The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore what it takes to lead through change. My guest this week is Erin Herman, keynote speaker, writer and consultant, whose mission is to help people lead with more humanity. Drawing on her experiences in both the private and public sectors, Erin shares why courage, empathy and a growth mindset are essential for navigating change. Here we talk about what gets in the way of leading change effectively, including outdated workplace systems and cultural resistance to vulnerability. Erin offers powerful insights into the difference between confidence and self-assurance, and how a strong personal value system can be a grounding force when self-doubt or impostor syndrome creep in. We also discuss how to influence our environments at every level, not just from the top. About My Guest For over 20 years, Erin Herman has worked with executive teams across the globe, including Fortune 500 companies, to lead change that actually sticks. Her leadership career has taken her from the boardrooms of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to the global halls of the United Nations. Along the way, she’s built partnerships that created lasting impact—like securing a $300 million commitment to support pediatric research, one of the largest gifts ever made to a children’s hospital. One of the projects she’s most proud of is the Learning Passport—a digital education platform she co-created with Microsoft and Cambridge University. It now reaches children in more than 40 countries and was named one of TIME’s 100 Best Inventions. It’s also been ranked the third most influential project in the world by PMI. Erin has spoken at the UN General Assembly, led global initiatives across China, Finland, Italy, and South Africa, and been featured by organizations like the University of Missouri’s Bloch School of Business. But at the heart of everything she does is a single goal: helping people lead with more humanity. Whether she’s working with C-suite leaders navigating change or high-achieving women ready to stop shrinking and start leading, her work is about creating the kind of transformation that resonates—long after the keynote ends. ~ Connect with Erin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-herman-97832217/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-herman-97832217/] Instagram: @eebherm [https://www.instagram.com/eebherm/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.beaton.18 [https://www.facebook.com/erin.beaton.18] Podvantage Page: https://erin.podvantage.ai/ [https://erin.podvantage.ai/] Website: https://theerinherman.com/ [https://theerinherman.com/] ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge [https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge] https://www.kimmeninger.com/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup [https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup] https://www.kimmeninger.com/coaching Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 [https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6] Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans [https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans] Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session [https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session] Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/] Website: https://kimmeninger.com [https://kimmeninger.com/]

In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, I talk with Melanie Marshall, keynote speaker, coach and former foreign correspondent for BBC News. Melanie spent decades reporting from some of the most dangerous and disaster-stricken parts of the world and what she came away with might surprise you. We explore how, in the midst of violence, tragedy and injustice, Melanie discovered the power of human connection, joy and purpose. She shares what she’s learned about storytelling, resilience and the importance of grace, especially toward ourselves. We also talk about how imposter syndrome can show up even after massive success, and how owning your story can be the most courageous act of all. About My Guest Melanie Marshall is a speaker, coach and filmmaker who spent over 20 years as a BBC journalist in some of the world’s most high-risk - and surprisingly inspiring places. Working under immense pressure, in wild uncertainty, for high stakes; she managed to come out the other side with award-winning results, and with her sanity and sense of humour (mostly) intact. Now from the TEDx stage to the boardroom, Melanie's new mission is to help people use her hard-won lessons to thrive in uncertainty by leaning into their 'accidental bravery' and optimism. ~ Connect with Melanie: Website: www.melaniemarshall.com [https://www.melaniemarshall.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-marshall-237a641/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-marshall-237a641/] ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge [https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge] https://www.kimmeninger.com/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup [https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup] https://www.kimmeninger.com/coaching Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 [https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6] Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans [https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans] Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session [https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session] Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/] Website: https://kimmeninger.com [https://kimmeninger.com/]

In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore how flow states, those moments of effortless focus and peak performance, can help us reconnect with our true selves and quiet the inner critic. My guest this week is Tom Roberts, retired dentist, race car driver, Buddhist practitioner and author of the upcoming book From Fear to Flow. Together, we examine what it really means to be in a flow state and why it's more accessible than most people think. Tom shares his personal journey of discovering flow through racing and Buddhist practice, and how that journey helped him reframe impostor syndrome as a form of ego protection. We also talk about why flow isn’t just for elite performers, it’s our natural state, how our ego and old narratives block access to flow and creativity and what racing taught Tom about fear, failure, and finding his own lane. About My Guest Tom Roberts is a retired dentist, race car driver, longtime Buddhist practitioner, and author of the upcoming book From Fear to Flow: Transcend the Ego and Discover the Life You Were Meant to Live. ~ Connect with Tom: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-roberts-flow/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-roberts-flow/] ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge [https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge] https://www.kimmeninger.com/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup [https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup] https://www.kimmeninger.com/coaching Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 [https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6] Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans [https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans] Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session [https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session] Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/] Website: https://kimmeninger.com [https://kimmeninger.com/]

In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore the powerful truth that courage isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you build. My guest this week is Jen Hardy, COO at the Academy of MotivAction. Together, we discuss how early life experiences shape our inner stories, why emotional awareness is key to personal growth and how courage and vulnerability are interconnected. Jen shares her own journey from feeling like an impostor in the classroom to stepping into her voice and owning her role as a teacher and coach. We also talk about how self-sabotage often shows up as a protective strategy, how to start identifying the unconscious patterns that keep us stuck, and why courage is a skill that must be practiced in order to build resilience and self-trust. About My Guest Jen Hardy, the COO at The Academy of MotivAction, is a transformation-driven educator, speaker, and coach who bridges logic and emotion to create lasting impact. A former public educator and state championship soccer coach, Jen left the traditional system to pursue a broader mission—empowering individuals to harness resilience, clarity, and emotional intelligence under pressure. With expertise in neuroscience, behavioral science, and communication, she helps people break through limitations, build confidence, and take decisive action. Beyond her work, Jen is a lifelong learner who thrives on deep conversations, is always juggling at least two books, and still finds joy on the soccer field. ~ Connect with Jen: Website: https://motivaction.academy/ [https://motivaction.academy/] ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge [https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge] https://www.kimmeninger.com/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup [https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup] https://www.kimmeninger.com/coaching Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 [https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6] Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans [https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans] Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session [https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session] Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/] Website: https://kimmeninger.com [https://kimmeninger.com/]

In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore what happens when logic isn’t enough to break through self-doubt—and how hypnosis can help us shift long-held patterns that keep us stuck. My guest this week is Jennifer Fidder, a social psychologist, NLP practitioner, and transformational hypnotist who helps high-achievers move from awareness to sustainable change. Together, we discuss the hidden logic of the subconscious mind and why the fears, perfectionism, and self-sabotage we experience aren’t personal failings—they’re outdated protective strategies. Jennifer offers a powerful reframe of impostor syndrome, not as a flaw to fix, but as a signal that we’re leveling up and stretching into new territory. We also dive into how hypnosis can help rewire our thinking and create space for more confident action — from applying for a promotion to simply taking the next bold step. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of overthinking, procrastination, or fear of failure, this episode offers a fascinating look at how we can reprogram old patterns and move forward with clarity and courage. About My Guest Jennifer Fidder is a social psychologist and hypnotist with almost 20 decades experience in the coaching field. She helps others overcome their fears, doubts, and insecurities, so they can feel more empowered, confident, and fulfilled - in their personal life and business. Her services include virtual one-on-one hypnosis sessions, workshops, seminars, as well as speeches. ~ Connect with Jennifer: Website: https://www.jenniferfidder.com [https://www.jenniferfidder.com] ~ Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files: Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge: https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge [https://www.kimmeninger.com/challenge] https://www.kimmeninger.com/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group: https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup [https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroup] https://www.kimmeninger.com/coaching Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 [https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6] Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans [https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumans] Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session [https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session] Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/] Website: https://kimmeninger.com [https://kimmeninger.com/]