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 Guest
Tommy Ogden is the Co-Founder and Agility & Analytics Lead of Activera Consulting, a boutique management consulting firm based in Houston, Texas, focused on the future of energy. With expertise in strategy, execution, and change, Activera's collaborative teams approach complex challenges with a mindset of inquiry. They tailor and custom-build solutions with a dedicated focus on measurable impact for clients.

Possessing a diverse skill set across many industries and educational pursuits, Tommy has developed business acumen through 20 years of experience working in myriad capacities, including – investment advisor, financial analyst, business analyst, management/strategy consultant, and project/program manager. He has earned certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), and SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC). He is known for his ability to produce unique ideas for solving problems, offer an innovative perspective, and lead a team to accomplish results within assigned deadlines, having consistently provided actionable deliverables in the agility, analytics, and strategy arenas.

Tommy also holds two Masters degrees in business administration – an MBA and a Master of Global Management in International Business & Consulting – and has most recently worked for two Fortune 20 companies in both the technology and energy industries. He was driven to continue his business education by a desire to (co-)found and lead his own business as an entrepreneur.

~

Connect with Tommy:
Website: www.activeraconsulting.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/TommyOgden
Email: togden@activeraconsulting.com

~

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 link between our identities and our jobs. Losing or leaving our jobs can be emotionally challenging because of the weight our jobs hold in our lives. Too often, we continue along the path in front of us because we’re afraid of who we’ll be, or won’t be, if we make a career change. My guest this week, Jen Lewi is the founder and CEO of Design Your Next Step. Here we talk about how to navigate the grief and identity challenges we face when making a career transition.

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. Jen holds multiple coaching certifications, a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and a Masters in Management, from HEC Paris.

~

Connect with Jen:
Website: www.designyournextstep.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenlewi/
Article links:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90874258/to-advance-your-career-you-may-want-to-think-like-a-designer

https://www.fastcompany.com/90932964/5-ways-to-build-your-career-strategy-on-linkedin

~

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 managing the pressure to be an A student at work. Many of us felt really comfortable in school because we were given very clear instructions. The workplace, unfortunately, does not come with clear instructions, yet we cling to old habits for the illusion of emotional safety these habits bring us. My guest this week, Lauree Ostrofsky, helps introverts, A students and overthinkers to more confidently take their next leap. Here Lauree and I explore how deciding for ourselves what’s good enough can help us manage perfectionism and begin to loosen the unrealistic standards we hold ourselves to so that we can do more of what is meaningful to us.

About My Guest
Lauree helps career-minded introverts, overthinkers and A students clarify their next leap and feel more confident putting themselves out there. She's the author of the happy how-to, "Simply Leap,” and the memoir, "I'm scared & doing it anyway," about her own leaps after a brain tumor diagnosis at 28. She's a coach, hugger and people connector, and believes wholeheartedly in Doing Business Differently. Get acquainted at SimplyLeap.com.

~

Connect with Lauree:
Overthinker's Quiz: https://simplyleap.com/quiz
Book: https://simplyleap.com/book
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lauree_ostrofsky
LinkedIn: https://linkedIn.com/in/laureeostrofsky

~

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 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 confidence and change the way we see ourselves.

About My Guest
Growing up Devon moved constantly, he learned to adapt to change. Devon was motivated by his challenges as a young adult, including attending the notorious Columbine high school just before the tragedy, surviving cancer at a young age, and having massive reconstructive surgery on his face. He developed what would become Social Fluency at first simply as a way to gain resilience after his own adversity, eventually building it into a company that would serve thousands of corporate (YouTube, Google, Deloitte) and personal clients around the world over the past 16 years. Devon has been featured on AOC, Jordan Harbinger's podcast and Capitalism.com. He has amassed millions of views on social media. He has spoken on stages internationally for organizations like YPO and MindValley and locally, at high schools to help the next generation become socially fluent in a world that is trying to take that precious human experience away and commodify it.

~

Connect with Devon:
Website: https://www.socialfluency.com/smalltalk-exclusive

~

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 intentional leadership. Intentional leadership looks different to different people. To my guest this week, Juan Alvarado, a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, U.S. Army veteran and leadership expert, intentional leadership is not about us as leaders. It’s about consistently asking ourselves, “Who does this person need me to be right now?” Whether that person is your employee, your spouse or your child, it’s about showing up in the way they need you to show up. Here Juan offers a model for how to be a more intentional leader at work, at home and beyond.

About My Guest
Juan is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and a revered leadership expert, drawing from his extensive experience as a U.S. Army war veteran who trained thousands of soldiers in high-pressure scenarios. Beyond his military service, Juan travels and speaks to leadership teams and their staff to enhance team leadership and their staff engagement, yielding a heightened staff understanding of their value and the importance of their intentional engagement with each other. Juan uses his trials fighting through PTSD and shares how he has mended and strengthened his marriage, his relationship with his boys, and how he now teaches intentional leadership to people across the world. His impactful work has earned him recognition on FOX, NBC, and CBS for cultivating strength-based leaders and fostering a positive workplace culture. See why people say Juan is the most relatable and motivational person they have heard speak.

~

Connect with Juan:
Website: www.weraizethebar.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rtb-juan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raizethebarceo/

~

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/coaching

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 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
Drawing on her 20-year corporate career as a Fortune 500 recruiter and corporate culture executive, Michelle provides a wealth of experience for her clients. Today, she guides executive leaders through the end-to-end job search process, from resume writing to negotiating offers. As a sought-after speaker and trainer, Michelle is a trusted source for leading-edge trends affecting senior-level job seekers and board candidates. Recognized as a civic and local leader, she serves on several community and volunteer boards (ask her about her Guinness World Record). She is based in Greater Indianapolis.

~

Connect with Michelle:
Website: www.dscareermanagement.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michellemerritt

~

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/coaching

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 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 you more effectively speak up in meetings, build trust with influencers and showcase your value.

About My Guest
Aletta Rochat is a keynote speaker and Executive Presence Coach. “Most people miss out on opportunities as they struggle to sell themselves and their ideas. I have a process that helps them build confidence, influence and executive presence, so they can excel in their careers.” Aletta works with clients from across the globe and also coaches TEDx speakers. Aletta is the author of Speak Connect Succeed – Build Your Reputation As You Speak Aletta describes leading, coaching and training as her ‘happy place’. She is a Distinguished Toastmaster and currently serves as the First Vice President of Toastmasters International. She lives in Cape Town, South Africa, and loves walking, hiking and running the occasional half marathon.

~
Connect with Aletta:
Executive Presence Self-Assessment™:
https://coaching.executivepresenceformula.com/signup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alettarochat/

~

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/coaching

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 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, mentally and physically. Here he offers insights on how to prioritize sustainability and efficiency, including following the 80/20 rule.

About My Guest
Building on his past experience as a psychotherapist and his extensive study of the human brain, personal growth, and personal performance, Steve McCready is a coach who helps small business owners become more focused, productive, and confident in their quest to use their business as a force for good in the world.

~

Connect with Steve:
Website: https://stevemccready.com
Daily Email: https://stevemccready.com/daily

~

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/coaching

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