Imposter syndrome, is it time to start fighting back!
In a recent survey by KPMG, 75% of executive women admitted to experiencing imposter syndrome, with the BBC recently discussing why it affects women of colour harder.
So just what is imposter syndrome?
Well, it’s feeling like a fraud, that you’re somehow not as good as your colleagues, that you’re not up to scratch and therefore don’t belong or deserve to be in that environment. That you don't deserve the success that you have and that you're lucky to be in that role! Whilst in fact it's your hard work, skills and experience that got you there!
You’ve probably read my story of how I struggled with self-belief and confidence even as a senior member of staff and often the only black senior member of staff. I didn’t always feel like I was heard and this led to feelings of what I now know to be imposter syndrome.
When can imposter syndrome affect women?
I’ve worked with women at different stages of their professional career from entry to mid to senior and it’s surprising how it can affect women at different stages. I found that key times can make the feeling of imposter syndrome worse like getting a promotion and asking yourself “can I really do this?”, “am I good enough?” or starting a new role, or going back to work after maternity leave and asking yourself “what if I can’t remember anything?!.” Or like my situation where you don't always see others that look like you where you work.
How can you start to fight back?
Focus on your strengths, realise and OWN what you bring to the table of life!
Focus on what excites you…
Look things in the eye like confidence and self-belief and manage your mindset, don’t let it manage you!
When you’re starting to doubt yourself, talk to someone
How did I overcome my imposter syndrome?
My own story started with a critical mindset change, with a renewed belief in myself and my abilities.
If you're experiencing imposter syndrome right now, why not book a FREE transformational breakthrough call to talk through any feelings of imposter syndrome you may be having and how you can start to overcome and breakthrough.