Explore every episode of the podcast The Impostor Syndrome Files
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choosing Hope in a Divided World | 13 oct. 2026 | 00:32:46 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about finding your voice when you’re afraid you don’t belong. My guest this week is Yutian Li, a Harvard student, public speaker and human rights activist who immigrated to the United States from China at age 11. She shares her journey from feeling too self-conscious to speak in class to using her voice to advocate for others. We explore how our identities and experiences can become sources of connection, even when we’ve learned to see them as reasons to question ourselves. Yutian also shares her experience with impostor syndrome at Harvard and what she discovered behind the confidence of the people around her. We discuss the power of encouragement and how seemingly small interactions can change what we believe is possible. We also talk about Yutian’s powerful choice to stay optimistic in a polarized world. Having grown up in a country where political expression was restricted, she brings a deep appreciation for the privilege of being able to disagree openly. She shares why she seeks out conversations with people whose views differ from her own and challenges us to consider what becomes possible when we approach those conversations with curiosity and respect for each other’s humanity. About My Guest ~ Connect with Yutian: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Rewriting the Stories that Hold Us Back | 06 oct. 2026 | 00:32:53 | |
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore how deeply held beliefs can shape the way we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. My guest this week is Janylène Turcotte, a hypnotherapist, hypno coach and executive coach who helps professionals move through limiting beliefs and self-doubt. Janylène shares how an unexpected career transition led her to reconsider what she wanted and eventually discover hypnotherapy. We explore what hypno coaching actually involves, why it’s different from the dramatic versions of hypnosis we see on television and how it can help us access perspectives that are often drowned out by our inner critic. We also discuss the beliefs that commonly fuel impostor syndrome, including the fear that others are better or will judge us. Janylène explains how changing those beliefs can lead to surprising shifts in our behavior and why real transformation doesn’t always happen in a straight line. About My Guest ~ Connect with Janylène: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Stop Believing Everything You Think | 29 sept. 2026 | 00:38:10 | |
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the power of our thoughts and why they can feel so convincing in the moment. My guest this week is Kay Tear, a business psychologist, executive coach and author who helps people better understand how their minds work. Kay challenges the way we think about impostor syndrome, resilience and our reactions to change. We explore how our state of mind shapes our experience and why two people can face the same situation and walk away with completely different interpretations. We also discuss what happens when we become consumed by fearful thinking and how we can loosen its grip. Kay shares why noticing our thoughts, creating space for fresh thinking and taking one small action can help us move forward with greater clarity and confidence. About My Guest A Business Psychologist for over 20 years and an executive coach, Kay helps leaders learn about the human operating system — not behaviour, not competencies, but the inner world actually running the show underneath. Her approach is ruthlessly simple by design, because overwhelmed leaders don't need more content, they need less noise. Kay is the author of Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Overcome Anxious Attachment. ~ Connect with Kay: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| You Have More Control Than You Think | 22 sept. 2026 | 00:33:39 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how to take greater ownership of your professional experience. My guest this week is Laura Massetti, founder & CEO of Real Work Ready, who helps early-career professionals build the skills they need to navigate the workplace with confidence. Laura shares her journey from a successful corporate career to building her own business in Italy. We explore what happens when our professional identity becomes intertwined with our sense of self and why changing our environment can create the space to reexamine who we are and what we want. We also discuss the unwritten rules that make the workplace feel so confusing, especially as AI changes how early-career professionals learn and grow. Laura shares how feedback, mentorship and stronger workplace skills can help us feel less at the mercy of others and recognize that we have more control than we think. About My Guest She had succeeded mostly by accident — by access, by being in the right rooms at the right time. Then she left New York, moved to Veneto in northern Italy, and started over. In that stillness, she found the question that changed everything: not how do I train people better, but what are managers actually evaluating? The answer was clear. It had always been clear. Nobody had ever written it down. So she did. That document became Real Work Ready™ — and The Performance Model Framework™, the six competencies every manager scores, whether they say so or not. Laura holds an MBA from Baruch College and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School and Imperial College London. ~ Connect with Laura: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Less Stress. More Success | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:40:47 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about stress, intentionality and why doing more isn’t always the path to greater success. My guest this week is Trish Walker, executive coach, speaker and former president of home and services at Best Buy. Trish shares how an unexpected “lifequake” led her to step away from a long and successful corporate career and reconsider what she wanted next. Here we explore the importance of listening to our own signals, asking for help and trusting ourselves when life doesn’t go according to plan. We also challenge the high-achiever belief that our value is measured by how much we do. Trish shares why slowing down can create greater clarity, focus and confidence, and how small shifts can help us move through work and life with less stress and more success. About My Guest ~ Connect with Trish: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Managing Performance Anxiety | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:33:49 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about performance anxiety and why it can affect even the most experienced professionals. My guest this week is Dr. David Lee Fish, a former music professor who now helps people navigate speech fright, stage fright and competition anxiety. David shares his own experience of freezing during an early performance and the shame that came from believing he was the only one struggling. We explore what’s happening in our bodies when we feel judged or threatened and why our internal “bodyguard” can make high-stakes moments even harder. We also discuss a different way to respond when anxiety takes over. David explains how mindfulness can help us redirect our attention, why the middle of a stressful moment is the wrong time to debate our fears and how everyday activities can become opportunities to build the skills we need when the pressure is on. About My Guest ~ Connect with David: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| The Right Time Is Now | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:44:24 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about career pivots, self-discovery and why waiting for the perfect time can keep us from pursuing what matters. My guest this week is Niki Lazaridou, who has held a number of entrepreneurial and senior leadership roles. Niki shares her diverse career background and the journey that led her to finding her purpose. In our conversation, we discuss the balance between having enough pressure to motivate us and having so much pressure that we shift into survival mode. Niki introduces the Greek word meraki, which describes putting a piece of your soul into what you do, and explains why curiosity, effort and personal investment can create a deeper sense of purpose. Finally, we explore how our core values can help us distinguish impostor syndrome from a work environment that is genuinely out of alignment. Niki shares how identifying directness, empathy and freedom as her three core values helped her better understand her emotional reactions at work, and why saying our fears out loud can release pressure and create stronger human connection. About My Guest Currently serving as Strategy Manager at Minc Sweden, she is commissioned to redesign the entire incubator model in order to foster collaboration in the Nordic Region. She is also a Mentor in Entrepreneurship at Harvard University, as well as a professional advisor at MIT, currently driving her own collaboration initiative between Harvard and CERN in Geneva. Niki is also a member of Forbes Women connecting to a global network of women leaders, founders, and professionals. As an entrepreneur, Niki has worked on projects with MIT Media Lab, ABC, BBC, Puma, Amazon, Peabody Essex Museum, Blue Lagoon Iceland, Body Worlds Exhibition while also being published in Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Boston Globe, i-D, Cosmopolitan. She has delivered workshops & Academic Teaching at IKEA, Hyper Island, Apple, and BA courses in Media Technology at BTH. Her education focuses in Software Engineering, Media and Communications, and AI. ~ Connect with Niki: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| What’s the Cost of Not Pivoting? | 25 août 2026 | 00:38:31 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the uncertainty that comes with career pivots and why change often triggers so much self-doubt. My guest this week is Juliana Pereira, community builder and co-author of Pivot Quest. Drawing from her own eight career pivots, Juliana challenges the belief that successful people have everything figured out. We explore how curiosity, self-trust and a willingness to become a beginner can help us navigate change more confidently. We also discuss how to recognize when it may be time for a change, what our energy can teach us about what we want next and why it’s important to consider the cost of not pivoting. About My Guest Born and raised in New York to a Colombian mother and Portuguese father, she learned early that identity is rarely fixed and belonging is something we create. Her journey has taken her from advertising at BBDO and product design to luxury fashion PR for brands including Gucci, Burberry, and Tiffany & Co.; from developing world-class retail experiences to founding and successfully exiting a wellness venture; from building traditions and community for more than 10,000 students from over 160 nationalities at IE University to serving as Global CMO of an international technology consultancy. Through her work building communities and leadership ecosystems around the world, she has helped thousands of people navigate growth, belonging, and transformation. A TEDx speaker, contributor to Harvard Business Review Deusto, and member of the Board of Trustees of UNICEF Spain, Juliana believes that life's most meaningful transformations begin not when we become someone new, but when we uncover who we have been all along. She believes that a pivot is not reinvention—it is revelation. ~ Connect with Juliana: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Hidden Metrics | 18 août 2026 | 00:35:47 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how to define success in ways that go beyond traditional performance metrics. My guest this week is M. Nora Bouchard, executive coach, leadership advisor and author of Hidden Metrics: The Coach's Secret to Success That Really Matters. Nora shares how nearly three decades of coaching leaders has shaped her perspective on what drives meaningful leadership and sustainable career success. We explore why traditional metrics like KPIs often fail to capture what keeps people engaged at work and how leaders can reconnect with a greater sense of purpose without walking away from their careers. In our conversation, we discuss the importance of creating a personal vision for your leadership that is grounded in your values and strengths. Nora introduces the concept of "hidden metrics" and explains how using your own internal measures of success can increase engagement, strengthen decision-making and ultimately improve performance. We also talk about why so many leaders never intentionally define what leadership means to them, the importance of making your leadership values visible to others and how greater self-awareness creates more trust and consistency for your team. Finally, Nora shares practical advice for getting started, recognizing where change is needed and asking for support instead of trying to navigate every challenge alone. About My Guest ~ Connect with Nora: Book: www.hidden-metrics.com Website: https://www.mnorabouchard.com ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Being More Intentional About Your Career | 11 août 2026 | 00:35:43 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about why so many professionals drift through their careers instead of intentionally shaping what's next. My guest this week is Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, executive coach, leadership advisor and co-author of Now Near Next. Cynthia shares her own unexpected career transition after losing a senior executive role and explains how the work she had already done to prepare for her next chapter gave her the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship instead of returning to corporate America. We explore why so many high-achieving professionals become so focused on proving themselves in their current roles that they never create space to think about where they want to go next. In our conversation, we discuss the importance of identifying your natural talents instead of focusing exclusively on building new skills. Cynthia introduces the ACES framework to help people recognize the strengths that come most naturally to them and explains why these often become the foundation for more meaningful and sustainable career growth. We also talk about expanding your current role instead of waiting for someone else to create opportunities for you. Cynthia shares practical strategies for identifying business problems you can solve, making the case for broader responsibilities and reframing self-promotion as an act of service rather than self-interest. Finally, we explore the role fear plays in career decisions and why learning to recognize your body's early warning signals can help you interrupt unhelpful self-talk before it takes over. Cynthia explains how greater awareness, combined with intentional practice, can help us respond more confidently to uncertainty throughout our careers. About My Guest Dr. Cynthia is a human capital strategist, executive coach, and bestselling author who brings over 30 years of experience working with leaders at the highest levels of business. Her work, Stop Drifting: The Discipline of Direction, offers a clear, practical way to interrupt autopilot, make better decisions, and move forward with intention. She’s also the creator of the 7-Minute Pivot™, a simple daily practice designed to help you shift from thinking to action—one decision at a time. ~ Connect with Cynthia: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Communicating More Effectively Under Pressure | 04 août 2026 | 00:36:00 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how to communicate more effectively under pressure. My guest this week is Salvatore Manzi, communications coach and author of the forthcoming book Clear and Compelling. Salvatore shares his own journey from debilitating public speaking anxiety to helping professionals communicate with greater confidence and clarity. Here we explore the unique challenges facing introverts and analytical thinkers in environments that reward quick responses and spontaneous conversation. We also explore strategies for communicating more effectively in such moments. Throughout our conversation, Salvatore shares practical techniques for contributing earlier in meetings, creating space to organize your thoughts, making complex ideas easier for others to follow and using simple communication frameworks to stay clear under pressure. About My Guest ~ Connect with Salvatore: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Gardens vs. Gold Mines | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:34:27 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about creating workplaces where people can thrive. My guest this week is Josh Block, executive advisor and author of People Matter at Work. Josh shares the story of becoming president of his family's business at age 29 and the lessons he learned from stepping into a role he didn't feel fully prepared to lead. We explore how curiosity, humility and a willingness to rely on the strengths of others helped him navigate uncertainty and grow as a leader. In our conversation, we discuss why leadership is less about having all the answers and more about helping others succeed. Josh introduces his powerful "gardens versus gold mines" metaphor and explains why leaders must choose whether they want to develop people or simply extract value from them. We also talk about the importance of maintaining a non-anxious presence during challenging times, the shift from a "me" mindset to a "we" mindset and the role curiosity plays in building stronger teams. Finally, Josh shares his perspective on the unique questions women often bring to leadership conversations and why creating space for different perspectives leads to better outcomes. About My Guest In 2011, Josh and his wife, Lacey, moved to Lansing, Michigan, where he assumed the role of president at Block Imaging, a family-owned company at the time and now an affiliate of Siemens Healthineers and CommonSpirit Health. Block Imaging provides refurbished imaging systems, parts, and service to healthcare providers worldwide, empowering them to provide a second chance at life for imaging equipment and patients. Under Josh’s leadership, Block Imaging has grown from fifty to more than four hundred team members globally, becoming a model for trust-driven culture and people-powered performance. In 2018, Josh launched Cube Mobile Imaging to offer mobile imaging solutions across the United States, helping to expand access and reduce patient backlogs. He also speaks and coaches on leadership, organizational culture, and identity. Outside the office, Josh brings the same energy to his personal life. He enjoys wakesurfing, paddleboarding, and golf, and has competed in triathlons ranging from sprint to 70.3 distances. A few of his favorite indulgences include Cheetos, Cherry Coke, and Cap’n Crunch—and he is known for a legendary waffle recipe. He and Lacey have been married for twenty-three years and live in Lansing with their two children. ~ Connect with Josh: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Finding Meaning in the Ordinary Moments | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:34:42 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the ordinary moments that shape who we become and why so much of leadership, growth and human connection happens in the spaces we often overlook. My guest this week is Kurt Bush, leadership coach and co-founder of Brimstone Coaching Group. Kurt shares his nonlinear journey from manufacturing to ministry to leadership coaching and reflects on why growth often comes from embracing uncertainty rather than trying to control it. We explore the pressure leaders feel to always appear confident and capable, especially during times of rapid change and instability, and why so many people quietly carry overwhelm, anxiety and self-doubt while trying to support everyone around them. In our conversation, we discuss the importance of self-awareness and how moments of regret, discomfort or emotional reaction can become opportunities for growth when approached with curiosity instead of shame. Kurt also shares practical ways leaders can reflect more intentionally on how they show up in everyday interactions and why empowered action matters more than perfection. We also talk about burnout, hustle culture and the growing need for rest, reflection and joy in a world that constantly rewards productivity. Kurt shares his perspective on creating “counter systems” that help leaders stay grounded and emotionally healthy while supporting others through difficult challenges. Finally, we explore the idea that most of life happens in ordinary moments and why those moments often offer the greatest opportunities for transformation, connection and meaningful impact. About My Guest ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Making Space for Men to Be Human | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:33:45 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about loneliness, emotional suppression and the growing need for spaces where men feel safe to be fully human. My guest this week is Stefanos Koutsoumpis, men’s coach and facilitator of online men’s groups focused on emotional well-being, connection and personal growth. Stefanos shares his own journey of struggling with emotional awareness and social connection as a young man and explains why so many men feel pressure to appear strong while quietly carrying stress, shame and self-doubt. We discuss the challenges men face in opening up emotionally, why feeling heard can be so healing and how men’s groups create opportunities to practice vulnerability, communication and deeper connection. Finally, we explore the ripple effect of emotional well-being and why supporting men’s mental health benefits everyone. Stefanos also shares his perspective on curiosity, connection and creating healthier conversations in an increasingly polarized world. About My Guest Through one-on-one coaching and his monthly men’s groups, Stefanos provides men with a sense of connection, accountability, and community. With a background in mindfulness and a passion for supporting men through life’s challenges, Stefanos brings a grounded, approachable style that empowers men to move from stress and self-doubt toward clarity and authentic fulfillment. ~ Connect with Stefanos: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| When Your Identity No Longer Fits | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:32:46 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about career reinvention, identity and what happens when the path you’ve spent your life pursuing no longer feels aligned. My guest this week is Kate Kayaian, author, speaker and former professional cellist. Kate shares her journey from building a successful career in classical music to realizing, after decades as a performer, that the identity she had always carried no longer fit. We explore the emotional complexity of walking away from something you once loved, especially when it has shaped your sense of self for most of your life. In our conversation, we discuss the stories we tell ourselves about success, obligation and what we “should” want. Kate reflects on the guilt that can come with changing direction after years of investment and achievement, and why so many people stay in careers that no longer fulfill them because they fear disappointing others or starting over. We also talk about how impostor syndrome shows up during periods of transition, the importance of reassessing old narratives and how reconnecting with childhood curiosity can offer clues about what’s next. Kate shares why she believes career pivots are becoming increasingly common and why permission to evolve matters more than ever. Finally, we explore the idea that closing one chapter does not erase who we’ve been. Kate reminds us that we can honor past versions of ourselves while still creating space for new possibilities, new identities and new ways of contributing. About My Guest A former professional cellist, Kate performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and recitalist in venues ranging from Boston’s Jordan Hall to leading European concert halls. She trained at the New England Conservatory of Music and held a fellowship with the New World Symphony Orchestra under Michael Tilson Thomas. Today, Kate’s work centers on helping accomplished professionals—creatives, executives, educators, and entrepreneurs—define success on their own terms and create careers that feel as good as they look. Through her 1:1 coaching and her signature group program, the Creatives Leadership Academy, she guides clients to develop clarity, confidence, and the practical strategies needed to lead at the highest level without sacrificing their well-being. She is the author of Beyond Potential, a practical guide for high performers navigating the next chapter of their professional lives, and the host of Tales from The Lane, a podcast exploring the hidden challenges and unexpected joys of success. As a sought-after speaker, Kate delivers keynotes and workshops on leadership presence, mindset transformation, and redefining what’s possible for high achievers across industries. Alongside her private practice, Kate serves as President and Artistic Director of the Bermuda Philharmonic Orchestra, where she continues to champion creativity, collaboration, and innovation in the arts. S ~ Connect with Kate: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Rethinking Career Growth in the AI Era | 30 juin 2026 | 00:31:19 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about building a career in a time when the rules of work are changing faster than ever. My guest this week is Sam Alvita, founder of Work Rewritten and Director of Learning Design at MasterClass. In our conversation, we explore why today’s career paths no longer offer the same predictability they once did and why adaptability is becoming one of the most important professional skills. We discuss the shortening “skill horizon,” the importance of learning how to learn and how to think about career planning in a world where five- and ten-year plans feel increasingly unrealistic. Sam also shares why discomfort and impostor syndrome often accompany growth and how reframing uncertainty can open the door to new possibilities, creativity and career fulfillment. Finally, we talk about proactive career management, including how to stay prepared in an unpredictable market and strengthen your network through relationship building. She is the creator of Work Rewritten, a publication exploring career reinvention, leadership, AI, and the changing realities of modern work through essays, workshops, and public conversations. She also serves as the Director of Learning Design at MasterClass, she created and launched MasterClass Certificates, AI-first, multi-course learning programs developed in collaboration with organizations including Microsoft, NVIDIA, Google X, and the Navy SEALs. Sam writes and speaks about how professionals navigate uncertainty, identity, and career growth in rapidly changing industries. She is currently writing a forthcoming book about ambition, identity, and navigating change in modern careers. ~ Connect with Sam: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Why Joy Belongs in Our Workplace Conversations | 23 juin 2026 | 00:30:52 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about burnout, workaholism and the pressure high achievers put on themselves to constantly prove their value. My guest this week is Amy Leneker, leadership consultant, self-described “recovering workaholic” and author of Cheers to Monday. Amy shares her personal journey through two major experiences with burnout, including the physical and emotional warning signs she missed along the way. We explore the connection between impostor syndrome, people pleasing and overachievement, and why many professionals struggle to separate external expectations from the pressure they place on themselves. Amy also reflects on the painful realization that changing jobs alone doesn’t solve burnout when the underlying patterns follow you wherever you go. In our conversation, we discuss the importance of self-awareness, support systems and redefining identity beyond work. Amy shares how therapy, coaching and intentional recovery practices helped her reconnect with herself and rethink how she approaches success and leadership. We also talk about the role organizations play in creating healthier cultures and why shared responsibility matters when addressing stress and burnout at work. Finally, we explore Amy’s research on stress and joy in the workplace, including the three biggest drivers of joy at work: meaning, mattering and momentum. Amy explains why joy is far more than a “nice to have,” how emotionally intelligent leaders still need to look inward and why taking care of ourselves creates a ripple effect for the people around us. ~ Connect with Amy: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Turning Uncertainty into an Advantage | 16 juin 2026 | 00:29:53 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore why uncertainty feels so uncomfortable for so many of us and how we can build a healthier, more productive relationship with it. My guest this week is Scott Stirrett, author of The Uncertainty Advantage. Scott shares how his own experiences navigating major career risks, leading a national nonprofit and managing anxiety during the pandemic shaped his thinking about uncertainty. He explains why our brains are wired to fear the unknown, why many people would rather know a bad outcome than face uncertainty and how building “risk-taking muscles” helps us become more resilient over time. In our conversation, we discuss the concept of anti-fragility, the hidden risks of staying too comfortable and why action is often the best antidote to anxiety. Scott also shares practical strategies for strengthening confidence, including creating a “hype document” to track wins and reconnect those successes to moments of uncertainty and growth. Finally, we explore the impact of AI on the future of work, why learning to learn is becoming one of the most important professional skills and how self-compassion helps us navigate change more effectively. ~ Connect with Scott: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Seeking Serenity | 09 juin 2026 | 00:37:06 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the pressure high achievers put on themselves and the fears that often drive that pressure beneath the surface. My guest this week is Brendan Cournane, attorney, endurance athlete and author of Seeking Serenity. Connect with Brendan: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| The Power of Impact & Imprint | 02 juin 2026 | 00:35:30 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore how lived experiences shape leadership and influence the way impostor syndrome shows up at work. My guest this week is Natanja Craig-Oquendo, Executive Director of the Boston Women’s Fund. Natanja shares her journey from a childhood grounded in community organizing and allyship to leading mission-driven work focused on social, gender and economic justice. She reflects on how early messages about identity and belonging shaped her sense of what was possible and how those messages continue to influence her inner dialogue today. Since joining the Fund in 2020, she has tripled grantmaking, expanded partnerships from 6 organizations to 22, grown the operating budget from $300,000 to $2.2 million, and increased the endowment from $2.1 million to $3.5 million. She advanced multi-year grants of up to five years, pioneered a “Request for Conversation” model to replace traditional RFPs with trust-based engagement, and launched the Seed Funding Grant to expand access to capital for Black leaders and grassroots innovators. She is equally proud of building an organizational culture that supports the full human — where caregiving is not penalized, boundaries are respected, lived experience informs decision-making, and sustainability replaces burnout as the measure of commitment. In 2025, she co-led Carrying the Weight, Leading the Change, a research report developed with UMass Boston, and founded Horizon Collective, a leadership initiative for women and gender-expansive leaders of color. ~ Connect with Natanja: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Letting Go of the Ladder | 26 mai 2026 | 00:28:47 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore what it means to build a career with clarity when the path isn’t linear. My guest this week is Sabine Hutchison, CEO, author of Beyond the Ladder and founder of the Ripple Network. Sabine shares her journey from scientist to entrepreneur and challenges the idea that you need one clear passion or a perfectly mapped-out path. She introduces a more flexible approach to career growth, one that embraces curiosity, experimentation and change. In our conversation, we talk about why so many people feel pressure to climb the traditional ladder and how that expectation fuels self-doubt. Sabine explains why most careers are actually “zigzags” and how clarity comes from experience, not from having all the answers upfront. We also discuss practical ways to build clarity in real time, including reflection practices, documenting insights as they happen and integrating personal development into the workday. Sabine shares why collaboration accelerates growth and why success is never a solo effort. Finally, we explore what it looks like to define ambition on your own terms and how to confidently communicate your path, even when it doesn’t follow conventional expectations. About My Guest ~ Connect with Sabine: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Exploring Vulnerability, Creativity and Community Through Film | 19 mai 2026 | 00:33:56 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore what it takes to express yourself fully and create spaces where people feel safe to be seen. My guest this week is Rayviation, a documentary filmmaker and creative who blends storytelling, comedy and immersive experiences into what he calls “media mixology.” Rayviation shares his journey into creative work and the vulnerability that comes with putting your ideas into the world. We talk about his documentary Loving Men, which brings together men and nonbinary participants in a facilitated circle to explore love, emotional expression and the barriers that get in the way. In our conversation, we discuss what happens when people feel safe enough to be honest, how shared experiences can shift our understanding of masculinity and why community plays such a critical role in helping us grow. Rayviation also shares simple but powerful ways to create more meaningful connection, including making space for disagreement and showing up with intention. About My Guest With a background rooted in both film and community-driven storytelling, Raysam has contributed to projects exploring social, economic, and mental health themes, including Days of Division, The Cookie Referendum, and the feature documentary Loving Men. In addition to his creative work, he is committed to using media as a tool for connection and education, bringing both artistic perspective and strategic insight to every collaboration. ~ Connect with Rayviation: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Why Great People Struggle in the Wrong Culture | 12 mai 2026 | 00:34:21 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore why great people struggle in the wrong culture. My guest this week is Julie Holunga, a fractional leadership and culture advisor who works with organizations to turn their stated values into everyday behaviors. Julie shares how her early work examining women in the workforce shaped her perspective on leadership and culture, and why focusing on individuals alone is not enough to create meaningful change. Using her “pickling” metaphor, she explains how even the healthiest individuals struggle to thrive in environments that don’t support them. This insight has guided her work helping organizations align culture, behavior and leadership in a way that creates sustainable success. In our conversation, we talk about why organizations often tolerate high-performing individuals whose behavior undermines the broader team and how that sends powerful signals about what is truly valued. Julie explains how these patterns erode confidence, psychological safety and long-term performance, even when short-term results look strong. We also explore how past experiences shape present reactions in ways many people don’t recognize. Julie shares examples of how a single piece of feedback can influence behavior decades later and how unexamined “hot buttons” can escalate everyday workplace interactions into larger conflicts. We discuss why most people are unaware of these triggers until they are activated and what it takes to build greater self-awareness. About My Guest
~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| How to Spot & Manage Burnout | 05 mai 2026 | 00:35:52 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how to recognize and address burnout. My guest this week is Garrett Wood, founder of Gnosis Therapy, whose work helps high performers understand and treat the effects of chronic stress and burnout. Here Garrett shares how his own experience with chronic pain and overwork changed the way he understands burnout. What looked like isolated physical symptoms were actually signals of a nervous system under constant strain. That insight reshaped his career and now informs how he helps others address burnout at its root. In our conversation, we talk about why high achievers are especially prone to burnout, how pushing through stress can shrink our window of tolerance and why so many people suffer in silence while assuming everyone else is doing fine. Garrett explains how stress blurs physical and emotional symptoms and why managing stress in place is often more effective than making drastic life changes. We also explore practical tools for regulating stress, including simple nervous-system-based techniques that can be used in real time. Garrett shares how small interventions can widen capacity, restore balance and make it easier to function without adding more pressure. About My Guest ~ Connect with Garrett: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Action Before Readiness | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:28:39 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore a powerful reframe of impostor syndrome and what it looks like to build confidence without waiting for self-doubt to disappear. My guest this week is Joy Rowland, a leadership and business coach who brings a deeply personal and neuroscience-informed perspective to overcoming impostor syndrome. Joy shares her journey as a solo immigrant who moved to the UK at age 25 without family or community support and spent more than two decades navigating corporate life while quietly wrestling with impostor syndrome. For Joy, self-doubt was not theoretical. It was lived. She opens up about how her background, identity, and early experiences shaped the beliefs she carried into her career and how she eventually learned to stop treating impostor syndrome as something that needed to be eliminated before she could succeed. In our conversation, we talk about why impostor syndrome often intensifies during periods of growth and why its presence can be a signal that you are stretching into something new rather than proof that you do not belong. Joy explains how our brains are wired for survival, not confidence, and why understanding concepts like negativity bias, neuroplasticity, and the role of the prefrontal cortex can completely change how we relate to self-doubt. Joy also shares practical tools she uses with her clients, including how to build an evidence bank to counteract harsh inner narratives, how community accelerates confidence by giving our brains proof of what is possible, and why waiting to feel ready keeps so many capable women stuck. We walk through simple practices like brain dumps and reverse engineering desired outcomes to help listeners take back agency over their thoughts, emotions, and results. About My Guest ~ Connect with Joy: Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Building a Life That Feels as Good as It Looks | 21 avr. 2026 | 00:29:59 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore what it takes to build a life that feels as good as it looks. My guest this week is Brandi Hudson, a performance coach who works with senior leaders in tech and finance to help them navigate pressure, redefine success and reconnect with internal fulfillment. Brandi shares her remarkable journey from being relentlessly driven by external achievement to realizing that success on paper didn’t automatically translate into happiness. Raised by teenage parents who equated success with safety and stability, Brandi learned early to meet every metric and exceed every expectation. From Ivy League acceptances and elite athletics to leading multimillion-dollar sales organizations, she did everything she was taught would guarantee fulfillment. And yet something was missing. In our conversation, we talk about Brandi’s relationship with pressure and worry, including how she once believed anxiety was the price of success. She explains how dense emotions often signal misalignment rather than motivation and why learning to hold pressure lightly can transform how we perform and lead. We also dig into the patterns high achievers develop early in life and how those patterns can quietly shape careers long after they stop serving us. Brandi walks us through powerful reflection practices she uses with her clients, including how to document success across your lifetime, re-train your brain to notice what’s going right and build internal validation instead of chasing external proof. We explore why self-awareness is the gateway to breaking unhelpful patterns and how understanding the root causes of our behaviors creates space for lasting change. We also discuss why personal growth doesn’t need to feel like a second full-time job, how intentional inner work creates more ease rather than more effort and why the most effective leaders learn to operate from clarity instead of fear. About My Guest Brandi Hudson is a Performance Coach, speaker, and former executive who helps accomplished professionals create sustainable results through a repeatable process for success, grounded in alignment, not force. Her work blends strategy, systems, and emotional intelligence to help people trust their power—and know their success is inevitable. ~ Connect with Brandi: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Communicating More Clearly at Work | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:42:46 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about improving communication. My guest this week is Yosi Kossowsky, a leadership coach whose journey from engineering and technology to emotional wellness and behavioral neuroscience reshaped not only his career but his relationships, communication and impact as a leader. Yosi shares how early feedback about his leadership style forced him to confront a gap many high performers experience but struggle to name. While his technical abilities came easily, leading people exposed blind spots around self-awareness, emotional regulation and perception. Rather than dismissing that feedback, Yosi leaned into it, eventually immersing himself in emotional wellness therapy, behavioral neuroscience and leadership coaching. In our conversation, we talk about why communication breaks down even when we believe we are being clear, how our brains filter meaning based on past experience and why confirmation, not assumption, is one of the most powerful leadership tools available. Yosi offers a simple yet underused practice that can dramatically reduce misunderstanding, rework and frustration at work. We also explore why resistance to self-reflection remains strong, how stress and cultural division have intensified defensiveness in the workplace and why emotional education remains largely absent from how we develop leaders. Yosi offers practical ways to experiment with new communication behaviors without feeling awkward or confrontational. And he shares why treating leadership growth as a series of small experiments creates lasting change. About My Guest ~ Connect with Yosi: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Harnessing Your Inner Strength | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:32:22 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about harnessing your inner strength to overcome self-doubt. My guest this week is Dr. Jenn Donahue, an engineer, retired U.S. Navy officer and author of the book, Becoming the Warrior: Harnessing Your Inner Strength to Silence Self-Doubt. Jenn’s journey spans ocean engineering, seismic design and military leadership across some of the most high-pressure environments in the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan. But her most powerful transformation has been personal: learning to quiet the voice of self-doubt and lead with authenticity, even in the most high-stakes arenas. Jenn shares how her early confidence gave way to self-doubt as she pursued advanced degrees and navigated toxic workplace cultures. We explore what it feels like to be the only woman in the room, the cost of trying to lead like someone you’re not and how finding the right mentor helped Jenn embrace a leadership style grounded in empathy and trust. She also introduces her warrior framework, a science-backed, practical system built from her military and engineering experience to help others reframe their inner dialogue and lead with greater confidence. About My Guest Over her twenty-seven-year military career, Jenn built a bridge across the Euphrates River during the Iraq War, commanded an eight-hundred-personnel battalion in Afghanistan, and led the construction of combat outposts in hostile desert terrain. In her inspiring debut book, “Becoming the Warrior: Harnessing Your Inner Strength to Silence Self-Doubt,” Jenn draws from her experiences on the battlefield to build a framework that helps readers combat their inner critics, achieve their goals, and uncover the warrior within them. ~ Connect with Jenn: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| When Life Interrupts: Leading Through Caregiving | 31 mars 2026 | 00:34:25 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore caregiving. My guest this week is Cynthia Iorio, founder and managing director of Monarch Solutions, who shares how her own experiences of how caring for her terminally ill parents disrupted and reshaped her 25-year career and how this ultimately led her to redefine what leadership looks like. We talk about the invisible burden millions of professionals carry as they juggle work and caregiving. Cynthia opens up about the moment her identity shifted, not just as a daughter but as a caregiver, without even realizing it at the time. From project management to emotional survival, she breaks down how her professional skills translated into deeply personal leadership, and how self-compassion became her most powerful tool. Cynthia also shares why companies need to do more to support caregivers in their workforces and what actionable steps they can take to retain and empower professionals navigating caregiving responsibilities. We talk about the pressure high achievers face to hold it all together, the career impact of caregiving leaves and the mindset shifts needed to survive the uncertainty of caregiving without losing yourself in the process. About My Guest ~ Connect with Cynthia: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Navigating the Tech Industry with Confidence | 24 mars 2026 | 00:32:23 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about what it takes to survive and thrive in the high-stakes world of big tech, especially as a woman in engineering. My guest this week is Jossie Haines, a leadership coach for engineering leaders and women in tech, whose journey spans major roles at companies like Apple, Zynga and Tile. Jossie opens up about the culture shock she experienced when she joined Apple, how impostor syndrome almost drove her out of the tech industry and the mindset shift that helped her reclaim her power and purpose. Together, we explore how hidden systems and subtle exclusion can erode your confidence, and what it looks like to rebuild it by honoring your strengths, setting boundaries and creating your own definition of success. About My Guest ~ Connect with Jossie: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Staying Calm Under Pressure | 17 mars 2026 | 00:27:17 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about managing emotional intensity in high-stakes situations. My guest this week is Jeremy Hurewitz, author of Sell Like a Spy and a corporate consultant, who draws on years of working alongside intelligence professionals, such as FBI hostage negotiators, CIA case officers, and special forces, to teach practical strategies for emotional regulation, active listening and managing difficult conversations. Here Jeremy shares why connection and empathy are the superpowers of elite negotiators, and how we can translate those same skills to our workplace and personal relationships. We talk about what to do when emotions run high, how to tell the difference between personal and situational conflict and why learning to let someone vent might be the best first step in defusing tension. About My Guest ~ Connect with Jeremy: Website: https://www.selllikeaspy.net/ ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| How Perception Shapes Our Confidence | 10 mars 2026 | 00:32:49 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we take a closer look at a topic that quietly shapes every professional interaction we have: perception. My guest this week is Shira Abel, keynote speaker, marketing expert and creator of the Perception Formula. Shira brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, sales and teaching to show us why understanding how others see us is essential to building stronger relationships, communicating with clarity and showing up with confidence. Shira breaks down her perception formula, which includes heuristics, hormones, history and heritage. We explore cultural and socioeconomic differences, the role of social conditioning and how much of our daily communication happens on autopilot. Shira also shares practical strategies for preparing for conversations, reading the room and navigating the nuances of communicating online. Here we talk about the growing influence of AI on communication and personal brand, including how to use AI tools responsibly without losing your own voice. Shira also opens up about confidence, what it really means and why it has less to do with fearlessness and more to do with self-trust and the willingness to get back up after failure. About My Guest Shira holds an MBA from Kellogg, has taught at UC Berkeley, and is recognized globally as a keynote speaker and business mentor. She’s driven over a billion dollars in economic impact and scaled her own agency to seven-figure revenue, an accomplishment fewer than 2% of female founders achieve. ~ Connect with Shira: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| How to Shift Your Mindset | 03 mars 2026 | 00:32:30 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we dig into what’s happening under the hood when we feel triggered, anxious or stuck. My guest this week is Mitch Weisburgh, educator, author and founder of MindShifting with Mitch. After years in edtech and instructional design, Mitch turned his attention to a deeper question: How do we teach people to manage their brains so they can be more resourceful, resilient and collaborative in the face of challenge? Mitch shares powerful insights on why your brain’s first reaction is rarely the most helpful, how to recognize your “saboteurs” in action and why self-awareness is the first step to real growth. We explore how meditation, mindfulness and even simple positive self-talk can begin to interrupt unconscious patterns, and how teachers, parents and leaders can model better thinking for the next generation. We also talk about the work Mitch is doing with educators across the country and his mission to empower 5 million people to lead with greater emotional intelligence and effectiveness. About My Guest From 1981 through 2000, Mitch founded and ran Personal Computer Learning Centers of America, training adults in the use of computers and growing the company to over 130 employees. In 2005, he cofounded Academic Business Advisors, which helped organizations make a difference and reach more students in U.S. schools. He also launched nonprofit organizations in education such as Games4Ed and Edchat Interactive. MindShifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success (December 2024) focuses on techniques to shift from mindsets that hold us back to ones that propel us forward. ~ Connect with Mitch: Newsletter: https://mindshiftingwithmitch.blog/ ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| The Wisdom of Ignorance | 24 févr. 2026 | 00:33:25 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore a counterintuitive but empowering idea: what if not knowing something is not a weakness but an advantage? My guest this week is Alan Gregerman, innovation consultant and author of The Wisdom of Ignorance. He invites us to rethink impostor syndrome by viewing not knowing as the very thing that fuels creativity, innovative thinking and meaningful change. Alan argues that breakthroughs are far more likely when we approach problems with humility, curiosity and a willingness to see the world with new eyes. He encourages his clients to leave the office, explore the world and pay attention to what they see. Alan shares how changing environments expands our thinking, how teams can benefit from “enlightened ignorance” and why leaders who model humility unlock more creativity and engagement in others. About My Guest As the president and chief innovation officer of Washington, D.C.-based consultancy VENTURE WORKS, a best-selling author, sought-after keynote speaker, and community volunteer he focuses on helping companies and organizations unlock the genius in all of their people in order to deliver the most compelling value to their customers. He is also the founder of Passion for Learning, an award-winning nonprofit that teaches girls technology skills as a key to life and career success. His work has been featured in over 250 leading publications and media outlets in the U.S. and in other countries including the Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNN, The Economic Times, Business Week, Dagens Industri, and Fast Company and his writing, speaking, and teaching has informed and hopefully inspired over 700,000 people. His three previous books—The Necessity of Strangers, Surrounded by Geniuses, and Lessons from the Sandbox—challenge conventional thinking about people, the world around us, what it means to be remarkable, and where brilliant ideas come from. His new book, “The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World,” provides a powerful formula for making a difference in a world moving super-fast.
Connect with Alan: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Healing Through Truth & Nature | 17 févr. 2026 | 00:39:29 | |
Trigger Warning: Childhood trauma and suicidal ideation In this deeply moving episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, I talk with Jesse Cody, founder and president of Hike the Good Hike, a nonprofit that uses nature and storytelling to promote mental health awareness. Jesse shares his journey from suicidal ideation to self-discovery, starting with no hiking experience at age 40, and how walking the Appalachian Trail helped him confront his past, process childhood trauma and find purpose through service. Jesse's story is one of radical honesty, emotional courage and the healing potential of nature. A survivor of childhood sexual trauma, Jesse opens up about his path toward mental wellness, including the moment he chose life, the role of community support and the transformative power of taking a “long walk” to face the pain he spent decades hiding. Today, he uses his story to inspire others and create space for more people to find strength through vulnerability and the outdoors. We also talk about how men, especially young men and boys, are socialized to hide emotional pain, and what we can do as parents, professionals and advocates to change that narrative. Jesse offers practical, hopeful suggestions for connecting youth to nature, community and healthier emotional outlets. About My Guest By openly addressing his childhood sexual trauma, Jesse sheds light on the often-taboo subject, demonstrating its significant impact on mental health and personal development. His story serves as a testament to courage and resilience, embodying a message of hope for those grappling with their own dark experiences. ~ Connect with Jesse: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| My Voice Matters Too | 10 févr. 2026 | 00:34:49 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about where confidence comes from. My guest this week is Jennifer Sahady, a personal finance expert, speaker and passionate advocate for financial literacy and gender equity. In a field that hasn’t always welcomed women or fresh perspectives, Jennifer shares how she’s charted her own path by focusing on service, curiosity and the quiet power of believing that her voice matters too. We talk about why so many of us wait to speak up until we feel like an “expert,” and how that silence can cost others the benefit of our unique insights. Jennifer shares how she’s navigated self-doubt in male-dominated spaces, and why imperfect action is a courageous step toward change. We also explore the importance of mental space, daily reflection and surrounding yourself with people who energize rather than drain you. About My Guest Jennifer is a 2025 PLANADVISER Emerging Leader Winner, a 2025 NAPA Woman of Excellence Winner and has won the RAC Award with her clients in 2025 and 2024. Jennifer was a featured TEDx speaker on Money and Relationships. Jennifer has spoken at the Bryant Woman's Summit three times. Jennifer has spoken at the Providence and Worcester Chamber of Commerce. Jennifer is currently a Senior Financial Wellness Consultant on MMA’s Retirement Services team and a small business owner. Jennifer graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bryant University and has an extensive background in financial education. Jennifer holds the FINRA Series 7, 63 and 66 licenses as well as the CFP, CPFA, CRPC and AIF. ~ Connect with Jennifer: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Re-Wiring the Subconscious for Greater Confidence | 03 févr. 2026 | 00:39:49 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore the power of the subconscious mind and its profound influence on how we show up at work and in life. My guest this week is Roberta Fernandez, a board-certified hypnotherapist and consultant who has spent nearly two decades helping individuals and organizations transform limiting beliefs into empowering action. ~ Connect with Roberta: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Progress Over Perfection | 27 janv. 2026 | 00:31:03 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the pressure to be perfect and the freedom that comes when we shift our focus to progress instead. My guest this week is Maria Rincon, a public speaking coach and former communications consultant at the United Nations. Maria shares her story of growing up as an overachiever in an immigrant household where perfection was expected and external validation became the measure of success. In our conversation, we explore how perfectionism and impostor syndrome often go hand in hand, especially for those raised to equate achievement with self-worth. Maria talks about what it felt like to always be chasing the next accomplishment, how her work at the UN helped her reconnect with her values, and the mindset shift that allowed her to stop striving for approval and start living on her own terms. She also shares the mantras she uses to ground herself, including “progress over perfection,” and why this phrase has become a daily reminder to let go of unrealistic expectations. We talk about how she brings this perspective into her work with clients, helping high performers build confidence through play, self-connection and a simple practice she calls an “evidence log.” About My Guest ~ Connect with Maria: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Creating Better Workplaces | 20 janv. 2026 | 00:41:39 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about creating better workplaces. My guest this week is Ivonne Furneaux, a former corporate executive turned solo speaker and consultant who spent more than two decades leading communications, DEI, and change management efforts at companies across industries, including most recently as VP at Weight Watchers. She now helps companies and individuals navigate change with more clarity, intention and humanity. In our conversation, we explore the difference between organizational responsibility and personal agency, the myth of hustle culture and how to redefine your worth beyond your job title. Ivonne also shares her powerful “four I’s” framework that any leader, or team member, can use to foster greater trust, connection and engagement at work. About My Guest ~ Connect with Ivonne: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Leading with Self-Empathy | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:32:56 | |
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we look at self-empathy as a practical skill you can use in everyday life. My guest, Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, is a former professional musician and university professor who later founded EQ via Empathy where she works today. Melissa shares how a tough career pivot pushed her to study empathy and write the book, The Empathic Leader. Here we talk about how to build your self-empathy muscles in easy moments first so that you have the skills available to you when the stakes rise. We also explore why high achievers take the blame when things go wrong yet wave away credit when things go well, how empathy and judgment cannot coexist, and a simple practice to interrupt reactivity so you can lead with more clarity at work and at home. About My Guest ~ Connect with Melissa: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Don’t Be Yourself | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:37:43 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about why authenticity is overrated and what to do instead. My guest this week is Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, psychologist, professor, Chief Science Officer at Russell Reynolds Associates and author of the new book Don’t Be Yourself. Tomas argues that it’s not raw authenticity that makes you a good leader. Great leaders care deeply about what others think of them. They leverage their emotional intelligence and engage in strategic impression management, which leads them to come across as more authentic and trustworthy to others. Tomas believes that instead of bringing our authentic selves to work, we should focus on being our best selves. We also explore concepts from Tomas’ book Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders (And How to Fix It), including a look at how we overvalue confidence and undervalue competence. We examine what DEI got wrong, how gender bias holds women back, and how AI can help us create more meritocratic systems. About My Guest ~ Connect with Tomas: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Building Self-Sufficient Teams | 30 déc. 2025 | 00:29:28 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore what it takes to create teams that are not only high-performing but also deeply connected and resilient, especially in today’s fast-changing workplace. My guest this week is Daria Rudnik, a former Chief People Officer turned leadership consultant, who draws on her experience leading tech and telecom companies to help organizations transform how they lead and collaborate. Daria shares her personal journey from being the only woman in the C-suite to becoming a champion for better workplaces. Together, we dive into why most teams today aren’t true teams at all and how that’s costing us in engagement, performance and well-being. She shares practical strategies to reduce leader overload, strengthen peer-to-peer connections and build teams that can thrive even amid uncertainty, remote work and AI integration. About My Guest Having lived in three countries and worked with clients across six continents, Daria has helped leaders and organizations navigate global financial crises, wars, and the COVID-19 pandemic. For the past five years, she has focused on helping busy leaders escape work overload by building self-sufficient, high-trust teams. She does this through a mix of team and leadership coaching, organizational consulting, assessments, and an AI-powered coach she developed. ~ Connect with Daria: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Confidence Via Connection | 23 déc. 2025 | 00:32:45 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore what it really means to lead with authenticity in a world that doesn’t always welcome it. My guest this week is Judy Hoberman, a trailblazing executive coach, speaker and author who built her career in male-dominated industries like commercial roofing and financial services. Judy shares stories from her early days climbing ladders in skirts, navigating bias and building unexpected alliances, and how those experiences shaped her belief that relationships are at the heart of everything. Together, we talk about how the leadership landscape has changed and how it hasn’t. Judy and I explore the loneliness of leadership, the complicated dynamics among women in the workplace and the ongoing tension between showing confidence and being labeled as too much. Judy also offers practical, encouraging advice on how to build a network (even as an introvert), how to start authentic conversations and how to lead from a place of generosity instead of fear. About My Guest Judy’s 30 years in business along with her experience in sales and leadership has helped her clients realize the importance of building relationships, standing out and being the authority in their market. She is often described as “transformational.” She is a best-selling author, a TEDx speaker and the host of The Trailblazer Chronicles podcast. Judy’s mission…to help one woman a day by following an important philosophy- "Women Want To Be Treated Equally...Not Identically"® ~ Connect with Judy: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Leading with Courage & Integrity | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:36:31 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we dive into what it really means to lead with courage and integrity in complex and sometimes disheartening environments. My guest this week is Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves, historian, women’s leadership expert and author of Leading with Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women. Jodi brings decades of experience in higher education, feminism and mentorship, and shares how she’s translating these values into community leadership and career coaching. Together, we explore what it looks like to lead from your values, even in systems that don’t always reward that. Jodi opens up about the grief she feels as DEI efforts are increasingly under attack, but also the hope she sees in those continuing the work. We talk about managing your idealism over the course of a career, how to build coalitions for change from inside large institutions and how to define your legacy through the lives you touch, not just the structures you build. She also shares powerful insights on intergenerational mentorship, networking for values-aligned connection and how to stay grounded when perfectionism and urgency take over. About My Guest She empowers leaders and facilitates career journeys for people at all stages, with an emphasis on values, social impact, and creating inclusive communities. She is especially committed to developing diverse women's leadership. With a doctorate in History, Jodi taught and held leadership roles for many years at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, focusing on systems of privilege and inequality and social change. Her specialties include women’s history and gender, race, and leadership. She also directed her community's Diversity Council. Jodi is the author of Modern Motherhood: An American History (Rutgers University Press, 2014). Her latest book, Leading with Courage: Empowering Women for Impactful Careers, is available for purchase. ~ Connect with Jodi: Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Exploring the Science of Friendship | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:49:58 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore how to make friends in an era of loneliness. My guest this week is Dr. Linda Lin, a psychology professor at Emmanuel College who has spent more than two decades researching and teaching about mental health, happiness and well-being. Through her course, The Psychology of Wellness and Happiness, Linda helps students move beyond surface-level wellness tips to better understand what it really means to live a meaningful and connected life. Together, we talk about the shifting landscape of connection, especially for younger generations, and how technology, the pandemic and evolving social norms have made it harder to build and maintain authentic relationships. Linda shares what she's seeing in her own classroom, from once-lively chatter before class to eerily quiet rooms where students rarely interact, and how that reflects a broader cultural shift. Linda also breaks down the five essential ingredients of strong friendships and how we can use them to deepen existing relationships or build new ones. This conversation offers simple but powerful tools to help you reconnect with yourself and others. About My Guest ~ Connect with Linda: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Rethinking High Performance | 02 déc. 2025 | 00:34:51 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we dive into the psychology behind high performance with developmental theorist Max Stephens. Max’s work is rooted in a bold premise: the greatest chokehold on any business or career isn’t the market or the competition, it’s our own personal psychology. And until we understand and address that, we’ll continue to get in our own way. Together we explore the hidden forces that shape high performers, from early emotional wounds that fuel relentless ambition to the dysfunctional patterns that drive success but undermine fulfillment. Max shares why so many achievers feel an insatiable need to “get there” yet never arrive, and how shifting from self-focused achievement to contribution-focused growth changes everything. We also examine the deeper purpose of personal development as self-transcendence, how expanding our “circles of concern” leads to more meaningful leadership and why forgiveness, mortality awareness and radical honesty are essential starting points for transformation. Finally, Max offers powerful insights into how we can break free from cultural narratives, reorient our goals around contribution and create ripple effects of positive change in the people and systems around us. ~ Connect with Max: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Experiments: Building Self-Trust and Confidence Through Small Shifts | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:35:18 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about experimenting with your own growth. My guest this week is Jen Wilson, a coach and consultant whose nontraditional career path has taught her that confidence doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from trusting yourself to handle whatever happens next. Jennifer earned a Masters in Counseling and Educational Psychology, leading to a career in community social work with youth and families before holding multiple roles within K12 public schools and higher education in Wisconsin. After co-founding two high schools serving marginalized urban youth in Milwaukee, she shifted her focus to working for transformational change within higher education and the nonprofit sectors to ensure that future generations live on a healthy planet in just societies. Jennifer has had a lifelong love affair with words and writing. She had her first byline in 4th grade, reporting the 4-H club news for her local paper, and the first book she bought with her own money was Roget's Thesaurus. When she's not reading or writing, she heads outside for inspiration, across her home state of Wisconsin and around the world. ~ Connect with Jen: Book - Waking Up to Your Worth: https://consultnewleaf.com/waking-up-to-your-worth-ten-touchstones-for-overcoming-imposter-syndrome/ ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Is an MBA the Right Choice for You? | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:34:43 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore whether to pursue an MBA. My guest this week is Ellin Lolis, founder of Ellin Lolis Consulting and a career coach who’s spent more than a decade helping professionals tell their stories, clarify their goals and navigate the competitive MBA admissions process. But her work goes far beyond résumés and test scores. Ellin is a master of storytelling, helping ambitious professionals find the clarity, confidence, and voice they need to land their dream MBA—and build meaningful, purpose-driven careers afterward. A passionate writer turned entrepreneur, she’s built a seven-figure business by doing things differently: leading with honesty, prioritizing depth over polish, and redefining what leadership can look like. ~ Connect with Ellin: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Burnout: Recognizing the Signs and Reclaiming Your Energy | 11 nov. 2025 | 00:32:12 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about burnout, not just feeling tired or having a hard week, but the deeper, chronic exhaustion and self-doubt that so many high achievers experience but rarely name. My guest this week is Alison Campbell, founder of unBurnt and a former senior corporate leader who turned her own health crisis into a mission to help others recover from and prevent burnout. Alison shares her journey from fast-paced corporate roles in finance, retail, and tech to the moment she landed in the ER, the wake-up call that changed everything. Together, we unpack what burnout really is (and isn’t), how to recognize its unique signs and why exhaustion, cynicism and self-doubt often travel together. We also explore practical ways to shift from constant reactivity to proactive self-care, including Alison’s simple but powerful stressor scan exercise to bring clarity and agency back to your week. About My Guest Prior to founding unBurnt, Alison had nearly twenty years of corporate experience across Finance, Ecommerce and HRTech. In her last corporate role, she was the Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy & Analytics at a $1B global company. But after years of accepting exhaustion & overwhelm as normal, a health scare became the catalyst to change course. Now, Alison is combining her operational experience with expertise as a Certified Health & Wellness Coach to reimagine how we work, lead and live. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by professionals in fast-moving organizations, unBurnt delivers workshops, training and coaching interventions to unblock friction and help companies thrive. ~ Connect with Alison: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||
| Cultivating Charisma: Your Path to Authentic Confidence | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:35:32 | |
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about charisma, and not the slick or manipulative version we sometimes imagine. My guest this week is Milam Miller, leadership development and sales consultant and author of The Charisma Craft: A Modern Leadership Guide to Enhance Your Riz Factor. BCK – “Be Confident and Kind” – was a private mantra that Milam created to serve him in the corporate world. Over the course of his career in sports & entertainment, Milam negotiated more than $100MM in commercial revenue for all of the organizations he proudly represented. From the red carpet of The ESPY Awards in Los Angeles to the desert dunes of Doha, Milam has built deep relationships through his study of soft skills and genuine care for people. Milam’s mental health severely suffered in a fully remote senior leadership role during the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. After seeking out help from coaches and therapists, Milam realized he was living out of alignment. In 2022, he stepped back into his power to launch BCK and serve leaders desiring to create stronger teams and drive better results. What was once a personal philosophy is now a public movement to positively transform the future of work. BCK does this by teaching charismatic leadership principles on how to influence, motivate, persuade others. Milam speaks to and coaches Executives, Senior Leaders, and Managers, alike. He also facilitates workshops for Fortune 100 companies, such as Amazon and Google. His subject matter is culturally relevant, topical, and most all, engaging & fun. ~ Connect with Milam: ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: | |||