From Imposter to Empowered: Tips for Women Leaders

As a female Founder & CEO, wife, and working mother, I am far too familiar with the idea of “imposter syndrome,” and I’ve seen it affect countless women leaders. It's that nagging voice in your head that tells you you're not good enough, that you’re doing “too much,” that you don't belong, and that you're a fraud.

It can be a paralyzing feeling, especially when trying to smash the glass ceiling. But over the years, I've learned a few tips and tricks to overcome, or circumvent, imposter syndrome, push through patriarchal barriers, and emerge as a powerful force.

Tip #1: Come in raw.

By that, I mean not trying to present a perfect image of yourself. Society often expects women to spend countless amounts of time trying to be polished, which is exhausting and unsustainable. Nobody is perfect, and the sooner you embrace that, the better. So when I go into an opportunity, I don't try to pretend that I have it all together. I show up as myself, flaws and all. And you know what? People appreciate that authenticity. It's refreshing, relatable, and approachable.

Tip #2: Don’t dwell on preparation.

Don't get me wrong, preparation is important, but over-preparing can actually make you more nervous and unsure of yourself. Often women are told to rehearse their pitches, practice their interviews, and try to anticipate every possible question, but this creates even more pressure. Instead, prepare enough so that you feel confident, but also leave room for spontaneity and improvisation. That way, you can be present in the moment and not get too in your head.

Tip #3: Go into opportunities "not wanting it."

This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. When you go into an opportunity with the mindset of "I really want this, I need this," it heightens the stakes and can increase those feelings of fraudulence. To combat this, try to approach it from the perspective of "do they want me?" This shifts the focus from yourself to the other party. It allows you to be more objective and less emotionally attached to the outcome. And if you don't get the opportunity, it's not because you weren't good enough, it's because it wasn't the right fit.

Tip #4: Practice positive self-talk.?

How you talk to yourself–and the stories you tell yourself–can either fuel imposter syndrome or help you defeat it. When you catch yourself having negative thoughts, challenge them–ask yourself if they're really true. More often than not, they're false! Replace those negative thoughts with positive affirmations like "I am capable," "I belong here," and "I am worthy." This approach will not only help you shut down the voice of imposter syndrome but also overcome the impact of things like mansplaining. It might feel awkward at first, but trust me, it works.

Imposter syndrome is a common experience for many women, but it doesn't have to hold you back. By coming in raw, not dwelling on preparation, going into opportunities "not wanting it," and practicing positive self-talk, you can conquer imposter syndrome and achieve your goals confidently–no matter how many men are in the room.

At BREAKTHRU, we're committed to guiding women to overcome imposter syndrome, break the barriers to bravery, and emerge as bold leaders. Ready to empower yourself or a female leader you know? Learn more about how we can guide you to own your confidence and thrive in your career.