The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about trauma. If you experience grief or trauma, you may be given a pep talk, told how strong you are, or otherwise encouraged to put the past behind you. We feel pressured to get back up again and move on. But our minds and bodies don’t work that way. Our symptoms might be physical, emotional, mental or more and we might not even realize they’re connected to the traumatic event. And these events might not be recent. They might stem back to our childhoods. If we don’t take the time to process our experience, we will carry the burden indefinitely. This week, I’m talking with Nichole Lee, a trauma-informed life coach, about her experience with trauma after losing her mother and how she supports others in healing from their own experiences.About My GuestNichole Lee is on a mission to help millions create a life they love. She serves as a Trauma-Informed Multidisciplinary Healer, Intuitive Guide, Life Coach, Speaker, Well-Being Educator, and Transformative Retreat Curator, recognized for her unique and holistic approach to achieving personal fulfillment and transformation. Nichole specializes in guiding individuals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unfulfilled into creating a more authentic and fulfilling life by rediscovering who they are, healing inner wounds, and cultivating more meaning, purpose, and passion in their lives. With expertise spanning across spirituality, positive psychology, neuroscience, energy healing, meditation & mindfulness, health & well-being, trauma-informed care, and 20 years prior experience in global business management consulting, Nichole offers a comprehensive approach to supporting her clients as they navigate the complexities of personal and professional life. Nichole is also the host of a globally recognized podcast, 'Transcending Identity’, where she engages her audience in insightful discussions about personal transcendence, transformation, and triumph. At the heart of Nichole’s work lies her unwavering belief that love and compassion are the keys to healing, and that each person’s healing journey has a ripple effect, extending its transformative power into healing our communities, and, ultimately, our world.~Connect with Nichole:Website: www.nicholelee.loveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamnicholelee/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholelee/~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 how to stop settling for mediocrity in our careers. If you’re tolerating work that’s “just okay,” you’ve internalized a belief that work is supposed to suck, or you’re making things harder than they need to be, you’re not alone. This week, I talk with Elena Pastore, a leadership and career coach, about how to think differently about how we manage our careers. We explore actionable steps you can take to feel more empowered and less attached to situations that aren’t working for you so that you can be wildly in love with your life.About My GuestElena is a Leadership & Career coach who utilizes a unique blend of expertise surrounding psychology, strengths, and professional growth tactics. She challenges clients individually and organization-wide to redefine the status quo and lean into curiosities about exploiting their own talents to add value groups they serve.She works with clients on anything from mindset, to positive psychology and language, to boundary setting, to understanding your unique value, and developing strategies to call it into reality.Elena is a double gator with a Master’s degree in International Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida. She is also an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach.~Connect with Elena:Website: https://allenatorecoaching.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenapastore/ TikTok: @elena_pastore Instagram: @allenatorecoaching~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 building confidence by better understanding our bodies. Many of us think of confidence as a belief in how amazing we are and an absence of self-doubt. But if we define confidence in this way, we’ll never achieve it because it’s not realistic. This week, I talk with Zeina Habib, an embodied coach, trainer and project manager, about how to strengthen our confidence. She offers practical tips for how to tune into your body’s sensations so that you can better understand your emotions and more confidently show up at work.About My GuestZeina Habib is an embodied coach and trainer and a project manager. She has 7 years of experience in coaching and training adults and youth in areas such as well-being, confidence building, communication and embodied leadership. She has worked with multiple coaching clients in the MENA region and the US. Her main goal is to help empower women to become more embodied, authentic and grounded.~Connect with Zeina:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeinahabibInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeinahabib_coachingWebsite: https://voice-within.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

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the general sense so many of us have that something is missing from our careers. Maybe we feel it but can’t pinpoint it. Or, maybe it’s staring us in the face. Often it shows up as burnout, overwhelm or the constant need to prove ourselves. And, typically, when this occurs, it’s because we’ve given our power away. This week, I talk with Melani Dziire, a leadership coach and former internal audit executive about her experience transitioning out of her former career. We also talk about the importance of establishing guardrails to ensure that we remain in control of our own careers and lives. About My GuestMelani Dziire is the owner of Desired Outcomes, LLC. which provides coaching and business consulting services. Ms. Dziire has an extensive background in the financial services industry as a senior executive focused on risk management, internal audit, and governance functions and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Ms. Dziire’s executive/life coaching and leadership consulting practice was born out of her desire to help individuals unlock their full potential by finding purpose and becoming exceptional leaders. She also hosts ‘The Unfulfilled Achiever’ podcast which delves into the often-overlooked emotional landscape of achieving levels of success but still seeking the elusive sense of fulfillment. She is a thought leader and consultant in risk management, internal audit, and governance drawing from her many years of experience as a senior executive with organizations such as USAA, PNC Bank, and SunTrust Bank (now Truist). As a DEI Champion, Ms. Dziire has been instrumental in establishing and leading multiple employee engagement and affinity teams, namely PNC’s Internal Audit Black Leadership Advisory Council which effectively served and advocated for 400+ audit professionals. Ms. Dziire is a proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a degree in accounting and completed the Graduate School of Bank Investments and Financial Management Program at the University of South Carolina. She holds a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification from Cornell University and is also a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Project Manager. Ms. Dziire has held several board positions and is currently on the Board of Trustees for Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina. ~Connect with Melani:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniwalkerdziire/Facebook: Desired Outcomes CoachingInstagram: desired.outcomes.coaching~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 our natural tendency to compare ourselves to others, which often leads us to dismiss what we uniquely bring to the world. This week, I talk with Juan Taveras, an HR and DEI leader, about his journey in the DEI space, as well as his perspectives on the future of DEI. We also talk about the responsibility and opportunity each of us has to do our own DEI work. And, finally, we talk about how Juan has navigated impostor syndrome as a new entrepreneur.About My GuestJuan Taveras is a people-oriented Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional with 17+ years of experience designing, orchestrating, and championing inclusive workplace initiatives that foster psychological safety, strengthen organizational alignment, and increase engagement. Juan began his career in the hospitality industry managing hotels and restaurants. Thirteen years ago, he transitioned into the nonprofit sector where he held HR leadership roles at various organizations. Last year, Juan and his wife co-founded DEI Pro Finder, a public online directory for DEI consultants. Juan’s unique blend of experiences and passion for the human resources profession make him an ideal partner for any leader looking to bring out the best in their team members.~Connect with Juan:LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-taveras-mba-sphr Business Website: https://www.deiprofinder.com/ Online Course: https://psychsafety.kartra.com/page/PsychologicalSafetyCourse~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 self-awareness. Most of us don’t know ourselves as well as we think we do. Self-awareness is hard work. It requires time we might think we don’t have. It might mean facing some truths that scare us. But self-awareness is critical to our self-trust and self-empowerment. This week, I talk with Zovig Garboushian, an executive coach, speaker and trainer, about the ways in which self-awareness unlocks our power and puts us back in charge of our own lives.About My GuestZovig Garboushian is the fiery force behind Boldness Ablaze Coaching and Zovig Speaks. She's an Executive Coach, Speaker, and Trainer with nearly 25 years of experience in marketing, people, and organizational development. She focuses on providing learning and development opportunities that tap into your head, heart, and intuition, and combines practical insight with answers to the intangible questions of life. She's worked with leaders and their teams at AT&T, Google, Microsoft, Southern New Hampshire University, University of Delaware, Bungie Games, Pivotal Ventures, and more. Her home base is Seattle, Washington, and she works with clients worldwide.~Connect with Zovig:Website: https://www.boldnessablazecoaching.com Email: info@boldnessablaze.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoviggarboushian/~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 how to better understand and manage our feelings. Do you know the difference between your feelings and intuition? For many of us, it can be difficult to tell them apart. Here I talk with Joanna Armstrong, an emotional relief expert, about how to interpret our feelings and use them as information to guide us forward. We also talk about how our feelings generally reflect the rules of society whereas our intuition helps us define our own paths.About My GuestFor the past 14 years, Joanna Armstrong has been helping clients free themselves of everything from stress, worry, insecurities and overwhelm to anxiety, fear, sleeping problems and imposter syndrome. Her clients are raving about her unusually liberating science-based technique, combining EFT-tapping, EMDR and Positive Psychology. Being a so much wiser burn-out survivor, she now enjoys her family life on a woodland homestead in the countryside.~Connect with Joanna:Website: https://www.blissyjoy.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

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the constant need that so many of us feel to prove ourselves. And with that need often comes the belief that we’re not doing enough. This insidious way of thinking is pervasive in the workplace, particularly among women and members of marginalized groups. But what if you get to decide what’s enough? This week, I’m talking with Jamie Lee, a fellow executive coach who helps women who hate office politics get promoted. She and I explore how the context in which we operate primes us to experience impostor syndrome. And she shares some powerful steps you can take to manage anxiety and show up more confidently.About My GuestJamie Lee is a certified executive coach who helps smart women who hate office politics get promoted and better paid without throwing anyone under the bus. In her practice, she blends the best of negotiation strategies with practical neuroscience techniques, so her clients lead and negotiate with confidence and ease.~ Connect with Jamie:Website: www.jamieleecoach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leejieunjamie/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieleecoach~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 role our stories play in our confidence journeys. When we’re doing something scary, or experiencing self-doubt, too often, our story is one of disempowerment – I don’t belong here, or I’m not good enough. It’s a fluke, or there’s been a huge mistake. But what happens when we change the story? My guest this week, Jodi Flynn, is the CEO and founder of Women Taking the Lead. Here we talk about the impact of our stories and what we can do to adopt more empowered mindsets. We also talk about the importance of consistently stretching and expanding our comfort bubbles so that they don’t shrink and suffocate us.About My GuestJodi Flynn is the CEO and Founder of Women Taking the Lead, a leadership development company that works with allies, organizations, and boards to close the performance gap by attracting, developing and successfully promoting more women into senior levels of leadership. She helps organizations realize these benefits through coaching, consulting, leadership development programs and keynotes. Featured in Entrepreneur and Forbes magazines she is the host of the nationally recognized Women Taking the Lead podcast, and an Amazon bestselling author with her book, Accomplished: How to Go from Dreaming to Doing.Jodi is a Co-Founder of The Maine Women’s Conference and has spoken at the Massachusetts Conference for Women, the Women in Banking Conference, Emerging Leaders Conference, and Podcast Movement.~Connect with Jodi:Website: WomenTakingTheLead.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiflynn Women Taking the Lead Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/wttlWomen Taking the Lead Podcast episode featuring Kim Meninger: https://womentakingthelead.com/imposter-syndrome/~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 what happens when we put everyone else’s needs above our own. If you’re living your life or managing your career on someone else’s terms, eventually it’s going to catch up with you. My guest this week, Jen Schwytzer, is a life coach who shares her journey from social work in a hospital setting to coaching others to manage stress and overwhelm. Jen shares how putting herself last led to burnout and loss of love for the work she did and how changing her career empowered her to prioritize herself and her family. We also explore steps you can take to start putting yourself first, even if it feels scary and uncomfortable to do so.  About My GuestJen Schwytzer is a certified Life Coach and launched KINDfulness Coaching to help professionals ditch chronic stress and overwhelm and establish calm, productive order in life and business. Jen has 17 years of experience as a social worker in both the medical and mental health arena which allows her to bring a unique experience to her coaching practice. Jen has won the Award for Excellence in Outstanding Social Work from the University of Rochester Medical Center and continues to provide mental health education through partnerships with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.~Connect with Jen:Website: www.kindfulnesscoaching.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/kindfulness_coaching~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