Celebrating Ourselves: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Our Achievements

Yesterday, I had the honor of addressing the Atlanta office of US Bank as the keynote speaker for their Atlanta area Women's ERG Women's History Month program. It was an incredible opportunity to share my journey – from starting as a front desk agent to becoming a hotel owner of multiple hotels and the founder of FinTech company Vesterr. But beyond recounting my personal story, I delved into a topic that resonates deeply with many women – the importance of celebrating ourselves.

As women, we often find it challenging to acknowledge our achievements. We don't clap for ourselves, and we hesitate to brag about our successes. This reluctance stems from various factors, including societal expectations, cultural norms, and perhaps most significantly, imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome affects a significant portion of the population, but it disproportionately impacts women. According to research conducted by the International Journal of Behavioral Science , an estimated 70% of people experience imposter feelings at some point in their lives. However, multiple studies have found that women tend to experience imposter syndrome more intensely and frequently than men.

One study published in the Journal of Behavioral Science found that women are more likely to internalize failure and attribute success to external factors, contributing to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Another study by KPMG International revealed that 75% of female executives have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, highlighting the pervasive nature of this phenomenon in professional settings.

During my speech, I shared my own struggles with imposter syndrome. Despite achieving considerable success, there were moments when I questioned whether I deserved to be where I am today. Statistically, my upbringing might not have predicted my current trajectory, but I refused to let that define me. Like many women, I had to confront societal expectations and push past self-doubt to embrace my accomplishments fully.

One poignant moment from my recent speaking engagement at IHG's corporate office Women's ERG Women's History Month event was the insight shared by Anna Blue , President of the AHLA Foundation. She emphasized how societal norms and upbringing can contribute to imposter syndrome among women, perpetuating the belief that we don't belong in certain spaces of leadership and authority.

But here's the reality – WE DO BELONG. We belong at the boardroom tables, at the ownership tables, and in every space where our skills, talents, and expertise are valued. We've earned our place through hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, I urge all women to take a moment to celebrate themselves. Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Break free from the grip of imposter syndrome and recognize that you deserve to be where you are today.

To further combat imposter syndrome, seek out support networks, mentorship opportunities, and professional development resources. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and empower you, and remember that you are not alone in your journey.

Together, let's rewrite the narrative and redefine what it means to be a successful woman in today's world. Let's celebrate ourselves, embrace our achievements, and pave the way for future generations of women to thrive.

Because we are supposed to be here – and our presence is not only valid but essential to shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.

See you on the 28th :)

Davonne Reaves is a powerhouse serial entrepreneur. On the 5th and 28th of each month she shares articles on hotel ownership, crowdfunding, life and more. Her journey to successful business owner began when she founded The Vonne Group , the company for hotel consulting and asset management. On top of that, Davonne is a co-owner of three hotels, founding and leading her very own innovative commercial real estate crowdfunding platform called Vesterr and co-hosting hospitality podcast NextGen in Lodging . As tireless leader and mother of her son Jamir, it should come as no surprise she often finds exciting opportunities in hospitality.

Every month, she chooses two key dates to keep her readers happy: the 5th and 28th. On these general occasions, she delves into a variety of topics related to living life, such as tips for owning a hotel, different crowdfunding options, and lifestyle advice.

Do you need to raise capital for your next hotel or CRE project? Visit www.Vesterr.com

Are you looking to invest in hotels and other types of commercial real estate? Visit www.vesterr.com

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