Overcoming imposter syndrome in tech

We've all been there, sitting in a meeting, surrounded by brilliant colleagues, and thinking, “What am I even doing here?” For many in tech, especially those without traditional backgrounds, imposter syndrome feels like a constant shadow... But what if we could reframe it?

Denise L'Hirondelle , a senior software developer at 欧特克 , knows this struggle all too well. Without a formal computer science degree, Denise's entry into tech was fueled by necessity and curiosity, and tinkering with secondhand computers and self-teaching Linux were lifelines instead of hobbies.

"I started by piecing together what I had" Denise L'Hirondelle shares, recalling her early days of fixing broken devices and experimenting with open-source tools. But while her unconventional path gave her confidence at first, the higher she climbed, the more her inner critic spoke up.

Transitioning into her role at 欧特克 , Denise L'Hirondelle suddenly found herself questioning if she truly belonged in the world of design and make technology, with thoughts like "What if I’m not good enough? What if they realize I don't fit in?" and those questions felt overwhelming, but they also sparked a turning point.

Denise L'Hirondelle 's approach to navigating imposter syndrome didn't involve ignoring her doubts, but instead, she leaned into them by embracing her beginner's mindset and viewing mistakes as stepping stones, she transformed uncertainty into a tool for resilience.

She also found strength in the support around her, and whether it was through mentorship programs, conversations with teammates, or leaning into 欧特克 's resources like coaching benefits, Denise L'Hirondelle built a foundation of confidence: "When you realize that everyone's figuring things out as they go, it takes some of the pressure off", she reflects.

But the most valuable lesson Denise L'Hirondelle learned? That life and growth is a practice, shared with failures that will trigger opportunities to learn, adapt, and move forward.

Do you want to know more about how Denise L'Hirondelle 's story unfolded and the strategies she used to thrive? Head to our full blog post to read more about her inspiring journey and how you, too, can harness the power of self-doubt!

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