The Impostor Syndrome Files

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.

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Connect with Alan:
Website: www.alangregerman.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-gregerman-a33b236/
Email: [email protected] 
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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:
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Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6

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Schedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session

Connect on LinkedIn:
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Website:
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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.
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Connect with Jesse:
Website: www.hikethegoodhike.org
Instagram: @hikethegoodhike
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-cody-01a5a2187 
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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. 
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Connect with Jennifer:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/CGttIHnfBbE?si=qfOIoFOWmFVkPwKz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sahady 
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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.
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Connect with Roberta:
Websites: www.RobertaFernandez.com and www.FAREHypnosis.com 
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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!).
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Connect with Maria:
Website: https://publicspeakingwithmaria.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrincon/
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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