In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how using problem-solving frameworks can help you ease self-doubt and make better decisions. My guest this week, Tommy Ogden, co-founder of Activera Consulting, shares his career journey, including the twists and turns along the way. Here we talk about the importance of trying new things to figure out what you want to do, failing quickly and moderating your expectations when you’re learning something new. Tommy also shares practical frameworks you can use to make more confident decisions and temper your impostor syndrome. About My ..read more

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about social competence. Many of us are uncomfortable in social situations because we struggle with self-doubt, have had negative experiences in our past or we’re not sure how to engage. But that wasn’t always the case. Most of us started out as pretty confident children who made ourselves smaller and smaller over time. My guest this week, Devon O’Brien Ash is the founder of Social Fluency. Here we talk about how to build our confidence through social competence. We also explore how small changes to our social behaviors can boost our conf ..read more

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about setting yourself up for success in your job search. Whether you’re actively in a job search or just starting to think about making a change, this episode is for you. My guest this week, Michelle Merritt, is the Chief Strategy Officer at D&S Executive Career Management. Here we explore how to maximize your resume, including how to use ChatGPT. We also discuss how to talk about negative job situations when you’re interviewing, how to have the dreaded salary conversation and how to navigate multiple job offers. About My Guest Draw ..read more

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how to maximize your executive presence without compromising your values. Too many professionals struggle to make their voices heard because they hesitate to sell themselves and their ideas. But what if there were a way to do all of this and stay true to yourself? This week, I talk with Aletta Rochat, an executive presence coach, who believes that stagnant careers shouldn’t happen to good people. Here she shares service-oriented strategies to help us build our confidence, visibility and influence, including specific steps to help yo ..read more

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about setting more realistic expectations for ourselves. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves these days to know everything, do everything, be everything. But, even if that were realistic, which it’s not, the world is moving at such a rapid pace that it’s impossible to keep up. My guest this week, Steve McCready, is a coach and psychotherapist who reminds us that humans have limits. And that to do the extraordinary things we want to do, we need to acknowledge and work within these limits. This means taking care of ourselves – emotionally ..read more

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about neurodivergence. As DEI initiatives have expanded to include more of a focus on neurodivergence, we’ve learned more about what it means to be neurodivergent in the workplace. Examples include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder or dyslexia. But from an inclusion standpoint, challenges remain for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals alike. This week, I talk with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent children. Here we talk about how we can all benefit from showing greater curiosi ..read more

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about reconnecting with our creativity by becoming a beginner again. As children, we are constantly pushed outside of our comfort zones. But as adults with more control over how we spend our time, we often avoid trying new things unless we’re guaranteed to do them well. This week, I’m talking with Cliff Goldmacher, a professional songwriter and music producer, about his unique approach to helping teams explore their innate creativity. Cliff works with teams to write songs, which stretches their comfort zones and strengthens their connecti ..read more

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about staying confident while looking for a new job. This is difficult under the best of circumstances but is particularly true when you’ve lost your job. How do you stay connected to your strengths and bring your best self to the search process when you still have lots of unresolved feelings? My guest this week, Debra Boggs, is the founder and CEO of D&S Executive Career Management. Here we talk about how to confidently navigate your job search. In addition to discussing higher-level strategy, she also offers great practical tips on ..read more

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about managing up. For professionals with impostor syndrome or self-doubt, managing up can be a big challenge. Many of us prefer to keep our heads down, do good work and avoid the politics. Unfortunately, if your goal is advancement, that strategy won’t get you there. My guest this week, Roberta Matuson, is an executive coach and author of the book, Suddenly in Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around. Here she shares her own story of learning the hard way about the importance of managing up. We also discuss strategies yo ..read more

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the importance of helping men to become more emotionally connected. My guest this week is Mike Cameron, leadership coach and author of the book, Becoming A Better Man: When "Something's Gotta Change", Maybe It's You! Here Mike shares his personal journey from financial entrepreneur to coaching men to improve their mental health by becoming more emotionally connected, which began with the murder of his girlfriend by her ex-boyfriend. Mike and I talk here about the ways in which the patriarchy negatively impacts men as well and how we ..read more