The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about building stronger relationships with ourselves. We often think we know ourselves well but, in reality, we’re too busy living and reacting to the demands around us to notice the way our thoughts, feelings and actions influence our experience in the world. My guest this week is Pallavi Srivastava, executive coach and author of the book, Relationship with the Self. In addit...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the pressures facing introverts. Many introverts believe that they need to be more extroverted in order to achieve success in the workplace. As a result, they exhaust themselves by trying to be someone they’re not. My guest this week, Kimberly Charvet, shares how she went from growing up with extrovert envy to recognizing that her introversion is actually a superpower. H...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about hidden leaders. Hidden leaders, according to my guest, Ali Wilson, possess traits that make them great leaders but, paradoxically, also keep them from reaching higher levels of leadership. Here we discuss the ways in which we overvalue confidence, and even narcissism, which holds hidden leaders back. We also explore ways that hidden leaders can emerge from the shadows. A...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about navigating self-doubt as an “only”. My guest this week, Carrie Driscoll, is the co-founder of Reef Consulting. Here she shares her career journey from winning a college scholarship as the only female in computer science to working in software startups to eventually founding her on consulting firm. Carrie shares how she navigates self-doubt and offers tips and strategies ...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about middle management. Many of us don’t like to think of ourselves this way but if you’re responsible for managing up and down, you’re likely a middle manager. My guest this week is Jeff Sigel, author of the book The Middle Matters, a Toolkit for Middle Managers. Jeff argues that middle managers are actually doing three roles at once – doing, leading and influencing. But the...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about balancing work with career management. Many women tend to struggle with prioritizing their own career growth because they’re too focused on the needs of the business. This week, I talk with Marja Wagenaar, a leadership specialist, former member of parliament in the Netherlands and author of “The Leadership Book for Women”. Here we discuss the ways in which we hold oursel...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about people management. Whether or not you manage people today, you likely know that it’s a tough job! Not only do you have responsibility for a team of people who are relying on you but you’ve likely gotten very little training and support on how to lead them effectively. My guest this week is Cree Scott, founder and CEO of Serenity and consulting psychologist who specialize...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the power of an anti-vision. Visions can be inspiring but they’re often not powerful enough to break through fear. My guest this week, author and coach Scott Allan, talks about how he uses an anti-vision to push himself out of his comfort zone and face his fears. We also talk about the importance of reminding ourselves that confidence follows action, celebrating small wi...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk stress and burnout. If you’re a high achiever (hint: if you’re listening to this podcast, you are), you’re likely at higher risk for stress and burnout because of the way you approach your work. My guest this week is Avery Thatcher, a former ICU nurse who now specializes in burnout recovery. Avery shares her personal journey as someone who understood the risk factors for burno...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how using problem-solving frameworks can help you ease self-doubt and make better decisions. My guest this week, Tommy Ogden, co-founder of Activera Consulting, shares his career journey, including the twists and turns along the way. Here we talk about the importance of trying new things to figure out what you want to do, failing quickly and moderating your expectations ...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the link between our identities and our jobs. Losing or leaving our jobs can be emotionally challenging because of the weight our jobs hold in our lives. Too often, we continue along the path in front of us because we’re afraid of who we’ll be, or won’t be, if we make a career change. My guest this week, Jen Lewi is the founder and CEO of Design Your Next Step. Here we t...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about managing the pressure to be an A student at work. Many of us felt really comfortable in school because we were given very clear instructions. The workplace, unfortunately, does not come with clear instructions, yet we cling to old habits for the illusion of emotional safety these habits bring us. My guest this week, Lauree Ostrofsky, helps introverts, A students and over...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about social competence. Many of us are uncomfortable in social situations because we struggle with self-doubt, have had negative experiences in our past or we’re not sure how to engage. But that wasn’t always the case. Most of us started out as pretty confident children who made ourselves smaller and smaller over time. My guest this week, Devon O’Brien Ash is the founder of S...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about intentional leadership. Intentional leadership looks different to different people. To my guest this week, Juan Alvarado, a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, U.S. Army veteran and leadership expert, intentional leadership is not about us as leaders. It’s about consistently asking ourselves, “Who does this person need me to be right now?” Whether that person is your emplo...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about setting yourself up for success in your job search. Whether you’re actively in a job search or just starting to think about making a change, this episode is for you. My guest this week, Michelle Merritt, is the Chief Strategy Officer at D&S Executive Career Management. Here we explore how to maximize your resume, including how to use ChatGPT. We also discuss how to t...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how to maximize your executive presence without compromising your values. Too many professionals struggle to make their voices heard because they hesitate to sell themselves and their ideas. But what if there were a way to do all of this and stay true to yourself? This week, I talk with Aletta Rochat, an executive presence coach, who believes that stagnant careers should...

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about setting more realistic expectations for ourselves. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves these days to know everything, do everything, be everything. But, even if that were realistic, which it’s not, the world is moving at such a rapid pace that it’s impossible to keep up. My guest this week, Steve McCready, is a coach and psychotherapist who reminds us that humans have ...

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 suppor...

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. M...