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 maximize informational interviews and how to connect with your values to find the career path that’s right for you.

About My Guest
Sarah JanTausch is the Founder of SRJ Coaching and Consulting and creator of the Values-Based Career method. This method helps individuals to unlock the hidden job market and ditch burnout while creating a career move that is rooted in your core values, ideal work style, and goals. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Science degree in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University.

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Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://www.valuesbasedcareers.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jantausch/

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Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:

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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 overthinking, and better manage perfectionism so that you can achieve success on your own terms.

About My Guest
Melody’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Oprah Magazine, NBC News, and dozens of other high-profile publications.

Recently named one of Business Insider’s “Most Innovative Coaches,” Melody’s client list includes hundreds of CEOs, executives, and top-performers at the world’s most successful companies, including Google, Facebook, IBM, Netflix, and more.

Her recent speaking engagements include Amazon, Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Walmart, Conde Nast, Rutgers University, Adweek, and many other distinguished organizations.

Melody is a licensed social worker with a Masters degree from Columbia University, and a former researcher at Rutgers University. She teaches Human Behavior at Hunter College and is a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and Business Insider.

Her best-selling book, Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions into Success at Work (Chronicle Books) debuted as a #1 New Release in multiple Amazon categories and was selected by Apple Books as a “Best Book of the Month” for May 2021.

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Connect with Melody:
Websites: www.melodywilding.com
Book: www.melodywilding.com/book

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Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:

Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:
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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 status quo to become the best versions of ourselves.

About My Guest
Aaron has a 15+ year progressive background as a senior-level executive leader within public-company corporate environments & early-stage startups. Aaron’s leadership roles have included overseeing GTM strategy, operations, key growth initiatives, people & organizational development, & performance management. Aaron is passionate about leadership development, and most especially, helping professionals find their path from good-to-great. As a certified leadership & executive performance coach - Aaron leverages his background & training to support leaders with the implementation of systems, mental models, frameworks, growth programs, & external accountability that allows them to accelerate their path to operating as the best version of themselves and reaching full potential.

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Connect with Aaron:
Links: https://linktr.ee/aarontrahan

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Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:

Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:
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Website:
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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 across some of the world’s largest companies. Michael offers practical tips to help you manage self-doubt and stay connected to your value when building relationships with others. We also talk about the ways in which building your network can help you to boost your confidence at work.

About My Guest
Michael Morgan obtained his BS from Penn State University and his MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. Coupled with his educational background, he has over 15 years of work experience across companies such as Amazon, Walmart, J.P. Morgan Chase, and Chevron. His ability to build and maintain his network throughout his educational and career journey has been fruitful in his success. He has a passion for teaching and inspiring others to achieve their goals, which led him to write his first book “The Power of Networking” and begin his journey as a motivational speaker. “The Power of Networking” has won the Literary Titan Book Award, Global Book Award, International Impact Award, PenCraft Book Award, and Firebird Book Award.

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Connect with Michael:
Website: https://michaelvmorgan.com/

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Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:

Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:
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Connect on LinkedIn:
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Website:
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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 debunk the myth that you can remove emotions from a given situation and we discuss how all behaviors are triggered by our emotions. We also talk about the inner critic and how to loosen its power.

About My Guest
As a Medical Doctor, TEDx Speaker and international Executive Coach, Carlos Davidovich has a unique insight into what makes us tick.
Raised and educated in Argentina, Carlos draws upon his medical background and understanding of the brain to provide a unique coaching experience to top business leaders and organisations, all based on neuroscience.
He is the author of 'Five Brain Leadership' (2023) and 'Personality DNA' (2022) and currently resides in Madrid, Spain.

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Connect with Carlos:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhk-JSgrGx0
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Brain-Leadership-Neuroscience-Instincts/dp/1774582732
Website: www.CarlosDavidovich.com

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Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:

Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:
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Connect on LinkedIn:
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Website:
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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 talk about how introverts can identify their positive core, in other words, the best of who they are, and use it to become more confident, effective leaders. We also talk about ways extroverts and organizations can better support introverts, which leads to better outcomes for everyone.

About My Guest
Stacey Chazin, a dynamic leadership development coach and proud introvert, is rewriting the narrative on introversion. Having grappled with societal expectations that favored extraversion, Stacey underwent a remarkable transformation. Instead of conforming to societal pressures, she embraced her introverted qualities, turning them into powerful assets that allowed her to thrive both professionally and personally. Now, as a fervent advocate for introverts, Stacey draws on her extensive corporate and non-profit experience, a master’s in organizational development and leadership, and certification as a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) practitioner to empower introverts, guiding them toward self-acceptance, fulfillment, and success in the workplace and beyond.

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Connect with Stacey:
Websites: https://moementum.com/, https://ifactorleadership.com, https://ifactorleadership.com/coaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chazinconsulting/
Conference Survival Guide for Introverts: https://ifactorleadership.com/survivalguide/
Daily Productivity Hacks for Introverts: https://ifactorleadership.com/productivity/
Meeting Playbook for Introverts: 10 Strategies to Have Your Voice Heard and Your Ideas Shine: https://ifactorleadership.com/meetingplaybook/

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Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:

Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:
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Website:
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In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about dealing with drama at work. Because we’re complex humans, it can be challenging to navigate other people’s drama without making it about ourselves. In reality, though, very little about other people’s behaviors has anything to do with us. This week, I’m talking with Brenda Neckvatal, a human results professional who helps leaders tackle their toughest people challenges. Here she shares how she softened her own edges with support from a mentor who was willing to give her honest feedback. But she also notes that not all feedback is created equal. It’s important to prevent our people-pleasing tendencies from leading us to take action on feedback that isn’t right for us. We also talk about how to interpret and navigate other people’s emotional behaviors while regulating our own emotions.

About My Guest
Brenda is a three-time bestselling author, an award-winning Human Results professional, and a serial entrepreneur who has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Inc., and US News and World Reports. Perseverance, integrity, and relentless optimism are just a few of the ingredients you experience when meeting and working with Brenda.

Not only does she help business leaders tackle their toughest people challenges, but she is also a recognized expert in crisis management and group dynamics. As a trusted mentor to leaders and managers at all levels, she equips them with the skills to navigate complex interpersonal issues, resolve conflicts, and lead with confidence. By mastering these skills, they can lead their teams into tomorrow’s rapidly evolving business landscape with resilience, clarity, and purpose.

She really enjoys helping people solve their unique problems, and human resources offered her the ability to support her co-workers in a greater capacity. Having the benefit of working for a total of six Fortune 500 companies, she converted her experience into advising her audience to use tried and trusted best practices that help leaders achieve their workforce goals.

In her 30-year career in human resources and business, she has consulted to over 700 small businesses and 1,000 leaders. She has optimized employee effectiveness and helped leaders develop high-performing teams and navigate intense employment-related decisions.

She dedicates 32 weeks a year to working with The Honor Foundation to support the career transition of Special Forces personnel by providing them with her knowledge, insight, and creativity.

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Connect with Brenda:
Website: www.yobrenda.com

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Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:

Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:
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Website:
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In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about pressures on working parents in the workplace. If you’re a working parent, you know how challenging it is to navigate the pressures of advancing your career while being the parent you want to be. Unfortunately, many of us put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be perfect at work and at home. My guest this week is Moe Carrick, a workplace culture expert who is on a mission to make every workplace good for people because when people thrive at work, everybody wins. Here we talk about Moe’s decision to leave corporate America, the impact of the mothering myth and the need for systemic change when it comes to working parents.

About My Guest
Moe Carrick is an internationally recognized expert in workplace culture, with her innovative frameworks being adopted by top brands like Nike and Amazon to enhance work environments and employee satisfaction. Her talks on the future of work and employee wellbeing have graced stages like TEDx and SXSW, making her a leading voice in her field. Moe has authored bestselling books and founded Moementum Inc., a consultancy focused on building workplaces that are good for people for maximum impact. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor adventures and lives in Bend, Oregon with her family.

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Connect with Moe:
Moe’s latest book: https://moementum.com/when-work-is-good/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moecarrick/
Website: https://moementum.com/

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Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:

Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:
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In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about well-being. What does well-being look like to you? This is a question we don’t often ask ourselves but, if we want to be “successful,” it’s important to consider. My guest this week is Meico Marquette Whitlock, a well-being strategist. Here we talk about how to prioritize well-being individually and collectively. Meico shares 3 powerful questions to help us identify what’s within our control and take small but meaningful action steps to improve our well-being. He also offers insights to help us better influence the well-being conversation in our workplaces.

About My Guest
Meico Marquette Whitlock is The Mindful Changemaker and The Mindful Techie. He works with changemakers who want to improve their well-being so they can sustainably increase their well-doing in changing the world.

He is the author of the Amazon bestseller How to Thrive When Work Doesn’t Love You Back: A Practical Guide for Taking Care of Yourself While Changing the World and The Intention Planner.

He has worked for more than two decades across the non-profit, public, and private sectors leveraging information and communications technology to improve well-being in underserved communities as a software and web developer, communications director, trainer and facilitator, and mindfulness teacher.

As a transformational speaker, trainer, and coach, he facilitates transformative experiences that foster well-being in a hybrid world. He has worked with organizations such as the U.S. Federal Government, Cigna, and the World Wildlife Fund, and has been a featured speaker on ABC News, Fox 5, and Radio One.

Meico is a former triathlete, loves salsa dancing, and makes the world’s best vegan chili!

He holds an M.S. in Information Science from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from Morehouse College. He is also a certified trauma-informed mindfulness teacher.

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Connect with Meico:
Website: mindfultechie.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meicowhitlock/

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Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:

Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:
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Connect on LinkedIn:
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Website:
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In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about side hustles. Side hustles are a popular experiment these days but, for those of us who struggle with impostor syndrome and other fears, the process can be daunting. My guest this week, Jen Lewi, is an executive coach with a specialty in career strategy. Here she shares how she started her coaching business as a side hustle before officially making it her full-time role. Jen and I chat about how to come up with an idea for a side hustle, how to manage your mindset and how to take baby steps to achieve your goals.

About My Guest
Jen Lewi, MBA, CAE, ACC, is the Founder and CEO of Design Your Next Step, a boutique Executive Coaching and Career Strategy firm, helping professionals maximize their strengths and design fulfilling career paths. Jen’s clients have:

• Transitioned smoothly into a new role or industry.
• Overcome workplace challenges.
• Advanced their leadership skills.
• Grown their professional brands.
• Job-crafted to design more fulfilling jobs.
• Explored and pursued new career paths.
• Navigated parenthood with a rewarding career.

Throughout her career, Jen mastered the art of job-crafting to build fulfilling roles. She applies that learning when clients want to build a new career path, navigate a new position, or make the most of their current jobs. At the School Nutrition Association, she held a variety of senior roles in marketing, membership, professional development, and conferences. She started her career in the corporate world with leadership roles in marketing at BBC America and in advertising at Saatchi & Saatchi. These experiences allow her to link corporate and non-profit best practices and provide an international perspective to coaching engagements, as needed.

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Connect with Jen:
Website: www.designyournextstep.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenlewi/
Articles:

• How to turn your side hustle into your career
• How to balance a side hustle with a full-time job
• To advance your career, you may want to think like a designer
• 5 ways to build your career strategy on LinkedIn

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Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:

Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:
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Website:
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