The Imposter Syndrome Network Podcast

Join Chris Grundmann and Zoe Rose in the poignant and heartfelt final episode of the Imposter Syndrome Network podcast. As they wrap up an incredible journey with their 100th episode, Chris and Zoe take a nostalgic look back at the episodes that made an impact, the lessons learned, and the experiences shared. They delve into the recurring themes of community, overcoming self-doubt, and the realization that no one is truly alone in their struggles.In this episode, you'll hear about the transformative power of conversations, the importance of support systems, and the profound insights gained from guests who opened up about their own battles with imposter syndrome. Whether you're a long-time listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode is a touching tribute to the podcast's legacy and a celebration of the authentic connections forged along the way.Don't miss the emotional and inspiring conclusion to a series that has touched countless lives.So long and thanks for all the fish--Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)! Make it a great day.

Today, we have a special treat for you as we delve into the life and career of our own Chris Grundemann. Known for his insightful interviews and technical expertise, Chris takes the hot seat to share his remarkable journey.Chris takes us through the diverse career roles and paths he's navigated, and shares how his passion for technology led him to take on various positions, balancing employment with entrepreneurial ventures while raising his children. He discusses the challenges of dealing with impostor syndrome, especially in a field where he didn't fit the traditional mold of an entrepreneur, and from the perspective of someone without a formal education. Chris also shares personal anecdotes about his early life, the ironies of starting a career to avoid people only to find himself in roles requiring significant communication, and his intrinsic motivation to take initiative and try out ideas himself.Don't miss this captivating conversation where we uncover some of the layers that make up the man that is Chris Grundemann.-"My driving force is learning… as long as I'm learning, then it's cool. We can get through this."-Chris' Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cgrundemann/ Blog: https://chrisgrundemann.com/index.php/blog/ Modern Autodidactism: https://medium.com/modern-autodidactism Network Automation Forum: https://networkautomation.forum FullCtl: https://www.fullctl.com/ IX-Denver: https://ix-denver.org/OIX: https://www.oix.org/--Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)! Make it a great day.

Today, we have a very special episode featuring our own Zoë Rose. You've heard her interview multiple talents in the industry, and now it’s her turn to share her story.Zoë takes us through the diverse roles and paths she's navigated in her career. She shares how the ironies of life led her to pursue a field she thought would require minimal social interaction, only to realize the critical importance of communication in the IT world.She discusses the difficulties she faced as a woman in a male-dominated workplace, her advocacy for clarity and communication as someone who struggles with understanding others, and the challenges of being a working single mother.Zoë also reflects on her journey to self-valuation and the importance of admitting when you don’t know something.Don't miss this insightful conversation with Zoë. No matter how well you think you know someone, there's always something new to learn.-I've learned that admitting your mistakes and being upfront about it builds trust and respect. It's okay to say 'I don't know.' That honesty has been crucial in my career.-Zoë's Links:LinkedInTwitterBloghttps://techfieldday.net/@RoseSec  https://bsky.app/profile/rosesec.bsky.social  --Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)! Make it a great day.

In this episode, Zoe is back with a one-on-one with Troy Hunt. He is the founder of the pivotal cybersecurity resource “Have I Been Pwned”, the Microsoft regional director, MVP, Pluralsight instructor, and an active member of the security community.Troy shares his unexpected journey from aspiring pilot to tech influencer, revealing how a simple blog post evolved into a career-defining move. He discusses the power of public contributions to Stack Overflow, user group attendance, and open-source code repositories in establishing credibility in the tech world.We delve into the importance of communication skills, not just in tech but in life, and how blogging tests one’s knowledge. We also touch on the challenges of self-employment, the balance between work and personal life, and the lessons learned from mistakes.Don’t miss this candid conversation that explores the intersections of tech, career growth, and the personal journeys that shape us.-Just go out there and do stuff.Put yourself out there.-Links: LinkedInTwitterBloghttps://bigmachine.io/pwned/ --Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)! Make it a great day.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Nathaniel Todd where we talk about his humble start in a farming community near Chicago, tearing apart old VHS to working at Colorado’s largest Internet exchange providers.Rather than pursuing a traditional college education, Nathaniel chose a different path: he joined the army. His decision led to a long and prosperous career, filled with valuable experiences. As a network engineer, he learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and the art of learning from mistakes.We will talk about how wrestling played a significant role in shaping his character during his youth. It taught him resilience, self-reliance, and discipline—qualities that have been invaluable in his technology career.Don’t miss this exciting conversation with Nathaniel Todd!-“Wrestling steered my life.It’s the ultimate in teaching you how to pick yourself back up after you failWrestling paved the way for me to be able to say I made it to where I’m at."---Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)! Make it a great day.

In this episode we are accompanied by Simone Spinelli, a seasoned network and system engineer, as he delves into his inspiring career trajectory. From his academic roots at the University of Pisa to his role in the ISP sphere in the Netherlands, Simone’s journey is a testament to the power of growth and learning in the tech industry.He’ll explain to us what is the difference between users and customers, the importance of community in tech, his transition from network engineer to network architect at GÉANT, and the challenges of network automation and optimization.Don’t miss this exciting talk with Simone Spinelli!-Communication is one of the key things to do work in tech.because there is this idea that we work in isolation.But no, actually that's not how it works. -Links: LinkedInGEANT--Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)! Make it a great day.

In today’s extraordinary episode, we continue our series of tech-adjacent guests, and we are honored to talk with Marisol Sepulveda, a double board-certified physician in occupational and preventive medicine. Currently, she serves as a medical director for Optum United Healthcare.During our conversation, we delve into her experiences with workplace discrimination, the importance of resilience in speaking out against harassment, and her experience working in a male-dominated environment. Marisol also shares her passion for transforming healthcare to make healthy choices accessible and to support patient-focused care. She emphasizes the value of authentic leadership, the impact of mentors, and the importance of diverse perspectives in effective teamwork.Join us for this important discussion with our friend Marisol!-If the shoe doesn't fit, don't force it because it will break and it will break you-Links: LinkedInInstagram--Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)! Make it a great day.

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Calkins, a visionary in the tech industry whose early love for technology led him to run a BBS at the tender age of 12.Mark has navigated the highs and lows of the tech world, starting his career amidst the internet bubble and quickly advancing to work on AS 1 by 18. His journey took a pivotal turn at Time Warner Telecom, shaping his future endeavors.He shares his transformative experience at ViaSat, where he played a key role in pioneering internet services on airplanes, witnessing firsthand the real-world impact of his innovations.As a leader at Packet Fabric, Mark discovered his knack for steering teams away from office politics, focusing on direct and empathetic leadership, especially during crises.We’ll explore his professional philosophy, views on the relevance of certifications today, and commitment to giving back to the community.Join us for this inspiring and insightful conversation with Mark Calkins.-“I don’t think I’m one of the best at building things.I am one of the best at fixing things though, and my approach to architecture and building is like troubleshooting in reverse.It’s kind of how I approach things and what would I do if this was broken."-Links:LinkedIn--Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)! Make it a great day.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to feature Glenn Dekhayser, a tech virtuoso whose career spans over 28 years, marked by a relentless pursuit of simplicity in technical solutions for complex business needs.Glenn takes us back to his roots, where a computer gifted by his mother ignited a lifelong passion for technology, leading him to an early job at Radio Shack. His knack for sales, honed by his experiences as a musician, paved the way for his college years, where he learned the invaluable skill of learning how to learn.From developing one of the first B2B online sales platforms in the early ‘90s to his audacious leap to Equinix, Glenn’s journey is a narrative of innovation, risk-taking, and the joy of doing what you love. He candidly shares the challenges of feeling like an outsider in the channel, selling others’ products, and the imposter syndrome that accompanied him even as he joined a large company surrounded by brilliant minds.Tune in to this compelling episode with Glenn Dekhayser, as we explore the power of embracing “I don’t know,” the courage to solve problems without seeking permission, and the personal and professional growth that comes from stepping out of comfort zones.-“Make sure you know that ‘I don’t know’ are three good words… The wrong approach to imposter syndrome is to try to make something up.”-Links:LinkedInBlogFediverse--Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)! Make it a great day.

In this episode, we’re joined by Arjan Timmerman, a distinguished IT architect and analyst whose career has flourished over 25 years across the European tech landscape.Arjan recounts his early days, from his first summer job dealing with tulip bulbs to his “real” job involving AutoCAD drawings, which led him to pioneer a computer backup system for storing these designs. This marked the beginning of his technological journey, navigating through the eras of floppy disks and evolving storage capacities.We delve into the transformation of TECHunplugged from an event-centric venture to a content powerhouse and now a respected analyst firm, priding itself on delivering nuanced, EU-centric analysis in a multilingual format.Tune in to this engaging episode with Arjan Timmerman, as we navigate the intersections of IT innovation, team synergy, and the personal growth that shapes a fulfilling career.-Everybody has a voice and should have a voice, you know something that another doesn’t know - if you tell both stories you can find the better path… Being honest about your skills and what you can do helps, and gets easier.-Links:LinkedInBlog--Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)! Make it a great day.