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 w...
Jun 24, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 274
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 fear—not engagement—drives behavior. My guest this week is Thomas ...
Jun 17, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 273
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 conversation, she shares practical, compassionate advice for do...
Jun 10, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 272
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 of communication at Calvin University, who shares his research o...
Jun 03, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 271
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-building when you’re feeling too busy to connect. We also talk about s...
May 27, 2025•37 min•Season 6Ep. 270
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 about how that experience led him to create a 4-step framework for...
May 20, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 269
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 ways she struggled, internally and externally, until she finall...
May 13, 2025•46 min•Season 6Ep. 268
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-thriving career. Without an understanding of what was happening to ...
May 06, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 267
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 of something terrible happening. This week, I talk with John Litt...
Apr 29, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 266
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, about driving greater creativity and innovation among teams. Here...
Apr 22, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 265
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 like, why it matters and how to get there. About My Guest Richard...
Apr 15, 2025•34 min•Season 6Ep. 264
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 how severe burnout led her to leave a successful career in healt...
Apr 08, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 263
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 organizational leadership and now has a Doctor of Education (Ed. D). Chris...
Apr 01, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 262
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 about the similarities and differences between unhappy achiever...
Mar 25, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 261
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 she shares a 3-step process for approaching change in the face ...
Mar 18, 2025•41 min•Season 6Ep. 260
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 is Tim Newman, an educator who has specialized in sport marketi...
Mar 11, 2025•34 min•Season 6Ep. 259
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 talk about a wide range of topics, including: how to build connecti...
Mar 04, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 258
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 insights can help us to feel less alone while recognizing that we’r...
Feb 25, 2025•37 min•Season 6Ep. 257
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 journey of working her way out of poverty and into a degree from Harva...
Feb 18, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 256
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 importance of taking more risks and challenging ourselves becau...
Feb 11, 2025•37 min•Season 6Ep. 255
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files , we talk about getting out of our comfort zones. When was the last time you felt ready to do something scary? If you’re human, then probably never. My guest this week is Eddy Smits, a motivational speaker and communication and leadership expert. Because we’ll never feel ready, we have to just do it, which he likens to jumping into the pool rather than slowly getting wet. Having been a school teacher and a hospital clown in previous careers, Eddy sh...
Feb 04, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 254
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files , we talk about boundary setting. Many of us who identify as people-pleasers, conflict-avoiders or just those who don’t want to rock the boat often find it challenging to say no. My guest this week is Suzanne Culberg, the “Nope Coach” who helps people say no without feeling guilty. Here Suzanne shares her own story of the pivotal moment in which she realized it was time to start setting boundaries. We also talk about actionable, practical steps you ...
Jan 28, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 253
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files , we talk about feeling too young at work. Have you ever felt too young at work? Maybe people thought they were complimenting you by pointing out how young you look. Or they made condescending comments that made you feel different or unwelcome. My guest this week is Leslie Alvarez, community management leader and author of the book, “When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Tamales”. Here Leslie shares her experience of regularly being made to feel too youn...
Jan 21, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 252
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files , we talk about leadership. Being a people leader is hard! It’s especially hard in a rapidly changing world where there is so much more to think about and so much less time available to us. My guest this week is Scott Allen, a management professor and leadership consultant who talks about what he refers to as the puzzle of leadership. Here we explore the challenges facing current leaders and how to approach them through curiosity and experimentation...
Jan 14, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 251
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files , we talk about career transitions. Career transitions can feel daunting for lots of reasons but they’re especially scary when you don’t know what you want. This week, I talk with Sarah JanTausch, founder of SRJ Coaching & Consulting and creator of the Values-Based Career method. Here Sarah shares her own career transition story that led her to the work she does today. She also offers practical tips for how to reach out to your network, how to m...
Jan 07, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 250
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files , we talk about what my guest this week, Melody Wilding, calls sensitive strivers. The term sensitive strivers refers to those of us who think and feel more deeply than others while also putting a lot of pressure on ourselves to set goals and succeed. This combination of traits tends to leave us more susceptible to self-doubt and impostor syndrome. Here we talk about strategies to help you set clearer boundaries, stop the constant worrying and overt...
Dec 31, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 249
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files , we talk about the trap of the comfort zone. It’s all too easy to get stuck in our comfort zones. Each time we choose not to take action, we reinforce the security of our comfort zones, which makes the outside world feel that much scarier. This week, I talk with Aaron Trahan, a former executive leader turned performance coach who now helps leaders reach their full potential. Here we talk about strategies to break free from complacency and the statu...
Dec 24, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 248
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files , we talk about networking. Some of us love connecting with others while others of us may be less interested in or even intimidated by networking. The good news is that, whatever your relationship to networking, there are steps you can take to make it work for you. My guest this week is Michael Morgan, author of the book, “The Power of Networking”. Here he talks about how networking, both internally and externally, has helped him to grow his career ...
Dec 17, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 247
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files , we talk about the human brain. We like to think that we’re rational beings who happen to have feelings. In actuality, we’re emotional beings who happen to think. This week, I’m talking with Carlos Davidovich, an executive coach and neuromanagement expert, about the five different characters, or aspects of our brains, that make up what he calls our inner team and the importance of understanding which one is in charge at any given time. Here we debu...
Dec 10, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 246
In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files , we talk about introversion. If you’re an introvert, you’ve likely felt pressured, directly or indirectly, to be more like your extroverted colleagues. Workplaces tend to have an extrovert bias, which can make it really hard for introverts to own and embrace their unique strengths. This week, I’m talking with Stacey Chazin, a leadership coach and founder of I-Factor Leadership, who is a proud introvert and advocate for other introverts. Here we tal...
Dec 03, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 245
