The Gender and Imposter Syndrome Connection

"What goes on outside the brain is really important. A gendered world can produce a gendered brain." Professor Gina Rippon, 'The Gendered Brain'

I can't count the number of times I have been in a meeting, talking at an event or delivering a Masterclass and found myself in a parallel universe! "How did I get here?". "They think I know something?". "What am I going to say, I've gone blank!".? My prefrontal cortex has been hijacked.

It's just the weirdest thing as the moment I jettison the self-doubt inner narrative and get into the flow, I'm off and forget the whole feeling.?

But as I was researching and preparing for our new masterclass 'Defeating Imposter Syndrome', I realised how many biases and mistruths exist which have just become statements, unchallenged, shaping our brains from an early age and throughout our lives, such as:

• Female and male brains are different. Ah, no they are not!
• This is what is expected of you, really? The external world conditions us, having a profound effect on behaviour!
• Women, based on biological sex, have a lower perceived IQ - no way, get out!
• Men are perceived as better leaders. Stop right there! Women in leadership positions are perceived as being more effective than male colleagues
• Women's confidence decreases with age - You are so out of date, confidence increases!
• Women are still poorly represented in UK boardrooms up to 40% from 38% in 2010. Sadly this is still true.?
• And it's a fact that all genders experience Imposter Syndrome!?

(If you want the research sources for the points above, please get in touch).

Did you know that recent studies confirm that our brain uses shortcuts to filter information, including unconscious biases? Your brain has created habitual ways of thinking to filter data coming into your brain so as to simplify the huge amount of information pouring in.

When was the last time you questioned your beliefs and biases? Meaning, if you want to be bolder in your thinking and get rid of the stereotypes and mistruths that your brain networks have unconsciously embedded emotionally and cognitively, reflecting and self-awareness is a practice that will help to highlight what mindsets you would benefit from resetting.??

I am passionate about each person achieving their potential, contributing to their team and believing in themselves. If you would like a free 20-minute chat to begin becoming more self-aware and banishing any Imposter Syndrome gremlins then please get in touch.