The Confidence Shift: Overcoming the Imposter Within

Overcoming self-doubt in a world that often demands perfection

Imposter syndrome is more common than we think, affecting even the most successful leaders and professionals. A staggering 71% of CEOs report experiencing it at some point in their careers, proving that no one is immune. But what if those feelings of inadequacy weren’t something to be feared, but rather a gateway to growth?

Setting the Stage

Have you ever found yourself in a room full of people, convinced you’re the least qualified person there? That any moment, someone will discover you don’t belong, and the facade will come crumbling down?

If you have, you’re not alone. These feelings - this sense of being a fraud despite evidence to the contrary - are at the heart of imposter syndrome. I’ve experienced this in various stages of my career, from being the youngest person in leadership meetings to transitioning into senior roles in male-dominated industries. Despite my accomplishments, I still sometimes hear that voice of doubt.

But here’s the thing: imposter syndrome doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, when you learn to recognise it and push through, it can become one of the most powerful tools for growth and self-empowerment. This article is about my journey from feeling like an imposter to owning my worth, and I hope by sharing it, you’ll find some insights to help you do the same.

Defining Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is that internal dialogue where, despite external evidence of success, you still feel inadequate or unworthy of your achievements. You might attribute your success to luck, timing, or even just being in the right place at the right time. There’s a constant fear that you’re going to be “found out” - that at any moment, someone will realise you don’t belong and everything you’ve worked for will be taken away.

It’s a common experience, even among highly successful people. In fact, a US study found that 86% of business owners have dealt with feelings of imposter syndrome, and surprisingly, over half of them were men. It affects entrepreneurs, CEOs, creatives, and leaders across all industries, even those who appear outwardly confident.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate, but here’s the good news - it’s not permanent. The first step toward overcoming it is recognising it for what it is: a distorted perception of yourself.

My Story: From Intimidation to Empowerment

One of my earliest encounters with imposter syndrome happened about 12 years ago. I had just been promoted to Marketing Manager and was invited to an executive roundtable event. There I was - a young woman in a room full of seasoned male CEOs, all 20+ years my senior. As they spoke confidently, I couldn’t shake the feeling of what am I doing here?

But then something happened that shifted my perspective. A female speaker took the stage. She was the only other woman in the room, and she opened by saying, “I know I’m going really red right now, and I’m probably talking too fast, but I’m so passionate about this topic that I don’t care!” Her authenticity was like a lightbulb moment for me. She didn’t need to be perfect, and neither did I. That moment marked a turning point in my career.

Since then, I’ve made it my mission to push through those moments of self-doubt. Instead of letting the fear of being “found out” hold me back, I’ve learned to reframe those thoughts and turn them into opportunities for growth.

The Empowerment Toolkit: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Here are the strategies that helped me transform imposter syndrome into a tool for empowerment:

1. Reframe Your Perspective

The likelihood of feeling like an imposter often increases when you think you stand out - and not in a good way. Maybe you’re the youngest in the room, or the only woman in a leadership team, or the least experienced in a new role. I’ve been in all of those situations. Instead of letting these differences be weaknesses, I’ve learned to embrace them.

It’s important to remember that your unique perspective is an asset. What makes you different - whether it’s your background, your gender, or your experience - gives you fresh insights that others may not have. In my case, being new to an industry gave me the ability to ask questions others hadn’t thought to ask, which led to new solutions.

2. Unlock and Admire your Mental Trophy Cabinet

Imposter syndrome has a sneaky way of making us minimise our accomplishments, often attributing success to luck or downplaying it as “no big deal.” One of the most empowering exercises I’ve adopted is unlocking and updating my mental trophy cabinet. This means actively acknowledging the milestones I've reached and the hard work it took to get there.

By consciously listing achievements - both big and small - I’ve gained a clearer picture of the resilience, skills, and effort behind each one. Whether it’s securing a promotion, navigating a complex project, or thriving in a new industry, these are all moments I earned, not accidents of fate. Keeping your mental trophy cabinet current is a powerful reminder of your worth and growth. Give yourself permission to open it up and admire the wins, however small they may seem. They are all a testament to your growth journey and the vision you’ve carried along the way.

3. Practice Jumping In

For a long time, I stayed in observation mode, waiting until I felt “ready” to speak up. But here’s what I’ve learned: you’re rarely 100% ready. The growth comes from doing, not from waiting. I started to take risks, even if I didn’t feel fully prepared. I volunteered for stretch assignments, shared my ideas early in meetings, and embraced new challenges.

Taking those first steps, even when you feel uncertain, is crucial. You don’t need to have all the answers right away. It’s about showing up, contributing, and learning along the way. The act of jumping in has been one of the most significant shifts in my career.

4. Filter Feedback

Feedback is an essential part of personal and professional growth, but not all feedback is created equal. While it’s important to seek out feedback, it’s equally important to recognise when it serves your growth versus when it’s more reflective of the person giving it. Not every opinion needs to be acted upon, especially if it doesn’t align with your goals or values.

Learning to distinguish between constructive feedback and comments that are more about someone else’s perspective or reaction is key. When feedback is offered, consider whether it aligns with what you’re trying to achieve. Does it offer insights that will help you improve, or is it shaped by the other person’s biases or preferences? By assessing feedback through this lens, you can focus on the input that genuinely benefits your development and growth, while politely setting aside the rest.

Ultimately, feedback should empower you, not distract or derail you. It’s okay to not take every suggestion on board - learning to trust your judgment is just as critical to your success as being open to new ideas.

5. Embrace Imperfection

One of the most liberating lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t need to be perfect. When I present, I still get nervous. My face goes red, my voice wavers, but now I see it as a strength. It shows I care, and it makes me human. Imperfection is relatable, and it’s what connects us to others.

Over time, I’ve learned to embrace these quirks rather than hide them. The truth is, no one expects perfection. What people value is authenticity and passion.

What I’ve Learned Along the Way

Imposter syndrome isn’t something you “beat” once and for all. It ebbs and flows throughout your career, often appearing at the times when you’re pushing yourself the hardest. But I’ve learned that these feelings don’t define me. Instead, they’ve become signals that I’m on the edge of growth.

What helps me most is reframing self-doubt as a sign that I’m in a space of learning and development. The more I lean into these uncomfortable moments, the more empowered I become. It’s not about eliminating fear; it’s about learning to move forward despite it.

One of my favourite quotes comes from Will Smith, who said, “Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future.” Imposter syndrome is just that - fear of something that hasn’t happened and may never happen.

Conclusion: Take the Pressure Off

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from my story, it’s this: you don’t have to be the expert on day one. We’re all learning, and it’s okay to feel like you’re figuring things out as you go.

Own those feelings, acknowledge them, but don’t let them hold you back. You’ve earned your place at the table - now it’s time to sit confidently in it.

?