What if the fear of being "found out" is the very thing keeping you from the visibility and impact you deserve?

In this profound episode of The Impodsters Podcast, Johnny sits down with Kim Meninger, a certified leadership coach and host of The Imposter Syndrome Files podcast. With over 250 conversations on the topic, Kim dismantles the myth that we must check our humanity at the office door. She reveals how the relentless pursuit of a "perfect professional" persona fuels imposter syndrome and silences our most valuable contributions.

This is a deep dive into the heart of workplace authenticity. Kim shares her own intense battle with imposter syndrome in the high-tech world, where she felt "one question away" from being exposed as a fraud. From that experience, she built a framework for turning self-doubt into a catalyst for connection and growth.

The conversation explores:

• The "Other" in the Room: How feeling like an outsider—whether due to background, personality, or role—becomes a primary trigger for imposter feelings and how to reclaim your sense of belonging.

• Vulnerability as the Keystone: Why showing up as your messy, human self isn't a weakness, but the foundational step to building psychological safety and high-performing teams.

• The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Kim's pivotal moment when a senior executive reframed her entire narrative, revealing how the "fraud" story we internalize is often completely disconnected from how others see us.

• Seeing in 3D: Moving beyond 2D, transactional interactions to build teams where colleagues are seen as whole people, unlocking collaboration and reducing anxiety.

• The Deeper Roots: How childhood messages and past traumas shape our adult professional insecurities and the path to updating those "files" with the power and agency we hold today.

• The Imposter's Paradox: Why high achievers are most susceptible and how the discomfort of growth is a sign you're on the right track, not a signal of failure.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they need to know everything, hide their struggles, or perform a polished version of themselves to succeed. It's a compelling case for a more humane, authentic, and effective way to work.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to transform your imposter syndrome from a source of isolation into a tool for deeper human connection and leadership.

Explore Kim's Work: Visit her official website for coaching and resources: https://www.kimmeninger.com Watch her TEDx Talk, "How to Bring Your Diverse Voice to the Workplace": https://youtu.be/lRJ2wwaqtMA Listen to The Impostor Syndrome Files podcast: https://www.kimmeninger.com/podcast

Connect with us: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheImpodsters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122104755302544854&set=a.122104755332544854 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105220316/admin/dashboard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_impodsterspodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.impodsters

Work with Mellisah Moyo: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01ad7484d49f5c8612

What if the very act of hiding your work to feel "safe" is the single biggest risk to your career?

In this eye-opening episode of The Impodsters Podcast, Johnny has a transformative conversation with Susan M. Barber, a former Fortune 500 IT Director turned executive coach and author. Susan shares the pivotal moment she was given shocking feedback: despite being a top talent, she was seen as sitting in the back of the room, not participating, and failing to add her voice. This wasn't just about missed recognition—it was a wake-up call that by hiding herself, she was also hiding her team and their crucial work from the visibility they deserved.

This conversation is a masterclass in strategic visibility. Susan dismantles the myth that keeping your head down is the safest path, revealing how it actually makes you and your team vulnerable. Instead, she provides a powerful, authentic roadmap for stepping into the spotlight with confidence.

The conversation dives into:

The Six Faces of Imposter Syndrome: Susan's groundbreaking framework that categorizes imposter feelings into distinct types—from the Agreeable Accommodator to the Criticism Avoider—helping you pinpoint exactly how your self-doubt manifests and holds you back.

The RISE Framework for Visibility: Susan's actionable, four-step system (Reflect, Ideate, Select, Evaluate) to intentionally build a visibility plan that aligns with your strengths and values, moving you from hidden to seen.

You're Hiding More Than Yourself: The profound realization that when you play small, you silence your entire team's contributions, potentially putting their value and security at risk in the organization.

Rewriting Your "Base Files": Susan's powerful analogy for the limiting beliefs and old stories we subconsciously "pull from the filing cabinet" and how to replace them with narratives that empower your growth.

Language as Your Leverage: Simple but transformative shifts in how you speak about your work that instantly project competence, ownership, and credibility, moving away from diminishing phrases that keep you overlooked.

This episode is for every leader, high-achiever, and introvert who knows they have more to contribute but fears that self-promotion means sacrificing authenticity. It's a practical guide to making your value known, not for ego, but for impact.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to turn your visibility from a source of anxiety into your greatest professional asset.

Explore Susan's Work: Get her book, The Visibility Factor: https://susanmbarber.com/thevisibilityfactor/ Listen to her podcast, The Visibility Factor Podcast: https://susanmbarber.com/podcastplayer/ Visit her website: https://susanmbarber.com

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What if your imposter syndrome isn't a flaw to be fixed, but a powerful energy to be harnessed?

In this profound episode of The Impodsters Podcast, Johnny sits down with one of the world's leading anxiety experts, Dr. David Rosmarin. Together, they dismantle the exhausting goal of "conquering" self-doubt and instead explore a more transformative path: leveraging the momentum of imposter syndrome and anxiety as a catalyst for growth, resilience, and deeper human connection.

Dr. Rosmarin shares his own encounters with imposter feelings on the prestigious campuses of Harvard and McLean Hospital, revealing how that persistent pinch of "what am I doing here?" became a hidden asset in his career. His personal journey laid the foundation for his work, helping thousands reframe their anxiety from a burden into a guide.

This conversation is a masterclass in understanding the anxiety paradox. They explore the pivotal moment a simple, human reassurance can break the cycle of isolation, revealing our profound need for psychological safety.

The conversation dives into:

The Four-Step Framework to Harness Anxiety: Dr. Rosmarin's actionable process to transform your relationship with anxiety: Identify the root, Share to connect, Embrace to build resilience, and Let Go of what you can't control.

Imposter Syndrome as a Hidden Asset: Why feeling like an imposter is often a sign of humility and self-awareness, making you a more effective and connected leader than those with unshakable, and sometimes grandiose, confidence.

Anxiety vs. Fear, Defined: The critical difference between a response to a clear and present danger and a response to a future or imagined threat (like being "found out").

The Power of Community: How modern individualism and isolation fuel anxiety, and why sharing our emotional struggles is a powerful antidote to imposter feelings.

Self-Compassion Over Combat: Why the goal isn't to eliminate imposter syndrome but to practice self-compassion and harness it constructively, because trying to "get rid of it" often makes it stronger.

This episode is for any high-achiever who is tired of fighting their own mind. It's an actionable guide to building the emotional and psychological frameworks that turn doubt into fuel.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to thrive from a place of authentic self-assurance.

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Explore David's Work:

• Watch his TED Talk: How to Make Anxiety Your Friend

• Dive into his Masterclass: dhrosmarin.com/masterclass/

Work with Mellisah Moyo: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01ad7484d49f5c8612

What if the key to silencing your "imposter" isn't more knowledge, but a different kind of intelligence?

In this compelling episode of The Impodsters Podcast, hosts Johnny and Jeff sit down with distinguished C-suite executive and leadership coach Bill Tingle. Together, they unpack how imposter syndrome manifests not as a lack of skill, but as a critical gap in emotional intelligence—and how closing that gap can transform self-doubt into your greatest leadership asset.

Bill shares his own pivotal journey from a software engineer, terrified he'd be "found out" in a new management consulting role, to a confident leader who discovered that "leadership is fundamental." His personal struggle became the foundation for his work, helping high-achieving technologists and executives step into their power.

This conversation is a masterclass in reframing the imposter experience. They explore the surprising moment a leader's simple reassurance lifted a world of fear off Bill's shoulders, revealing the profound human need for psychological safety and validation.

The conversation dives into:

• The "Doer to Leader" Trap: Why technologists and high-performers struggle most when moving into leadership, and how to declare yourself a "beginner" to unlock curiosity.

• Emotional Intelligence as Your Anchor: A practical definition of EQ that focuses on awareness of emotions, their power to drive action, and the ability to consciously shift them.

• "Friends and Enemies of Learning": How emotions like "I have to know it all" become enemies that fuel imposter syndrome, and how to cultivate "friends" like curiosity and openness.

• The Language of Leadership: How the five fundamental constructs of language—declarations, requests, promises, assessments, and assertions—can build unshakeable trust and accountability in teams.

• The Self-Trust Deficit: The fascinating link between breaking promises to yourself and deepening feelings of being an imposter.

This episode is for any leader who has ever felt like they were "faking it," especially those transitioning from technical expert to people leader. It's an actionable guide to building the emotional and linguistic frameworks that turn doubt into confidence.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to lead from a place of authentic self-assurance.

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Explore Bill's Work: Dive deeper into his "Fundamental Leadership Framework" at tingleleadership.com

Work with Mellisah Moyo: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01ad7484d49f5c8612

What if the feeling of being an "imposter" isn't a personal flaw, but a story you were taught to believe?

In this deeply insightful episode of The Impodsters, host Johnny ventures to Hobart, Australia for a conversation with Dr. Terri Simpkin—an academic, consultant, and global expert who reframes how we understand the imposter experience. Moving beyond simple self-doubt, they explore the powerful societal narratives and subconscious "stories of otherness" that shape our deepest insecurities.

Terri shares her own raw journey, from a late university admission fueled by a fear of not belonging, to achieving high marks and waiting to be "found out," all the way through to her PhD. Her personal struggle ignited a professional passion to understand the intricate web of factors that make so many high-achievers feel like frauds.

This conversation is an invitation to look inward and examine the origins of your own self-doubt. At one point, they touch on the paradox of public performance—how the very people who light up a stage can be crippled by doubt in the wings—reminding us that our external confidence often masks an internal battle.

The conversation dives into:

• The "Story of Otherness": How social learning and background create a narrative that you don't belong in the room.

• Imposter Phenomenon vs. Self-Doubt: Why this is more than just a moment of insecurity and its long-term impact on your career.

• The Role of Representation: How seeing someone like you succeed can dismantle the imposter narrative before it even begins.

• Reclaiming Your Narrative: Practical tools for recognizing, challenging, and quieting the internal imposter voice.

• The Performance Paradox: Why Johnny and Terri can love public speaking while still wrestling with feelings of being an imposter.

This episode is for anyone who has ever achieved something great, only to whisper to themselves, "I just got lucky." It's a powerful step toward untangling yourself from the stories you didn't write and stepping into the power you've earned.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to rewrite your narrative.

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What if your drive for meaning and purpose isn't just ambition… but a response to imposter syndrome?

In this episode of The Impodsters Podcast, host Johnny sits down with Nashville powerhouse and legacy leader Janet Miller to unpack the hidden layers of imposter syndrome that often live beneath success, ambition, and purpose-driven work.

Together, they explore the unique pressures that come with being seen as a leader—especially when your inner voice quietly questions whether you truly deserve the recognition. Janet opens up about her own journey, sharing moments of doubt, the weight of legacy, and the vulnerability that comes with leading in the public eye.

At one point, they reflect on a quote often attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt: "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." It's a fitting reminder of the deeper conversations this episode brings to the surface—about identity, meaning, and the emotional cost of high achievement.

The conversation dives into:

• Why high-achievers struggle to believe their success is earned

• How imposter syndrome can quietly shape our leadership style

• The tension between visibility and vulnerability

• Whether our craving for meaning and purpose is a symptom—or a solution—to imposter syndrome

This episode is an invitation to all leaders—quiet or loud—to reflect on their inner world and redefine what strength really looks like.

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What if imposter syndrome isn't a disorder at all?

In this powerful episode, psychologist and author Dr. Jill Stoddard joins The Imposters to break down why "imposterism" affects so many of us — and why that might not be such a bad thing. From perfectionism to parenting, from evolution to acceptance, this is a deep, real, and even funny look at how we talk to ourselves and what we believe about our worth.

Topics we explore:

• Why "imposter syndrome" is the wrong name

• The 5 imposter types: which one are you?

• Evolutionary roots of self-doubt

• How being "othered" leads to imposter thoughts

• The surprising upside of imposterism

Guest: Dr. Jill Stoddard

Author of Imposter No More

Find out what type of imposter you are: https://jillstoddard.com/quizzes Learn more: https://jillstoddard.com

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What if what you're feeling isn't just self-doubt, but something deeper and more persistent?

In this episode of The Impodsters Podcast, hosts John, Jeff, and Kyle dive into one of the most misunderstood aspects of imposter syndrome: the often blurry boundary between everyday self-doubt and the deeper, more chronic experience of imposter syndrome.

The hosts explore what makes imposter syndrome so unique – the internal voice that persists despite evidence of your success, and the emotional weight that comes with constantly feeling like a fraud.

Throughout the episode, they reflect on their own experiences and draw on insights shared by previous guest Kris Kelso, the author of Overcoming the Imposter. Together, they unpack how imposter syndrome often masks itself as humility or caution, and how it can lead to overworking, people-pleasing, or avoiding risk altogether.

They also challenge the well-worn phrase "fake it till you make it," instead offering practical tools to cultivate humble confidence – the mindset that acknowledges growth while embracing vulnerability.

Resources mentioned:

• The Body Never Lies: Amazon

• The Drama of the Gifted Child: Amazon

• Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck

  • Link: Amazon

• Link: Amazon

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What if imposter syndrome isn't just a feeling of self-doubt but a side effect of success?

In this episode of The Impodsters Podcast, the hosts sit down with Kris Kelso, a thought leader on imposter syndrome, keynote speaker, and author of Overcoming the Imposter. With over 70,000 views on his TED talk about the topic, Kris shares his expertise on understanding and overcoming imposter syndrome, especially in high achievers and creatives.

The conversation kicks off with Kris's unique definition of imposter syndrome, describing it as "a pattern of thinking where a person systematically and persistently doubts the reality of their success, despite evidence to the contrary." He also delves into the ongoing debate over the terms "imposter" vs. "impostor," and why some psychologists prefer calling it the "imposter phenomenon."

Kris challenges the popular "fake it till you make it" approach and explains why it can lead to further erosion of confidence for those dealing with imposter syndrome. Instead, he advocates for cultivating "humble confidence" – acknowledging inexperience while trusting in the ability to learn and grow.

Throughout the episode, Kris emphasizes the importance of embracing failure and mistakes as part of the learning process, and discusses the significant role our societal norms and education system play in shaping a mindset where learning is seen as a one-time event, not a continuous journey.

Kris and the hosts explore how imposter syndrome manifests in high achievers and creatives, discussing how social media and the comparison trap can exacerbate feelings of self-doubt. They also touch on how certain leadership styles and workplace cultures can worsen these feelings by discouraging vulnerability.

Kris shares practical strategies for managing imposter syndrome, including focusing on measurable outcomes and using self-awareness as a tool for resilience. He also discusses the power of personifying the "inner critic," or imposter voice, as a separate entity from one's true self. This technique allows people to gain perspective and create distance from self-doubt.

With personal stories, actionable insights, and a focus on leadership strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with imposter syndrome in their career or creative pursuits. Stay tuned for the next episode, where the hosts will dive deeper into the experiences of another guest navigating imposter syndrome.

Resources Mentioned:

Access Kris Kelso's website here

Access Kris Kelso's book (Overcoming The Impostor) here

Kris Kelso's TED talk (over 70,000 views) here

Carol Dweck's book "Mindset"

Mel Robbins' work on collaboration and learning

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Do you ever feel like you don't deserve your success?

Get to Know Johnny – The Impodsters Podcast (Episode 4) Show Notes

In this episode of The Impodsters Podcast, we continue our three-part series on imposter syndrome as Johnny takes the hot seat! Kyle leads the discussion, asking Johnny 20 thought-provoking questions about self-doubt, leadership, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Defining Imposter Syndrome – How it stems from fear, perceived weaknesses, and self-doubt.

Overcoming Leadership Challenges – Johnny shares his experience in a leadership program where he struggled to see himself as a leader, despite being a co-founder.

Reframing Failure – The journey from fearing failure to embracing it as a tool for growth. The Power of Self-Compassion – How a "brag book" helped Johnny celebrate his achievements without feeling like an imposter.

The Four R's of Managing Imposter Syndrome – Johnny introduces a powerful framework:

• Research – Learn about imposter syndrome and how it manifests.

• Reflect – Examine past experiences to identify patterns of self-doubt.

• Recognize – Identify when imposter syndrome is at play.

• Remediate – Develop strategies to counteract imposter syndrome and turn it into a "damage advantage."

• Johnny's eye-opening experience in a leadership program.

• How imposter syndrome impacted Johnny's personal and professional growth.

• The role of leaders in fostering an environment that reduces imposter syndrome.

With raw honesty, personal anecdotes, and practical strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand and manage their own imposter syndrome.

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