Advertise on podcast: The Impostor Syndrome Files

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: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandibhudson Substack: https://substack.com/@brandibhudson ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 Yosi Kossowsky is a seasoned executive coach with over 18 years of experience and a background as a Chief Technology Officer and Senior Director of Talent Management. Yosi specializes in leadership development, personal growth, and effective communication, leveraging neuroscience and organizational development principles. He’s helped leaders across the globe navigate complex challenges, build high-performing teams, and drive meaningful change. Get ready to learn actionable strategies to enhance your leadership skills and foster a culture of trust and collaboration. ~ Connect with Yosi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ykossowsky/ ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 Jenn Donahue, PhD, PE is an international keynote speaker, retired U.S. Navy captain, business coach, and one of America’s leading experts on leadership and personal growth. Her mission is to walk alongside leaders, quiet the voices holding them back, and show them how to become the leaders they were meant to be. Because leadership isn’t about the spotlight—it’s about service, courage, and building others up. 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: Website: www.warriorframework.com ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 Cynthia Iorio is a Certified Caregiving Consultant™ and Program Management Professional based in Montreal, QC with over 20 years of experience working in Tech, Media, and Aerospace.  Her life has been shaped by what she calls the privilege of caring for both of her late parents through their untimely illnesses, and she has a deep understanding of the sacrifices and triumphs of taking on an informal caregiving role. Through her business Monarque Solutions and Top 100 podcast Love.Transform.Evolve, which explores the caregiver’s experience, Cynthia is transforming perspectives in caregiving while empowering organizations to partner with their working caregiver demographic, turning a perceived liability into a competitive advantage. ~ Connect with Cynthia: Website: https://www.monarquesolutions.com/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2p8WGa38RZUT0fSnzX836L?si=bbdd6c889ae34df3 ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 Jossie Haines is an executive coach, fractional engineering leader, and AI advocate with over 25 years of experience at Apple, Tile, and Zynga. She helps engineering leaders succeed in their first 90 days, show up as the strategic leaders they were hired to be, and leverage AI to optimize their time. Her mission is to retain women in tech and empower leaders to build inclusive, high-performing teams. ~ Connect with Jossie: Website: www.jossiehaines.com Get Promoted Private Podcast: https://jossiehaines.com/get-promoted-podcast-signup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jossiemann/ ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 Jeremy Hurewitz started his career overseas as a freelance journalist for a decade based out of Prague and Shanghai. During that time, he also built and ran the international newspaper association Project Syndicate. After returning to his native New York, Jeremy joined the world of corporate security. An influential but little-known industry, Jeremy works with intelligence officers and other former government officials across a range of services including kidnap-for-ransom consulting, background investigations, executive protection, and many other sensitive assignments. Jeremy is the author of Sell Like a Spy, which bring spy tradecraft to business and everyday communications. Jeremy writes regularly on foreign policy for a wide range of publications and is a policy advisor on National Security for the Joseph Rainey Center. He is a Strategic Advisor to the corporate intelligence firm Interfor International and head of Interfor Academy.  ~ Connect with Jeremy: Website: https://www.selllikeaspy.net/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeremy-Hurewitz/author/B0CNQ4KTZS?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1754401438&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 Abel is the go-to-market expert trusted by category-leading enterprises including Siemens, Samsung, AXA, and Allianz. As the founder of Hunter & Bard and creator of The Perception Formula, she helps companies reshape how they’re seen, so they can close bigger deals, earn trust faster, and grow with intention. Her perception work has doubled sales for tech companies and enabled clients to land enterprise deals they previously thought were out of reach. 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: Website: https://shiraabel.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiraabel/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shiraabel ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 Mitch’s goal is to grow a critical mass of people who live happy, productive lives—resilient, resourceful, and collaborative in the face of obstacles, adversaries, and unintended outcomes. 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/ Website: https://www.mindshiftingwithmitch.com/ Book: MindShifting, Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success: https://a.co/d/242NDWd MindShifting Courses: https://events.humanitix.com/host/mitchell-weisburgh LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mweisburgh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weisburghm/ X: https://x.com/weisburghm ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 Alan Gregerman is an internationally renowned authority on business strategy, innovation, and the hidden potential of grownups who has been called “one of the most original thinkers in business today” and “the Robin Williams of business consulting.”  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: Website: www.alangregerman.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-gregerman-a33b236/ Email: [email protected]  ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 Jesse Cody is a transformational keynote speaker who inspires audiences to reconnect with nature as a powerful tool for mental health improvement and personal growth. His compelling journey reflects a major leap from the nightlife scene in Boston and NYC into the world of hiking, where he has now covered over 16,000 miles throughout the U.S. This transformation was shaped by his personal battles with childhood sexual trauma, insecurities, depression, narcissistic tendencies, and suicidal ideation. This trauma lies at the root of his life’s struggles, informing his experiences and fueling his passion for advocacy. 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: Website: www.hikethegoodhike.org Instagram: @hikethegoodhike LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-cody-01a5a2187  ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 an accomplished public speaker and expert in personal finance. She delivers memorable and impactful presentations customizing her financial wellness message to a wide variety of audiences from high school students to executives. Jennifer has delivered presentations at Fortune 500 Companies including jetBlue, Barclays and Sony.  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: YouTube: https://youtu.be/CGttIHnfBbE?si=qfOIoFOWmFVkPwKz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sahady  ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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. Roberta shares how her work bridges the science of emotional intelligence with the power of hypnosis to help people uncover the subconscious drivers behind impostor syndrome, perfectionism and resistance to change. Roberta brings deep insight into how emotions, especially fear and anger, shape behavior and block progress. We discuss how most professionals are unaware of their own emotional patterns and internal narratives. Roberta offers a surprisingly simple but powerful practice for tuning in to your thoughts, feelings and actions throughout the day and why this kind of awareness is the first step toward sustainable change. About My Guest Roberta is an experienced corporate trainer and an Integrative Emotional Intelligence Specialist. She holds a Master Practitioner certification in NLP and is a Board-certified Hypnotherapist, making her uniquely skilled in understanding human behavior. Cleaning out Your Closet is her one-on-one program that eliminates limiting beliefs and myths and allows for a different understanding of the Self, allowing for new heights of success and satisfaction. ~ Connect with Roberta: Websites: www.RobertaFernandez.com and www.FAREHypnosis.com  ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 Growing up in a Colombian-Chinese household in Canada, Maria was a perfectionist since the age of seven. Always striving for success and to please her parents, she went on to get straight A's, win beauty pageants, complete a prestigious Master's program on full scholarship and work for the United Nations, until she hit a personal crisis of finding her purpose. As someone recovering from imposter syndrome, she's now a public speaking coach helping multilingual professionals speak with more confidence (and believe in themselves!). ~ Connect with Maria: Website: https://publicspeakingwithmaria.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrincon/ ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 Ivonne is a corporate executive and founder of Empower Up Consulting. She has spent more than 20 years inside some of the world’s biggest brands across healthcare, retail, manufacturing and real estate. She helps organizations—and the people in them—thrive through change and unleash their full potential by exposing the invisible forces that fuel disengagement and disconnection.  Ivonne is a workplace survivalist, a corporate warrior teaching others how to navigate the chaos. She understands the REAL employee experience, and builds culture that works in practice, not theory.  ~ Connect with Ivonne: Website: www.ivonnefurneaux.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivonnefurneaux/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IvonneFurneaux ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com

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 Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller isn’t just talking about leadership: she’s challenging us to do it differently. With over 20 years of cross-industry experience, she helps leaders build emotionally intelligent cultures that don’t just feel better, they perform better. A TEDx speaker, EQ coach, and author of The Empathic Leader, Melissa blends research, real-world insight, and lived experience to make empathy actionable at every level of leadership. She’s on a mission to prove that the so-called “soft” skills are the ones driving the hard results — and the future of leadership depends on them. ~ Connect with Melissa: Website: https://eqviaempathy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empathyqueen.eq/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEmpathicLeader ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Website: https://kimmeninger.com