The Impostor Syndrome Files
Do you ever feel like a fraud? Struggle with chronic self-doubt? Wonder if you really deserve your role?
You’re not alone. As a leadership coach who’s battled impostor syndrome myself, I created this podcast to provide a place where professionals can share their stories, shed the silent shame and feel seen.
Each episode features honest conversations with professionals from all walks of life who’ve faced impostor syndrome and found ways to move through it. We’ll also hear from experts who share practical strategies for managing ourselves and shaping environments that reduce the threat of impostor syndrome.
Let’s erase the stigma. Let’s stop pretending we’re the only ones. And let’s come together to share, support and rise above the fear that keeps us playing small.
The Impostor Syndrome Files
Turning Uncertainty into an Advantage
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In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore why uncertainty feels so uncomfortable for so many of us and how we can build a healthier, more productive relationship with it. My guest this week is Scott Stirrett, author of The Uncertainty Advantage.
Scott shares how his own experiences navigating major career risks, leading a national nonprofit and managing anxiety during the pandemic shaped his thinking about uncertainty. He explains why our brains are wired to fear the unknown, why many people would rather know a bad outcome than face uncertainty and how building “risk-taking muscles” helps us become more resilient over time.
In our conversation, we discuss the concept of anti-fragility, the hidden risks of staying too comfortable and why action is often the best antidote to anxiety. Scott also shares practical strategies for strengthening confidence, including creating a “hype document” to track wins and reconnect those successes to moments of uncertainty and growth. Finally, we explore the impact of AI on the future of work, why learning to learn is becoming one of the most important professional skills and how self-compassion helps us navigate change more effectively.
About My Guest
Scott Stirrett is an entrepreneur, author, and advocate for young people. As Founder and CEO of Venture for Canada, he's raised $80M+ to support entrepreneurial talent, backed by RBC, TD, Scotiabank, and the Government of Canada. His work has been featured in Forbes, The Washington Post, The Globe and Mail, CBC, and BNN Bloomberg. He is also an Ashoka Fellow, former Goldman Sachs analyst, and committed to helping people navigate uncertainty with clarity and compassion.
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Connect with Scott:
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Uncertainty-Advantage-Launching-Career-Change/dp/1459753224
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottstirrett/
Website: https://www.scottstirrett.com/ and https://ventureforcanada.ca/
Past podcast appearances: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xarZbEJGnncpUs3AlPE4e?si=umdVGEaeRBu_DOrek3ma-A&pi=hqkWxSVGQHyeE
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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://www.kimmeninger.com