact of Impostor Syndrome on moms. My guest, Hillary Bennett, shares her personal journey and the steps she took to build a more positive relationship with herself. She also shares a powerful framework for moms, particularly those looking to re-enter the workforce.To join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/To learn more about the Leading Women discussion group, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/leading-women-discussion-group/To schedule time to speak with me directly about your questions/challenges, visit:https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session

Oct 20, 2020 • 32min
Leadership Is Not About You
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we look at the tendency among women to believe we must be all-knowing to succeed as leaders. My guest, Jodie Charlop, discusses the importance of understanding our strengths and engaging those around us to best lead others. We also talk about key differences in how men and women approach leadership.To join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/To learn more about the Leading Women discussion group, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/leading-women-discussion-group/To schedule time to speak with me directly about your questions/challenges, visit:https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session

Oct 13, 2020 • 26min
Ep. 32 - Negative Thoughts Are Contagious
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we look at the ripple effect of Impostor Syndrome and how to manage the core issues. My guest, Hira Ali, shares her personal journey of working in Pakistan, Dubai and London and the ways in which Impostor Syndrome shifted as she integrated into different cultures. She shined an important spotlight on the unique experiences facing people of color and the effects of stereotype threat.NOTE: There are issues with the audio but it was such an important conversation that I'm hoping you'll listen despite them.To join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/To learn more about the Leading Women discussion group, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/leading-women-discussion-group/To schedule time to speak with me directly about your questions/challenges, visit:https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session

Oct 6, 2020 • 28min
Ep. 31 - Slow Down and Engage Your Rational Mind
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we look at the ways in which our brains get hijacked and how to regain control. My guest, Diana Galer, shares her confidence model, with a powerful connection between self-worth and confidence. She also offers tips on how to slow down and engage our rational minds to manage self-doubt.Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge.Learn more about the Leading Women discussion group.Schedule time to speak with me directly about your questions/challenges.About My GuestAs an executive coach, Diana works with high potential individuals who are hoping to or struggling to move to the next level. Diana is passionate about helping leaders and teams succeed, and skilled in identifying the barriers to success whether these are cultural,structural or self-imposed.Diana holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and describes herself as a recovering scientist, having spent nearly 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Diana is now applying her scientific training to the analysis and improvement of human interactions. Diana has achieved certification by the International Coaching Federation at the Professional Certified Coach level, has been certified in Conversational Intelligence®, and is a Master Practitioner in the Energy Leadership Index assessment. Diana volunteers with the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, where she created and led the Circle of Advisors, a peer-mentoring program for executive women for the last seven years. Diana is currently the President of the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce.A native of Argentina, Diana loves to travel internationally, see Broadway plays and spend time with her husband, Don, and children, Erin and Dan. In the summer, she is frequently found on the golf course where her goal is to take another 5 strokes off her handicap.

Sep 29, 2020 • 23min
Ep. 30 - Sometimes You Just Have to Take Action
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we look at the challenges and opportunities of being the only woman on the team. My guest, Allison, shares her personal story of how she leveraged honesty and vulnerability to change the dynamic on her all-male team and the successful relationships that resulted.To join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/To learn more about the Leading Women discussion group, visit:https://executivecareersuccess.com/leading-women-discussion-group/To schedule time to speak with me directly about your questions/challenges, visit:https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session


