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:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Blog
• https://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: 

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Blog
• https://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 fail
Wrestling 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: 

• LinkedIn
• GEANT

--

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: 

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

--

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:

• LinkedIn
• Blog
• Fediverse

--

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:

• LinkedIn
• Blog

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

In this episode, we chat with Steve Dodd, a seasoned network engineer with a career spanning over two decades.

Steve shares his accidental stumble into networking, his growth through working on increasingly larger networks, and his current role at Slack, where he navigates the complexities of cloud-based networking.

We explore the parallels between his passion for skiing and his approach to networking, emphasizing the importance of consistency, practice, and being open to coaching and feedback.

Steve also reflects on the influence of mentors and thought leaders in his career, despite never having met them, highlighting the impact of their writings and presentations on his professional development.

Join us for this insightful conversation with Steve Dodd, as we uncover the lessons learned from both the mountains and the digital landscape.

-
Rock climbing is a practice of failure.
You fall a lot, but each fall is an opportunity to learn.
It’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about mitigating risk and having a backup plan.
-

Steve's Links:

• LinkedIn

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

Today we chat with Professor Gihan Dias, who is widely regarded as the father of the Internet in Sri Lanka. He brought the Internet to his country, starting from his post-graduate studies in California, where he first encountered the technology.

We dive into his career journey from setting up the first e-mail system, the Lanka Education and Research Network (LEARN), and the LK domain registry, to his current work on cyber safety, e-learning, and language. He reveals his problem-solving and innovation philosophy, guiding him throughout his career.

Gihan talks about how he overcame the challenges and seized the opportunities he faced in bringing the Internet to Sri Lanka, as well as the skills and technologies he learned along the way. He also shares his passion for making the Internet more accessible, secure, and effective for the people of Sri Lanka.

Join us for this fascinating interview with our friend Professor Gihan Dias.

-
If something doesn't work, that's not the end of the world.
Just try again.
Back up, maybe move to a different action, and try again.
-

Gihan's Links: 

• LinkedIn
• Internet Hall of Fame
• Google Scholar

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

In this episode, we chat with Josh Snowhorn, the founder and CEO of Quantum Loophole, a data center company that is building the biggest data center campus in the world, with the most amount of power and fiber.

Josh shares his career journey, from how skipping work to go surfing accidentally got into telecom and data center sales, to becoming a leader and innovator in the interconnection industry, working for companies like Terremark, Verizon, Cincinnati Bell, and CyrusOne.

He also talks about the role and challenges of being a CEO and reveals some of his mentors and influences, such as Manny Medina and Gary Wojtaszek, who pushed him to achieve things he didn’t think he could.

This is a fascinating and inspiring conversation that you don’t want to miss!

-
Do what you love
If you're miserable it's going to make everybody else miserable around you.
So move on, go somewhere else, do something else, and follow your passions.
-

Josh's Links: 

• LinkedIn
• Quantum Loophole

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

Today we chat with Phil McKinney, a successful business person and innovator who has been the CTO of HP and the CEO of Cable Labs.

We explore Phil’s career journey from starting as a software engineer and working on projects such as the original Mac, biometric security, and computer graphics, to leading the innovation program at HP and creating products that earned HP a spot on Fast Company’s list of the most innovative companies.

He shares some of the lessons and insights he learned along the way, as well as some of the mentors and influences that shaped his thinking.

Phil talks about his views on the difference between invention and innovation, and how he learned to communicate and collaborate with different roles and functions within an organization.

Join us for this inspiring interview with our friend Phil McKinney.

-
The question we would always ask in a pitch session was,
“Will this play in Iowa?”
Doesn't matter whether it plays in Silicon Valley or in New York.
Those are bubbles.
If you're looking to have a broad impact, you need to have an understanding of what people are dealing with on a day-to-day basis.
-

Phil's Links: 

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Blog
• Hacking Autism
• Podcast (Killer Innovations)
• Book (Beyond the Obvious)
• CableLabs
• Wikipedia

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

Our guest today is Doug Madory, the director of Internet analysis at Kentik.

He shares his journey from being a curious kid who transcribed games from magazines to becoming a world-renowned expert in Internet measurement and data analysis.

Doug explains what Internet analysis is and how he uses data to uncover the secrets and mysteries of the Internet infrastructure. He also talks about his work at various startups and companies, such as Renesys, Dyn, Oracle, and Kentik, and some of the patents and publications he has authored or co-authored.

We discuss the value of asking questions, learning from mistakes, and supporting your salespeople. We also delve into the challenges and benefits of remote work, especially for new hires and interns, and how to network and connect with people at conferences.

-
I'm here to lobby for the role of an analyst.
Going  into a a data set and figure out what's interesting and be able to tell that story to other folks is, I think, an underappreciated skill set.
I intend to be doing it until the day I die.

-

Doug's Links: 

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Wikipedia

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

Our guest today is Stan Barber, a veteran IT professional with 40 years of experience in networking and internet technologies.

He shares his journey from being a computer systems administrator at a medical college to working for various internet service providers to joining Google Fiber and beyond.

From a rather non-technical background of studying biochemistry and psychology in college, he explains how he uses what he learned and applies the scientific method to his way of looking at problems.

We will talk about Stan’s insights and challenges on topics such as IPv6 adoption, network automation, balancing management and technology roles, and how it felt to be the “old person in the room” when he started at Google.

-
IT is always changing, so you need to remember that you need to keep learning.
Always look for opportunities to learn.
-

Stan's Links: 

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Blog 
• Texas IPv6 Work Force 
• Consulting

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

Today we chat with Slim Hamouda, a freelance network automation engineer from France who works with various clients to help them automate their network operations and workflows.

We explore Slim’s career path from studying telecommunications engineering, to earning Cisco certifications, to becoming a network automation expert. He reveals some of the difficulties and rewards of working as a freelance consultant, and how he builds trust and rapport with his clients.

Slim also shares his passion for solving problems with software, and how he adapts to different tools and frameworks depending on the project requirements. He gives some advice for aspiring network automation engineers, and how he balances his impostor syndrome and self-confidence.

-
See what you like, and what you don't like.
And if you like to solve problems, you will see that automation is the best way to solve problems.
-

Slim's Links:

• LinkedIn

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

Today we chat with Leslie Daigle, CTO at Global Cyber Alliance, where she works on addressing cyber security challenges that require collective action and coordination among different stakeholders in the internet ecosystem.

We peek into Leslie’s career journey from being a computer science student to a programmer, a manager, a leader, and a collaborator in various internet-related organizations and projects, such as Bunyip, IETF, World IPv6 Day, and MANRS.

In this talk, we will hear some of Leslie’s insights and challenges in her work, such as how to frame problems in ways that matter to others, how to balance technical and human aspects, how to deal with imposter syndrome and career transitions, and how to support network operator groups like NANOG.

-
Individual contracts and consulting kept me entertained but really got to the point where I was like “well, this is fun, but I can't do big things on my own”
It's much more interesting to be part of something.
-

Links: 

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Fediverse
• Thinking Cat
• TechSequences

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

Today we chat with Doug Kay, a self-branded security-minded network engineer with past roles at multiple networking companies.

We tackle Doug's career journey from starting as a Novell and Windows administrator, to working at Juniper, Cisco, Gigamon, Nokia, and Arista, in various roles such as pre-sales, post-sales, and government contractor. He shares some of the challenges and opportunities he faced along the way, as well as some of the skills and technologies he learned.

Doug talks about how he learned to prioritize his family and hobbies over work, and how he found satisfaction and validation in his post-sales role at Arista. He also mentions some of his hobbies, such as cars and podcasting, and how they helped him cope with stress and connect with his father.

Accompany us to this great interview with our friend Doug Kay.

-
I remember this great quote from somebody at Juniper,
He said “erybody has something that they really care about
in this world that's important…”
and I thought he was gonna say work or money.
he said Family.
-

Doug's Link: 

• LinkedIn
• Cars Loved (podcast)

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

Today we chat with Maxie Reynolds, a former underwater robotics pilot, cybersecurity expert, and founder of Subsea Cloud.

We cover Maxie’s diverse and adventurous career path, from working offshore in oil and gas to studying computer science and cybersecurity, to starting her own company that combines her passions for the ocean and technology.

Maxie explains the concept and benefits of Subsea Cloud and addresses some of the challenges and misconceptions about putting data centers underwater, such as security, maintenance, and thermal pollution.

Join us for this deep dive into Maxie Reynolds's career.

-
The world doesn’t care if the data center is on the beach or if it’s an inch in water or at the bottom of the ocean.
The focus should be to reduce the energy because that’s what affects the world
-

Maxie's Links: 

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• SubSea Cloud
• The Art of Attack
• Book Recommendations:
  • How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil
  • Free Will by Sam Harris

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

In this episode, we chat with Sagi Brody, co-founder and CTO of Webair, the predecessor of the current Opti Tech.

Sagi talks about his over 20 years of IT experience and his journey from starting Webair in the late 90s, and how it grew to the point where it evolved to today’s Opti.

We talk about Sagi’s current projects, his role as a consultant, and how he overcame his imposter syndrome and managed to combine his skills with his early interests in aviation and space.

Join us on this journey into Sagi Brody’s world.

-
Confidence plus saying “I don't know, but I'm going to figure it out”
I think those two things together are gold
-

Sagi's Links: 

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• 10Forward

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Nick Buraglio, a network engineer and a board member of the Route Views Project, a public service that provides a view of the global routing system.

Nick tells us how he went from being an art student and a skateboarder to becoming one of the leading experts on IPv6, the latest version of the internet protocol that enables communication across the network.

He also shares his experience of working on various volunteer projects, such as building internet exchange points, participating in the Supercomputing Conference, and teaching IPv6 workshops.

Nick is a curious and creative person who loves to learn new things and share his knowledge with others. Tune in to hear his amazing story and tips.

-
Don't take it too seriously, right?
Live life. You are not your Job.
You should enjoy what you're doing but also, don't don't take it too seriously.
-

Links:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Fediverse
• Blog
• MODEM Show

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Du’An Lightfoot, a senior cloud networking developer advocate at AWS and the founder of LabEveryday, a popular YouTube channel that helps aspiring IT professionals pursue their dreams.

Du’An tells us how he started his tech career in the Air Force and how he overcame his fear of making mistakes and his imposter syndrome along the way. He also shares his advice on how to learn new skills, set goals, and find mentors in the tech industry.

Du’An is a teacher and a leader who uses technology as a platform for empowerment and education. Tune in to hear his amazing story and tips.

-
“If you allow your fear of making mistakes to hold you back, you will never achieve your goals.
Hashtag be brave.
Hashtag do it anyway.”
-

Links:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Website
• Deep Work
• The One Thing
• As A Man Thinketh 

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

In this episode, we chat with Darren Fulwell, a chief evangelist at IP Fabric, a network assurance platform.

Darren has been working in networking for more than 25 years and is passionate about network design, automation, and operation. He’ll share his journey from being a computer science student to becoming a network architect and consultant. He’ll also tell us how he got involved with Cisco’s certification advisory council and the INIT 6 initiative, a community effort to promote network automation skills and knowledge.

We’ll explore Darren’s views on the current and future trends of networking, such as cloud, DevOps, and AI. He’ll also give us some tips and insights on how to learn and master network technologies and certifications.

Join us for this fascinating conversation with Darren Fulwell.

-
“ It was like Stardust.
I’d done stuff with bulletin boards before and dial-up and all this sort of stuff, but never really seen interactive networking.
And it was magic.
 -

Daren's Links:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.

In this episode, we chat with Dave Siegel, a visionary technology leader who specializes in product strategies, network planning, business planning, network architecture and design, and leadership and management. Dave has been helping build the Internet since 1993 and has been self-employed since 2018.

Dave shares his journey from starting his own ISP in Tucson to working at Global Crossing and Level 3, and how he became a consultant and a board member of NANOG.

We also discuss Dave’s passion for learning new things and how he applies his technical skills to different domains such as marketing, audio engineering, and video editing. He also gives us some tips and advice on how to deal with imposter syndrome and how to keep learning and growing.

-
Keep learning.
Never stop learning.
You just don't know how learning a thing is going to translate into whatever task you have to do next.
-

Dave's Links: 

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Website
• NANOG

--

Thanks for being an imposter - a part of the Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN)!

Make it a great day.