Here's how you can conquer imposter syndrome while transitioning to a career in Creative Strategy.

I’ve dealt with imposter syndrome at different points in my career. The common thread among them was losing some sense of self. For achiever types, like myself, it can happen if you’ve got a strong track record of securing wins - and then suddenly face a short streak of poor outcomes. For me, the most effective way to combat imposter syndrome was by labeling how I’m feeling in that moment and taking an honest inventory of why I’m feeling that way. Stepping into new territory or a streak of different outcomes is, in fact, taking on a new persona of some sort. These situations can feel unfamiliar or less predictable - which can easily make way for insecurity and self doubt if we aren’t mindful.

Always remember that no one knows what they’re doing. Even the people that I’ve done things don’t necessarily know how to do the same thing again. Remember that if you were driven to succeed, you have everything it takes to do so. There’s enough people on the planet even ones who love you that doubt you. Let them handle that you spend the time in your capability to achieve what you wanted.

When we rely only on what others think, life becomes very difficult to the point we cannot see our own true value any more. On the contrary, when we really know ourselves, our weak and strong points, our priorities and our undeniable milestones and stay true to our real being, nobody can undermine our self-confidence. It is not a matter of being selfish or haughty: it is a matter of realism. This is what years of insecurity and a long subsequent self-reconstruction work taught me.

Understanding and appreciating that your journey is different than everyone else’s. Once you fully embrace that truth and stop comparing yourself to others, you can live in authenticity, which does not allow imposter syndrome to permeate your mindset.

Studying, experimenting and life-long learning are a precious addition to self-study. Nobody is so knowledgeable to know everything in their field. Life is a continuous surprise, a neverending journey of discovery and a perpetual school both from the inner and the outer point of view.

Materialize your achievements, even those related to learning. Every morning, I dedicate an hour to learning and spend five minutes recording the time spent and what I've learned. I do this consistently—daily. At the end of the month, I review the hours dedicated and the knowledge gained, realizing how much more skilled I am compared to 30 days ago. Now, imagine you doing the same! How much will you have grown after a year? Actively apply this new knowledge. Go out and ask questions about what you've learned. Consider using an AI to challenge you by having it pose questions for you to answer, or even ask it to quiz you on the material. This active engagement helps solidify your learning and boosts your confidence in real-world scenarios.

I recommend dedicating at least one day a week to update your social network about your recent achievements, past experiences, and future ideas. Sharing photos from professional moments and demonstrating your authenticity—a rare and valuable trait today—can deeply resonate. Authenticity never fails; try it for a few weeks, and you'll see its magic. ? Just yesterday, a former colleague reminded me of artwork I created 20 years ago and posted on the old Orkut, which brought laughs and led to a new business opportunity. Why? Because I'm no longer an illustrator; I'm a Strategy Consultant now. This update changed perceptions. Using my SPIN Selling techniques, I secured a business meeting. ?? You're not alone. Commit to verify.

Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and colleagues who can offer guidance, encouragement, and support as you navigate your career transition. Having a strong support network can help boost your confidence and remind you that you're not alone in experiencing imposter syndrome. Especially women suffer quite often from imposter syndrome. Talking about it will help you see yourself from an outside POV and also make you realise that many other high achievers suffer from this, too.

I employ the SMART technique—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—to outline my goals. I jot them down and keep them visible on my desk or as my computer’s wallpaper until I complete each mission, reviewing them quarterly. This method helps me focus on achievable objectives, celebrating small victories that boost my confidence and reaffirm my capabilities. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and consistent progress is key to mastery.

Failure does not exist. Failure is just a label for something whose outcome does not comply with what was expected. In this sense, there is no need to embrace anything. Stop having expectations and you'll stop making mistakes - which does not equal to making everything perfect or faultless. It simply means that life is a trial and error process, where there are no culprits, no winners and no losers.

Understand that setbacks and failures are a natural part of the learning process. Instead of viewing them as evidence of your incompetence, see them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Embrace a growth mindset that values learning and development over perfection. Better done than perfect!

El síndrome del impostor es la sensación de no ser lo suficientemente bueno o no merecer los logros alcanzados. Es común y afecta a personas de todos los ámbitos, impactando negativamente en la autoestima y la confianza. Sin embargo, también puede ser una fuente de motivación y creatividad. Para afrontar el síndrome del impostor: Acepta que no eres perfecto Céntrate en tus logros No te compares con los demás Motívate para revertir la situación y prepárate para hacerlo En resumen, el síndrome del impostor es una experiencia común que puede afectar a cualquiera; sin embargo, no tiene que ser un obstáculo para el éxito. Reconociéndolo y desarrollando estrategias, podemos convertirlo en una fuerza que nos impulse a alcanzar nuestras metas.