The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the trap of the comfort zone. It’s all too easy to get stuck in our comfort zones. Each time we choose not to take action, we reinforce the security of our comfort zones, which makes the outside world feel that much scarier. This week, I talk with Aaron Trahan, a former executive leader turned performance coach who now helps leaders reach their full potential. Here we talk about strategies to break free from complacency and the status quo to become the best versions of ourselves. About My GuestAaron has a 15+ year progressive background as a senior-level executive leader within public-company corporate environments & early-stage startups. Aaron’s leadership roles have included overseeing GTM strategy, operations, key growth initiatives, people & organizational development, & performance management. Aaron is passionate about leadership development, and most especially, helping professionals find their path from good-to-great. As a certified leadership & executive performance coach - Aaron leverages his background & training to support leaders with the implementation of systems, mental models, frameworks, growth programs, & external accountability that allows them to accelerate their path to operating as the best version of themselves and reaching full potential.~Connect with Aaron:Links: https://linktr.ee/aarontrahan~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 networking. Some of us love connecting with others while others of us may be less interested in or even intimidated by networking. The good news is that, whatever your relationship to networking, there are steps you can take to make it work for you. My guest this week is Michael Morgan, author of the book, “The Power of Networking”. Here he talks about how networking, both internally and externally, has helped him to grow his career across some of the world’s largest companies. Michael offers practical tips to help you manage self-doubt and stay connected to your value when building relationships with others. We also talk about the ways in which building your network can help you to boost your confidence at work.About My GuestMichael Morgan obtained his BS from Penn State University and his MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. Coupled with his educational background, he has over 15 years of work experience across companies such as Amazon, Walmart, J.P. Morgan Chase, and Chevron. His ability to build and maintain his network throughout his educational and career journey has been fruitful in his success. He has a passion for teaching and inspiring others to achieve their goals, which led him to write his first book “The Power of Networking” and begin his journey as a motivational speaker. “The Power of Networking” has won the Literary Titan Book Award, Global Book Award, International Impact Award, PenCraft Book Award, and Firebird Book Award.~Connect with Michael:Website: https://michaelvmorgan.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 human brain. We like to think that we’re rational beings who happen to have feelings. In actuality, we’re emotional beings who happen to think. This week, I’m talking with Carlos Davidovich, an executive coach and neuromanagement expert, about the five different characters, or aspects of our brains, that make up what he calls our inner team and the importance of understanding which one is in charge at any given time. Here we debunk the myth that you can remove emotions from a given situation and we discuss how all behaviors are triggered by our emotions. We also talk about the inner critic and how to loosen its power.About My GuestAs a Medical Doctor, TEDx Speaker and international Executive Coach, Carlos Davidovich has a unique insight into what makes us tick. Raised and educated in Argentina, Carlos draws upon his medical background and understanding of the brain to provide a unique coaching experience to top business leaders and organisations, all based on neuroscience. He is the author of 'Five Brain Leadership' (2023) and 'Personality DNA' (2022) and currently resides in Madrid, Spain.~Connect with Carlos:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhk-JSgrGx0 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Brain-Leadership-Neuroscience-Instincts/dp/1774582732Website: www.CarlosDavidovich.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 introversion. If you’re an introvert, you’ve likely felt pressured, directly or indirectly, to be more like your extroverted colleagues. Workplaces tend to have an extrovert bias, which can make it really hard for introverts to own and embrace their unique strengths. This week, I’m talking with Stacey Chazin, a leadership coach and founder of I-Factor Leadership, who is a proud introvert and advocate for other introverts. Here we talk about how introverts can identify their positive core, in other words, the best of who they are, and use it to become more confident, effective leaders. We also talk about ways extroverts and organizations can better support introverts, which leads to better outcomes for everyone.About My GuestStacey Chazin, a dynamic leadership development coach and proud introvert, is rewriting the narrative on introversion. Having grappled with societal expectations that favored extraversion, Stacey underwent a remarkable transformation. Instead of conforming to societal pressures, she embraced her introverted qualities, turning them into powerful assets that allowed her to thrive both professionally and personally. Now, as a fervent advocate for introverts, Stacey draws on her extensive corporate and non-profit experience, a master’s in organizational development and leadership, and certification as a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) practitioner to empower introverts, guiding them toward self-acceptance, fulfillment, and success in the workplace and beyond.~Connect with Stacey:Websites: https://moementum.com/, https://ifactorleadership.com, https://ifactorleadership.com/coaching/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chazinconsulting/Conference Survival Guide for Introverts: https://ifactorleadership.com/survivalguide/Daily Productivity Hacks for Introverts: https://ifactorleadership.com/productivity/Meeting Playbook for Introverts: 10 Strategies to Have Your Voice Heard and Your Ideas Shine: https://ifactorleadership.com/meetingplaybook/~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 dealing with drama at work. Because we’re complex humans, it can be challenging to navigate other people’s drama without making it about ourselves. In reality, though, very little about other people’s behaviors has anything to do with us. This week, I’m talking with Brenda Neckvatal, a human results professional who helps leaders tackle their toughest people challenges. Here she shares how she softened her own edges with support from a mentor who was willing to give her honest feedback. But she also notes that not all feedback is created equal. It’s important to prevent our people-pleasing tendencies from leading us to take action on feedback that isn’t right for us. We also talk about how to interpret and navigate other people’s emotional behaviors while regulating our own emotions.About My GuestBrenda is a three-time bestselling author, an award-winning Human Results professional, and a serial entrepreneur who has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Inc., and US News and World Reports. Perseverance, integrity, and relentless optimism are just a few of the ingredients you experience when meeting and working with Brenda.Not only does she help business leaders tackle their toughest people challenges, but she is also a recognized expert in crisis management and group dynamics. As a trusted mentor to leaders and managers at all levels, she equips them with the skills to navigate complex interpersonal issues, resolve conflicts, and lead with confidence. By mastering these skills, they can lead their teams into tomorrow’s rapidly evolving business landscape with resilience, clarity, and purpose.She really enjoys helping people solve their unique problems, and human resources offered her the ability to support her co-workers in a greater capacity. Having the benefit of working for a total of six Fortune 500 companies, she converted her experience into advising her audience to use tried and trusted best practices that help leaders achieve their workforce goals.In her 30-year career in human resources and business, she has consulted to over 700 small businesses and 1,000 leaders. She has optimized employee effectiveness and helped leaders develop high-performing teams and navigate intense employment-related decisions.She dedicates 32 weeks a year to working with The Honor Foundation to support the career transition of Special Forces personnel by providing them with her knowledge, insight, and creativity. ~Connect with Brenda:Website: www.yobrenda.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 pressures on working parents in the workplace. If you’re a working parent, you know how challenging it is to navigate the pressures of advancing your career while being the parent you want to be. Unfortunately, many of us put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be perfect at work and at home. My guest this week is Moe Carrick, a workplace culture expert who is on a mission to make every workplace good for people because when people thrive at work, everybody wins. Here we talk about Moe’s decision to leave corporate America, the impact of the mothering myth and the need for systemic change when it comes to working parents.About My GuestMoe Carrick is an internationally recognized expert in workplace culture, with her innovative frameworks being adopted by top brands like Nike and Amazon to enhance work environments and employee satisfaction. Her talks on the future of work and employee wellbeing have graced stages like TEDx and SXSW, making her a leading voice in her field. Moe has authored bestselling books and founded Moementum Inc., a consultancy focused on building workplaces that are good for people for maximum impact. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor adventures and lives in Bend, Oregon with her family.~Connect with Moe:Moe’s latest book: https://moementum.com/when-work-is-good/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moecarrick/ Website: https://moementum.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 well-being. What does well-being look like to you? This is a question we don’t often ask ourselves but, if we want to be “successful,” it’s important to consider. My guest this week is Meico Marquette Whitlock, a well-being strategist. Here we talk about how to prioritize well-being individually and collectively. Meico shares 3 powerful questions to help us identify what’s within our control and take small but meaningful action steps to improve our well-being. He also offers insights to help us better influence the well-being conversation in our workplaces.About My GuestMeico Marquette Whitlock is The Mindful Changemaker and The Mindful Techie. He works with changemakers who want to improve their well-being so they can sustainably increase their well-doing in changing the world. He is the author of the Amazon bestseller How to Thrive When Work Doesn’t Love You Back: A Practical Guide for Taking Care of Yourself While Changing the World and The Intention Planner.He has worked for more than two decades across the non-profit, public, and private sectors leveraging information and communications technology to improve well-being in underserved communities as a software and web developer, communications director, trainer and facilitator, and mindfulness teacher.As a transformational speaker, trainer, and coach, he facilitates transformative experiences that foster well-being in a hybrid world. He has worked with organizations such as the U.S. Federal Government, Cigna, and the World Wildlife Fund, and has been a featured speaker on ABC News, Fox 5, and Radio One. Meico is a former triathlete, loves salsa dancing, and makes the world’s best vegan chili!He holds an M.S. in Information Science from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from Morehouse College. He is also a certified trauma-informed mindfulness teacher.~Connect with Meico:Website: mindfultechie.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meicowhitlock/~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 side hustles. Side hustles are a popular experiment these days but, for those of us who struggle with impostor syndrome and other fears, the process can be daunting. My guest this week, Jen Lewi, is an executive coach with a specialty in career strategy. Here she shares how she started her coaching business as a side hustle before officially making it her full-time role. Jen and I chat about how to come up with an idea for a side hustle, how to manage your mindset and how to take baby steps to achieve your goals.About My GuestJen Lewi, MBA, CAE, ACC, is the Founder and CEO of Design Your Next Step, a boutique Executive Coaching and Career Strategy firm, helping professionals maximize their strengths and design fulfilling career paths. Jen’s clients have:Transitioned smoothly into a new role or industry.Overcome workplace challenges.Advanced their leadership skills.Grown their professional brands.Job-crafted to design more fulfilling jobs.Explored and pursued new career paths.Navigated parenthood with a rewarding career.Throughout her career, Jen mastered the art of job-crafting to build fulfilling roles. She applies that learning when clients want to build a new career path, navigate a new position, or make the most of their current jobs. At the School Nutrition Association, she held a variety of senior roles in marketing, membership, professional development, and conferences. She started her career in the corporate world with leadership roles in marketing at BBC America and in advertising at Saatchi & Saatchi. These experiences allow her to link corporate and non-profit best practices and provide an international perspective to coaching engagements, as needed.~Connect with Jen:Website: www.designyournextstep.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenlewi/Articles:How to turn your side hustle into your careerHow to balance a side hustle with a full-time jobTo advance your career, you may want to think like a designer5 ways to build your career strategy on LinkedIn~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 focusing on what’s within our control. If you’re like me, you’re worrying about the upcoming election, climate change, social issues, and much more. But, while it’s important to be aware of our macro-environments, it’s even more important to focus on what’s within our control. This week, I’m talking with Lissy Alden, the founder of MYNDY, a mental fitness company that helps people build better behavioral and thought patterns. Here Lissy shares her story of overcoming stress and burnout, then returning to school to study the brain. Lissy and I talk about the importance of focusing on your micro-environment and identifying small, repeatable steps you can take to stay in control of your life, better manage stress and more effectively achieve your goals.About My GuestLissy Alden is the founder of MYNDY, a mental fitness company. Before MYNDY, Lissy built a proprietary, research-backed and quantitative framework to help change company culture and was a change agent fighting burnout for herself and others at large organizations. She specialized in working with companies (like Amex, NYTimes, etc) to measure and operationalize culture, improve service operations, and enhance workforce development. She is a graduate of Cornell University and received her MBA from MIT.~Connect with Lissy:myndy.co: https://form.typeform.com/to/mR4lSCYX?typeform-source=www.myndy.co~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 personal empowerment. If we let impostor syndrome control our personal narratives, we may be giving away our power in ways we don’t realize. My guest this week, Marjorie Ngwenya, is a board member, coach, consultant, speaker and author of the book, Empowered Evolution. Here we talk about Marjorie’s early career experiences, having had to leave university in London due to the crash of the Zimbabwe dollar. This led her to a career at Deloitte where she struggled with impostor syndrome as she compared herself to those around her. Over time, Marjorie advanced her career, eventually becoming President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, UK as the first person of color and youngest person to hold office in the organization’s history. Marjorie and I also talk here about the importance of representation, how to stay in alignment with our values and how to make hard choices to stay empowered.About My GuestMarjorie Ngwenya serves as a board member in the financial services and not for profit sectors. She is an external member of the Prudential Regulation Committee of the Bank of England. She is also an adviser and consultant to financial and educational institutions. She is a Past President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, UK. Marjorie was the first person of colour to hold office in the organisation’s history – and also the youngest. On its release, Marjorie’s book ‘Empowered Evolution’ reached #1 on Amazon’s Knowledge Capital list. This book invites readers to shape their mindset, discover their meaning, and thrive with momentum. ~Connect with Marjorie:Book: https://a.co/d/d43BxHFWebsite: aboutmarjorie.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