From Fear to Curiosity: Rewriting the Unknown

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore what’s possible when we shift from fear to curiosity in the face of the unknown. Change is hard—not just because of what’s happening around us, but because of what’s happening inside of us. Our brains are wired to protect us, constantly scanning for threats and steering us toward what feels safe. But that protective wiring can also trigger self-doubt, fear, and impostor syndrome—especially when we’re doing something new. My guest this week is Lisa DeAngelis, author of Embracing the Unknown. Together, we talk about what it means to reframe fear as a natural part of growth—and how we can consciously choose curiosity over judgment. We explore the “stretch zone,” that powerful space between comfort and panic where learning and transformation occur. And we discuss how to create “proof loops” to help our brains (and bodies) build new confidence through lived experience. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re capable of what comes next, this episode is a reminder that your brain may be trying to keep you safe—but everything changes when you choose curiosity instead.

About My Guest
Lisa DeAngelis is a holistic change practitioner, author, teacher, and speaker, and a skilled expert in the art of navigating sustainable change. Lisa brings a warm, thoughtful, and creative approach to her work guiding personal and leadership transformation, and is sought after for her ability to coalesce and communicate information, weaving together ideas in meaningful ways. Lisa's personal goals include a commitment to "walking her talk" and helping re-envision how leaders can navigate change with more authenticity and intentionality to embrace the process of growth while learning to align with guiding principles and core values that support meaningful and impactful choices. Her debut book, Embracing the Unknown: Exploring the Pathways to Change offers research, wisdom, and aspirational stories that empower others in their quest to gracefully navigate change in their own lives. An avid traveler, singer, and lover of the arts, Lisa lives and works in New York City.

~

Connect with Lisa:
Embracing the Unknown: Exploring the Pathways to Change - Lisa’s Book
Use promo code “confidence” for $0.99 version of ebook: https://lisadeangelis.com/purchase/ebook-digital-download

Website: https://lisadeangelis.com/
Instagram: @lissop44
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-deangelis1/

~

Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:

Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:
https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge

Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:
https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup

Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6

Join the Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans

Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session

Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/

Website:
https://kimmeninger.com