Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome isn’t real. Or, is it?

I recently completed the Imposter Syndrome Coach Practitioner Certification led by Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin, PhD - and wow, what a journey.

I was especially interested in this because I’ve seen so many clients wrestle with it, and to be honest, I face it myself more often than I’d like to admit.

I want to help leaders crack this enigma that often paralyzes people and makes them shrink into a smaller version of themselves.

You know the feeling:

💥 Sitting in a room, faking a smile, silently thinking, “They’re all so accomplished. What am I doing here?”

💥 Overworking, over-preparing, polishing that deck because if they find a single mistake, they’ll think you’re stupid.

💥 Or getting an amazing promotion and feeling like it was just luck or being in the right place at the right time.

Interestingly, many people with imposter feelings are actually very accomplished and successful.

So, what’s behind this?

What surprised me - and might surprise you too:

📍 It often starts in childhood - early family roles shape self-doubt.

📍 Social and cultural pressures, especially on women, fuel imposter feelings.

📍 Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) trap us in self-doubt loops.

📍 Many discount their wins, calling them luck or timing.

📍 A trusted support network helps break the cycle.

We can’t solve Imposter Syndrome in a quick post (if only!), but here are some ways to start shifting it:

📚 Name your story. Notice where your imposter feelings come from.

🎉 Own your wins. Celebrate your achievements fully.

🚀 Expand success. Recognize your unique and diverse strengths.

🌱 Build your team. Surround yourself with true supporters.

🧡 Be kind. Practice self-compassion daily.

👉 How do you experience imposter syndrome? What’s one small step you’re taking to shift it?