The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we’re talking about one of the biggest blind spots in leadership today—the difference between leading from fear and leading with trust. So many of us were taught to prioritize logic, results, and control in the workplace. But the truth is, we’re emotional beings, not rational machines. And when we ignore the emotional side of leadership, we unintentionally create environments where fe...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the challenges facing working moms. Are you struggling to balance your professional ambitions with the demands of home life? Wondering if it’s even possible to stay in the workforce without burning out or stepping back? My guest this week is Kathryn Sollmann, career coach and author of The Four Jobs Club. Kathryn is on a mission to keep women in the workforce—and in this...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about digital overwhelm. Are you feeling digitally overwhelmed? So much of our communication these days happens virtually, which inherently feels more performative and high-pressure. If you’re already prone to impostor syndrome, you may feel even more like a fraud in these environments. But it doesn’t have to be this challenging. My guest this week is Craig Mattson, professor ...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the power of relationships at work, not just with others but with ourselves. Do you prioritize building relationships at work? Are you intentional about nurturing those relationships? If not, you may be missing important opportunities. My guest this week is Morag Barrett, a leadership expert and executive coach. Here we talk about how to make time for relationship-buildi...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about managing impostor syndrome. Does impostor syndrome keep you paralyzed and afraid to take risks? Do you find yourself asking, “Do I belong in this room?” If so, you’re far from alone. My guest this week is Damon Lembi, bestselling author, podcast host and CEO of Learnit. Here we talk about his experience with impostor syndrome as a college baseball player. We also talk ab...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the power of fear and how to manage it. Fear exists for a reason. And it shows up in many clever and unexpected forms. My guest this week is Rhonda Britten, founder of the Fearless Living Institute, who discusses how fear shaped her life as the survivor of unimaginable childhood trauma. (Trigger warning for anyone sensitive to domestic violence themes.) We talk about the...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about menopause. For some women, the phases of menopause follow a reasonably predictable course. For others, however, it might start earlier than expected or lead to unexplained symptoms that can have you asking, “What’s wrong with me?” My guest this week, Susan Miele, a menopause educator and former chief people officer, shares how early perimenopause interrupted her once-thr...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how to name, tame and reframe impostor syndrome. Does impostor syndrome keep you from asking for help, sharing your ideas or taking risks? If so, you’re not alone. Each of us has warring factions in our brains. There’s the intellectual side that knows that we’ll be okay if we step outside our comfort zones and then there’s the emotional side that lives in constant fear o...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about creativity. What’s your definition of creativity? And do you see yourself as creative? I struggled with seeing myself this way for many years because I’m not artistic. Expanding my definition of creativity helped me to see that I’m far more creative than I thought. You probably are too! This week, I’m talking with Dr. Amy Climer, a creativity and innovation consultant, a...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about gravitas. Gravitas is one of those words we use but rarely define. We know it when we see it but it’s tough to pin down. This week, I’m talking with Richard Reid, a psychologist and coach, about the connection between gravitas and confidence. We sometimes think of gravitas as an innate trait when, in actuality, you can develop it. Here we talk about what gravitas looks l...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about being BOLD (believe, own, learn and design). Many of us stay trapped in the wrong situation for too long because we’re afraid to take risks or make changes. But living our best lives requires that we choose ourselves and take bold action. This week, I’m talking with Leigh Burgess, founder of Bold Industries Group and author of Be BOLD Today. Here she shares the story of ...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about behavior-based leadership. Do you feel clear about what your boss or company expects of you? Much of our self-doubt comes from worrying about whether we’re doing it right. And the absence of clear leadership and guidance simply perpetuates that anxiety. My guest this week is Dr. Chris Fuzie, a former police officer who started college at the age of 40 studying organizati...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about unhappy achievers. We talk far more often about impostor syndrome than we do unhappy achievers yet both are rooted in an unhealthy relationship with achievement. This week, I’m talking with Josh Dodes, a psychotherapist who coined the term “unhappy achievers” to describe professionals who feel unsatisfied, or even empty, despite their high levels of success. Here we talk...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about confidently leading change. Are you responsible for leading change? Maybe your role requires a lot of influence without authority. Or you’re a leader who has to drive change with your team. If so, you know how challenging it can be to get people on board. This week, I talk with Sarena Diamond, a transformation executive, about how to manage the human side of change. Here...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about raising confident communicators. Are you raising your kids or influencing the younger humans in your lives to be confident communicators? For better or worse, technology has changed the way we communicate. As younger generations continue to enter the workforce, it’s important that they be prepared to confidently and effectively communicate with others. My guest this week...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about becoming the best versions of ourselves. Do you feel like you’re the best version of yourself? This does not mean perfection - we know there’s no such thing! But, in general, do you feel like you’re showing up as the person you want to be in the world? My guest this week is Evan Kuterbach, who left his full-time corporate career to co-found Canyon Pickleball. Here we tal...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the neuroscience of confidence. Have you ever wondered why you make “stupid” mistakes? Or why you can’t form a coherent thought in a stressful meeting? My guest this week is Caroline Brewin, executive and leadership coach and founder of Brain Powered Coaching. Here she shares what happens to our brains under pressure and why we struggle with so much self-doubt. These ins...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about feeling like an outsider. Most of us have, at one time or another, experienced the pain of feeling like we don’t belong, though some of us face this more often because of various aspects of our identity. My guest this week is Naeemah Elias, founder of Elias Presence Ventures, about how to navigate experiences when you feel like an outsider. Here Naeemah shares her journe...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about thriving. When it comes to work, are you thriving or are you just surviving? This can be a difficult question to consider because, if you are just surviving, that might be hard to admit to yourself. But, if that is the case, it doesn’t have to be that way. My guest this week is Carly Pepin, a speaker and consultant who is focused on human behavior. Here we talk about the...