Overcoming Imposter Syndrome-Reclaiming Confidence and Owning Your Impact

Even the most accomplished women can feel like they don’t belong at the table they worked so hard to reach. Despite promotions, accolades and credentials, there’s often a whisper… “What if they find out I don’t belong here?”

That whisper has a name: Imposter Syndrome.

And it doesn’t just hold women back. It keeps organizations from benefiting from the brilliance their leaders bring. Because when we second-guess our value, we play small. We stay silent. We wait for permission that no one actually needs to give us.

What Is Imposter Syndrome, Really?

It’s the internal belief that you’re not as competent or capable as others perceive you to be…and that at any moment, you’ll be “found out.”

It often shows up as:

• Over-preparing or over-working to “prove” yourself.
• Dismissing your success as luck or timing.
• Holding back from opportunities unless you’re 100% qualified.
• Constantly comparing yourself to others.

It’s exhausting. And it’s common.

There are cultural, societal and structural reasons why women are more likely to internalize self-doubt. Many of us were raised to prioritize likability over leadership. We watched male-dominated rooms set the standard and learned to shrink in order to fit.

Even today, high-achieving women often hear things like:

• “You’re too ambitious.”
• “Don’t be so emotional.”
• “You’re intimidating.”

So we adjust. We question. We dim.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need to change who you are. You need to change what you believe about who you are.

There are signs that you’re dealing with Imposter Syndrome. They show up in very passive ways…yet they speak volumes:

• You downplay praise: “It was nothing.”
• You dismiss qualifications: “I’m not really an expert.”
• You avoid visibility: “I don’t want to be too much.”
• You procrastinate because perfection feels impossible.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re not broken.

Time To Start Rewriting Your Story

1. Name It-Awareness is the first step. When those thoughts creep in, say to yourself: “This is imposter syndrome. It’s not the truth. It’s fear.” Naming it creates distance between you and the doubt.

• Document Your Wins-Keep a running list of your accomplishments, both big and small. When doubt shows up, read it. It’s like your personal highlight reel, grounded in fact.

• Say Thank You (and Stop There)-When someone compliments you, resist the urge to qualify it. Practice simply saying, “Thank you.” Period. Let praise land.

• Share Your Story-When you open up about feeling like a fraud, you give others permission to do the same. That’s where real connection and healing happens.

• Show Up Before You Feel Ready–Confidence isn’t the prerequisite to action. It’s the result. Start showing up, taking risks and saying yes to opportunities. You’ll realize you were more ready than you thought.

You are not a fluke. You are not lucky. You are the result of your decisions, your courage, your learning, your persistence and your leadership.

You earned a seat at the table. And your voice is needed there.

The goal isn’t to eliminate doubt forever. It’s to lead anyway. To speak anyway. To rise anyway.

You Belong…You Always Have.

Every time you question your worth, remind yourself of this:

• I am not an imposter.
• I am a work in progress.
• I am a leader with value.
• And I don’t need to wait until I feel “ready” to lead powerfully.

This isn’t about arrogance. It’s about alignment. When you lead from who you are, you don’t just overcome imposter syndrome. You rewrite the rules for every woman watching.

You don’t have to earn the right to be seen.

You already are enough.

P.S.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear when you hit a certain title or level of success. Not long ago, I was invited to join a live stream with a lineup of incredibly high-profile speakers. I was honored…until I saw who else was on the list. I immediately felt out of my league.

I called one of my coached. He asked me one question: “Did you ask to be on it, or did they ask you?”

When I told him they invited me, he said, “Then why are we even having this conversation? You’re smart. Your message matters. They want you. Go do it.”

He was right. I did it. And it was amazing.

I almost missed out on something great…not because I wasn’t ready, but because I doubted I was enough. That’s what imposter syndrome does.

So let me be the voice that tells you: You are enough. You’re more than enough. Don’t wait for certainty.

Just. Show. Up.

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