The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about pivoting to a second act. Many of us dream of changing careers but we stop short for a number of reasons – our careers are tied to our identities and we don’t feel we can walk away, we don’t believe we can make a living doing what we really want to do, we are afraid of the unknown, and much more. My guest this week is Shannon Russell, a career transition coach who supports professionals in pivoting towards their second act. Here we talk about how to get clear on what a second act might look like and how to move forward with confidence, including learning before you leap.About My GuestShannon Russell is an entrepreneur, Career Coach, Course Creator, and host of the Second Act Success Career Podcast. She helps women in unresolved careers pivot towards a second act career that produces a balanced life of abundance. Shannon spent over 16 years as a Television Producer in New York City and Los Angeles working for MTV, E!, Yahoo!, Pop Sugar, A&E, TLC, VH1, etc. She then pivoted to open her own business running a Snapology franchise teaching children STEM education. Now, as a certified Career Transition Coach, Shannon coaches women on how to change careers, start a business, and follow their creative passions to the fullest as they produce their best life. Shannon’s company Second Act Success (www.secondactsuccess.co) allows her to share her journey from television executive to business owner(x2) and mom. Shannon hopes to motivate more women to make big moves in life and follow their dreams through her businesses and podcast. She lives at the beach in New Jersey with her husband, two boys, and her chow chow pup.~Connect with Shannon:Website - https://secondactsuccess.co/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/secondactsuccess/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccess Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.co/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonrussellcareercoach/~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/coachingJoin 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 neurodivergence. As DEI initiatives have expanded to include more of a focus on neurodivergence, we’ve learned more about what it means to be neurodivergent in the workplace. Examples include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder or dyslexia. But from an inclusion standpoint, challenges remain for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals alike. This week, I talk with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent children. Here we talk about how we can all benefit from showing greater curiosity and communicating more openly with one another. Whether you are neurodivergent or you’re neurotypical and want to better support neurodivergent folks around you, this conversation will help you think differently about how we can create more inclusive workplaces for everyone.About My GuestMatthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients. He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher. He has spoken over 400 times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent kids. Dr. Zakreski is a member of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC), and Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE). Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016. He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/ ~Connect with Matt:Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/drmattzakreski Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmattzakreski/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-zakreski-0a32358 Website: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.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/coachingJoin 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 reconnecting with our creativity by becoming a beginner again. As children, we are constantly pushed outside of our comfort zones. But as adults with more control over how we spend our time, we often avoid trying new things unless we’re guaranteed to do them well. This week, I’m talking with Cliff Goldmacher, a professional songwriter and music producer, about his unique approach to helping teams explore their innate creativity. Cliff works with teams to write songs, which stretches their comfort zones and strengthens their connections to each other while helping them tap their own creativity. If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’m not creative,” you’ll feel differently after hearing this conversation.About My GuestCliff Goldmacher is a GRAMMY-recognized, #1 hit songwriter, two-time TEDx speaker and author who, for the past nine years, has been helping organizations innovate and build their creative confidence by teaching them to write songs. Cliff’s work has been featured in Forbes and Cliff’s book, The Reason For The Rhymes: Mastering The Seven Essential Skills of Innovation by Learning to Write Songs, encapsulates the principles of his workshops. Cliff’s clients include Deloitte, Bank of America, IDEO, the ATD and Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management.~Connect with Cliff:Five Daily MicroCreativity Exercises: https://se295.infusionsoft.com/app/form/tr4tr-creativity-tip-sheetWebsite: https://www.TR4TR.com Work with Organizations: https://www.thereasonfortherhymes.com/workshops/~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/coachingJoin 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 staying confident while looking for a new job. This is difficult under the best of circumstances but is particularly true when you’ve lost your job. How do you stay connected to your strengths and bring your best self to the search process when you still have lots of unresolved feelings? My guest this week, Debra Boggs, is the founder and CEO of D&S Executive Career Management. Here we talk about how to confidently navigate your job search. In addition to discussing higher-level strategy, she also offers great practical tips on how to measure progress, how to reach out to your network and how to update your LinkedIn profile. About My GuestDebra Boggs, Founder & CEO of D&S Executive Career Management, is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and recognized expert in executive career growth, C-level job search strategy, and board candidate best practices. She was recently honored by Forbes as a NEXT 1000 Entrepreneur and is currently a member of the Forbes Business Council. Additionally, she is a founding Member of the Career Industry Authority and holds a master’s degree in Management.~Connect with Debra:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraboggs/Website: www.dscareermanagement.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/coachingJoin 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

Executive coach Roberta Matuson discusses managing up to overcome impostor syndrome, emphasizing authentic approaches. Topics include navigating workplace politics, leveraging unique interests for connections, and effective communication strategies for career advancement.

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the importance of helping men to become more emotionally connected. My guest this week is Mike Cameron, leadership coach and author of the book, Becoming A Better Man: When "Something's Gotta Change", Maybe It's You! Here Mike shares his personal journey from financial entrepreneur to coaching men to improve their mental health by becoming more emotionally connected, which began with the murder of his girlfriend by her ex-boyfriend. Mike and I talk here about the ways in which the patriarchy negatively impacts men as well and how we would all be better off if men were given the space and encouragement to connect with their feelings. About My GuestMike Cameron is a two times TEDx speaker, Canadian author, entrepreneur and Certified Executive Coach. As a sales and leadership authority, Mike has studied the impact that emotion has on human behavior for over 2 decades. After tragedy struck in 2015, Mike sold his award-winning, multi-million dollar business and turned his expertise to teach men to become better leaders. He is an ultramarathoner who loves running hundred-mile races for 30+ hours through the mountains. His adventures have taken him everywhere from the coastal mountains of Costa Rica, and the geothermal pools of New Zealand to the beautiful Rocky Mountains in his own backyard in Canada. A gifted storyteller, Mike will share stories that challenge and inspire you. He will introduce you to his S.O.A.R. framework for resilience. He will teach you to become a stronger leader connected with your passions and purpose in life. He excels at helping leaders pull the best out of themselves and their teams. He is the founder of Connect’d Men, an organization designed to create a safe space for men to practice emotional fitness. His 2018 CBC Op-Ed “Dear Men” has been shared over 125,000 times. His 2017 Tedx “The way men think of strong is wrong”, urges society to help redefine what it means to be a badass. He is also the co-founder of the Ignore No More Run for Respect, an event designed to raise awareness around gender-based violence and specifically engage men and boys in the conversation.  ~Connect with Mike:Website: https://mikecameron.ca/Connect’d Men Men’s Group: https://mikecameron.ca/activity-2/Book: https://mikecameron.ca/shop/~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/coachingJoin 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 overcoming self-doubt. Self-doubt gets in our way more often than we think. It creeps up on us in big and small ways that keep us from leaving our comfort zones, even when those comfort zones are making us miserable. My guest this week is Amy Bernstein, author of the upcoming book Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration. Amy shares her own story of pivoting from a career in government to a full-time writer and the steps she took to make that transition. She also encourages us to have an honest reckoning with ourselves and offers great practical advice on how to reconnect with our joys and passions so that we can find more meaning and purpose in our lives.About My GuestAmy L. Bernstein's nonfiction book of inspiration for creative people, Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration, will be published by Bancroft Press in 2024. She is also the author of four novels and when not writing, she is coaching other writers to success as a certified book coach. Learn more on her website and on Substack.~Connect with Amy:Author Website: https://amywrites.live Doubt Monster on Substack: https://amylbernsteinauthor.substack.com Wordfirst Book Coaching: http://wordfirstbookcoach.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/coachingJoin 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 letting go of our scripts at work. We all have scripts that guide our behavior in the workplace. These scripts might be internally generated based on past experiences and influences. Or they might be dictated by external forces, such as our manager, who tells us how to show up in certain situations. When we adhere too closely to these scripts, we lose our authenticity and our ability to build trust with those around us. This week, I talk with Ulrike Seminati, a coach and former C-Suite leader, about how to let go of these scripts so we can be ourselves. We also talk about the ways in which our egos undermine our communication and connections in the workplace and what we can do instead. And, finally, Ulrike shares strategies you can use to build your confidence and manage what she calls the thunderstorm in your head.About My GuestUlrike Seminati, a globally operating coach, trainer, and consultant, brings a wealth of experience as a former C-level executive to her expertise in authentic leadership and impactful communication. By blending the latest self-development methodologies with her extensive practical experience in leading across all levels of hierarchy, she enables leaders to establish trust and lead change through effective communication. Ulrike's clients benefit from her pragmatic and user-friendly tools that enable them to make lasting improvements.~Connect with Ulrike:Website: https://ulrikeseminati.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulrikeseminati/~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin 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 absence of career satisfaction that so many of us feel and the effects of that on our confidence, mental health and overall well-being. My guest this week, Anthony Kuo, is a career satisfaction coach who shares strategies we can all use to thrive at work. Anthony shares his personal journey of feeling pressured to do things he was good at, even though he didn’t enjoy them. He also teaches us how to spot not just the red flags, but also the green flags to help us better understand what we need to be our best selves at work.About My GuestYou are more than your job, and your career is more than a shiny resume. Much more! Anthony Kuo is a Career Satisfaction Coach - and he wants to help you intentionally craft a career you're excited to wake up for. Anthony graduated from the NYU Stern School of Business in 2010 and subsequently took an 8-year tour through the Fortune 500 world, rising up the corporate ladder before realizing he was filling his bank account but leaving his soul empty. Anthony integrates his practical experience with his training as a Transformational NLP Practitioner to gently and playfully guide his clients through one of life's most omnipresent questions: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"~Connect with Anthony:Transferable Skills Checklist: https://www.untamedcareer.com/transferable-skillsWebsite: https://www.untamedcareer.com/ Free Care Card Training: https://www.untamedcareer.com/care-card-signup "Is your career building or breaking your mental health?" Quiz: https://www.untamedcareer.com/quiz~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin 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 power. Power is an abstract concept -- it’s hard to put your finger on. But we all know when power is empowering or disenfranchising. And when the power dynamics aren’t designed to empower, everyone loses. This week, I talk with Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall, an educator and consultant who has done fascinating work on power. Here we chat about the importance of mindfully building or re-building your power structure to foster greater equity and empowerment and, in return, improve results and boost your bottom line. About My GuestDr. Tanji Reed Marshall earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specializations in English Education and Critical Literacy from Virginia Tech. She has more than 20 years in education, including classroom teaching experience, coaching/supporting teachers and leaders at a district level through many avenues, and supporting educational organizations. Most recently, Dr. Marshall served as the Director of P12 practice with the Education Trust in Washington, DC. She has served as the principal consultant of educational equity consultancy Liaison Educational Partners where she works to partner with districts, states and organizations to support increasing equitable outcomes for all students. Her experience in education has created space for her voice to be heard on issues across the nation as a sought after keynote speaker and facilitator, panelist, national and international conference presenter, a thought partner to districts, schools and educational organizations, a co-host of an education equity podcast, and an author; with published articles in magazines and journals, and book chapters. Her ASCD published book, Understanding Your Instructional Power: Curriculum and Language Decisions to Support Each Student, was released in February 2023 with more than 2,700 copies sold.~Connect with Tanji:Newsletter: https://creative-founder-5785.ck.page/39787554e1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liaisoneducationalpartners/Email: liaisoneducationalpartners@gmail.com ~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin 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