Insights

I want to open up a conversation about something that many of us have faced at one point or another – imposter syndrome. It’s that stressful feeling that despite your achievements, you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be, and soon, you’ll be exposed as a fraud.

You might think that:

You just got lucky.

You were at the right place at the right time.

Anyone can do this.

You might:

Often downplay your accomplishments.

Be constantly worried that others will realize you’re not as capable as they think you are.

Shy away from new opportunities because you fear you won’t be able to meet expectations.

I remember a workshop on imposter syndrome I co-hosted with Marie de Champchesnel earlier this year.

One thing that really struck our participants was how EVERYONE can experience the imposter syndrome: the imposter syndrome does NOT discriminate. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in your field of work or how high you sit in your organisation.

Another important point that really resonated with our audience was that the more you’re able to pause when you see yourself getting trapped into moments of doubt or when your imposter voice is getting too loud, the more you’re able to take control back.

Here’s an exercise that can help with the imposter syndrome:

Make it FACTUAL. This is so important. Keep a list of your achievements, strengths and positive feedback in a folder on your desktop or a drawer nearby (if you prefer a physical list) – make it easy to read through for a reality check.

For example:

• Technical skills (e.g., coding, data analysis, project management)
• Soft skills (e.g., communication, adaptability, problem-solving)
• Personal qualities (e.g., resilience, empathy, creativity)

If you’re unsure, ask colleagues, friends, or mentors what they see as your strengths. Sometimes, others recognise what we overlook in ourselves.

For each strength on your list, recall specific instances or achievements where you demonstrated that strength and reflect on how it played a role in your success.

For example:

• If adaptability is your strength, recall a time you successfully adjusted to a sudden change at work.
• If public speaking is your strength, remember a presentation where you engaged your audience and received positive feedback.
• If attention to detail is your strength, think about a project where catching a small mistake prevented a big problem.

Turn your strengths and associated achievements into a visual representation. It could be a mind map, a chart, or any creative format that resonates with you.

• A mind map;
• A chart or infographic;
• A physical or digital board (with sticky notes or a Canva design).

Keep this where you can easily see it  – on your desk, as a phone wallpaper, or in your workspace.

If you tend to focus on perceived weaknesses, challenge those thoughts by referring to your strengths list. Remind yourself of the positive qualities that contribute to your overall competence.

Keep a folder of positive feedback from colleagues, clients, or managers – emails, LinkedIn recommendations, or performance reviews – maybe they can go into a separate board as well.

Identify future goals or projects where you can leverage your strengths. Set small, achievable goals first, and your confidence will only grow.

This way with time it will become easier to shift your focus away from perceived shortcomings, promoting a more positive self-image. 

I want to share a personal experience with Imposter syndrome.

Because my native language is not English and because, even though I’ve been here for 13+ years, there are some cultural references that I don’t get because I didn’t grow up in England, sometimes the imposter syndrome takes over. Then I get thoughts like ‘Why would I be hired? Surely people would prefer the workshop to be run by a British person with whom they can relate better, or who has no accent when speaking.’

There are comments that people make or behaviours that I observe that may trigger those thoughts. Sometimes it’s all coming from me though. What helps is reminding myself of my strengths, my qualifications, and my experiences/skills that may be of value to my clients.

What else could help…

Consider the way you were brought up – is there anything to unlearn here?

Consider your organisational culture – is asking for help encouraged or seen as a weakness? Is noticing a gap in knowledge seen as incompetence?

Do you feel like you belong? Lack of belonging can open the door to imposter syndrome! If a workplace or industry constantly makes you feel like you don’t belong, it might be a systemic issue that is designed to make you feel like you’re performing worse than you are or know less than you do. Find mentors and communities to help you.

Focus on action. You know the saying ‘Fake it till you make it?’. You don’t have to wait until you feel fully confident to act. The more you work on the things you feel imposter-y about, the more confident you’ll feel – I think that overall, confidence often follows action, not the other way around. Take small steps forward!

PS: My favourite book for inspiration on this topic is The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: And Men: Why Capable People Suffer from Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It, by Valerie Young. Have you read it?

P.P.S: The term used to describe our imposter thoughts can reframe our experience. In my latest podcast episode, I talk about the Imposter Phenomenon with Leila Ainge. Listen in if you’d like to hear more about this here: https://belongingproject.substack.com/.