The Mirror Lies: Confronting Imposter Syndrome

“It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not” –Denis Waitley

Picture yourself joining a Zoom call with a group of incredibly accomplished people. As introductions begin, you hear about their impressive careers, achievements, and experiences. By the time the meeting ends, you find yourself standing in front of the mirror thinking, "I didn't belong in that meeting. What do I really have to offer this team?"

I have experienced those thoughts more times than I can count. Having a quirky personality (the elder emo, millennial Office Manager) has often made me question whether I was taken seriously or whether I truly deserved a seat at the table. Those feelings of self-doubt became so familiar that I started to believe the self-talk, which in turn affected my career. After doing some research, I discovered a phenomenon that perfectly explained my persistent feelings of inadequacy as a leader: Impostor Syndrome.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals experience persistent, internalized self-doubt despite their accomplishments. They often believe their success is the result of being 'in the right place at the right time' or that they have somehow managed to fool others into overestimating their abilities. As a result, they may live with the constant fear that peers, colleagues, or supervisors will eventually discover they are not as capable as they appear.

These feelings can lead to chronic anxiety, overworking, and ultimately burnout, as individuals feel compelled to continually prove their worth. Even when they achieve significant milestones, they tend to downplay their accomplishments or dismiss awards and recognition as unimportant or undeserved rather than accepting them as a reflection of their hard work and abilities. The research behind Imposter Syndrome suggests that it is far more complex than simply feeling like you do not belong. Factors such as culture, environment, family dynamics, and the roles people are assigned early in life can all play a significant role. For example, were you labeled the 'smart one' growing up? Did your family place a strong emphasis on academic achievement? These are only a few examples of the many influences that may contribute to the development of Imposter Syndrome.

Those with Imposter Syndrome may experience self-talk that looks like:

• “I’m a fake.”

• “I don’t deserve to be here.”

• “I’m not enough for this.”

Does any of this sound familiar? Learning about this was a real lightbulb moment for me. It helped me understand why I feel stuck in my career and why I seem to self-sabotage in different areas of my life. Looking at the big picture, so many things finally started to make sense.

Why Do We Feel This Way? Why Do We Do This?

Although Imposter Syndrome is not an official psychiatric diagnosis, psychologists recognize it as a pervasive cognitive pattern that affects many people. Those who experience it often struggle with self-efficacy, perfectionism, and neuroticism, which can contribute to negative emotions such as anxiety, self-doubt, and even depression.

One of the biggest misconceptions about Imposter Syndrome is that it disappears once you become a leader. In reality, many leaders and managers quietly struggle with it. They question whether they're qualified enough, worry they'll be 'found out,' hesitate to speak up, over-prepare, or feel the need to have all the answers before making a decision.

The challenge is that Imposter Syndrome doesn't just affect the leader—it can influence the entire team. It can lead to micromanaging, avoiding difficult conversations, reluctance to delegate, perfectionism, or passing up opportunities because of self-doubt.

Strong leadership isn't about never questioning yourself. It's about recognizing when self-doubt, rather than your experience, skills, and values, is shaping your decisions.

So, Let’s Snap Out Of It

We all know it is not as easy as just 'snapping out of it, right? Overcoming Imposter Syndrome means changing habits and learning a whole new internal dialogue. Here are a few strategies I have learned and plan to incorporate into my daily life.

• Separate Feelings from Facts Ask yourself whether your doubts, anxiety, and feelings of not being good enough are supported by evidence or driven by fear. We have to challenge our self-critical thoughts and replace them with more balanced, evidence-based perspectives. For example, when someone compliments your achievements—or even just your outfit—instead of dismissing it or overthinking it, simply say, "Thank you, that means a lot to me."

  
  

• Build a Supportive Network

  Connect with people who share your passions and ambitions and who are open to both teaching and learning from one another. Having a strong support system can help remind you that you are not alone in these feelings. The OWA is a great place to start. (Insert wink.)
  

• Embrace Lifelong Learning

  Confidence grows through learning, not through knowing everything. In fact, not having all the answers gives us the opportunity to continue growing and improving. Invest in yourself by taking classes, reading books or blogs, attending conferences, and seeking out new experiences. Most importantly, learn to celebrate your accomplishments. Your wins, no matter how big or small, are hard-earned and deserve to be recognized.

As a woman in a leadership role, I've experienced Imposter Syndrome firsthand. There have been moments when I questioned whether I was knowledgeable enough, experienced enough, or deserving of the opportunities in front of me—even when the evidence said otherwise. Now that I am in my thirties, I often feel that I should be much further along in both my career and my personal life. At the same time, I find myself believing that no matter how hard I work, it is never enough. I spend many days worrying that my own leaders will eventually decide to replace me, despite the effort I put into my work.

What I’m coming to learn is that confidence doesn't always come before action. Sometimes it grows because you're willing to keep showing up, keep learning, and trust that you belong in the room.

If you've ever felt like you're the only one carrying these doubts, you're not. More leaders and professionals experience Imposter Syndrome than we often realize. Talking about it doesn't make us weaker—it helps create workplaces where people can grow without feeling like they have to prove their worth every day. The most effective leaders aren't the ones who never feel like imposters. They're the ones who learn to lead with confidence even when that negative inner voice shows up.

You earned your seat at the table. Don't let self-doubt convince you to give it up.

Written by: Emily Hignett