Strategies for Dealing with Imposter Syndrome at Work

I was lucky enough to have my team grow from 6 to 800 people in 9 years. I was promoted from Senior Manager to Director to Vice President, and I had imposter syndrome the whole time. Here are 4 ways I fought it, and how you can too: It is no surprise that when my team grew 130x from 6 to 800, I ended up not fully knowing what I was doing. At the same time, it is hard to say no to opportunities when you have experienced downsizing and setbacks. So, as the chance to take on new tasks and challenges was available, I said yes. There was definitely an element of "fake it until I make it" in the whole process. It is also true that most of the leaders above and below me were in the same situation. Because of the unprecedented growth of Amazon through these years, most of my managers and direct reports were also in the largest and most complex jobs of their lives. While I cannot know the inner workings of their minds for sure, I feel confident that many of them had similar feelings of imposter syndrome. Action 1: If you worry that you are in over your head, or that people might find out you don't completely know what you are doing, realize that this is normal. Action 2: Understand that it is normal to be in the largest and most complex job of your life for much of your career. If you are not, it often means you have either stepped back intentionally or that you have suffered a setback (like a layoff). Growth inevitably means doing harder things than ever before. Action 3: Get help. Be open with your mentors on what you need. You do not have to share all your worries to lay out your challenges and ask for advice. If you are in an environment where admitting “development areas” is unacceptable, turn your language around and ask for "help optimizing performance and delivery." No one will be against optimization, and it amounts to the same thing - getting insight on any gaps and places to improve. Action 4: Hire a coach, therapist, or counselor if you need one. To be top performers, we need a strong mental game. As leaders, particularly of knowledge work, our whole performance comes from our minds. None of us would hesitate to go to a doctor if we were sick, or a trainer to develop our bodies, so getting help with our mental performance should be a no-brainer. However, there is hesitation and sometimes shame in getting help with our mental game. Readers: I really want to create a short course on fighting imposter syndrome and developing a strong mental game to help with these common challenges. What mental challenges are you fighting? If you have overcome typical worries either in a specific job or long term, share what you did please.

Do you struggle with Imposter Syndrome? Here is how you can use it to your advantage. Imposter Syndrome is something that I have struggled with my entire career. Am I smart enough? Do I deserve to be paid? Do I know enough about things? I'm here to tell you that you that if used correctly, it can give you a competitive edge. Here's how: → Channel Self Doubt into Preparation - Let your self-doubt be your fuel. Use it to over-prepare and boost your quality of work. → View Imposter Syndrome as a Sign of Growth - Let it help you push boundaries to step outside of your comfort zone and learn something new. This will help you both personally and professionally. → Turn Comparisons into Opportunities - Instead of feeling not worthy around others, learn from them. Learn their techniques and approaches and enhance your own skillset. →Turn Fear into Curiosity - When you are afraid of something, you learn. Seek feedback, and remain curious. This can lead to faster skill development. →Use it to Build Stronger Connections - You'd be surprised how many other people feel the same way you do. You are probably comparing yourself to a person that's comparing their skills to yours. You are probably both suffering from the same problem. Talk about it with other professionals. You have more in common than you think. Imposter Syndrome doesn't have to be something that works against you. Truthfully, it is something that can give you a competitive edge. With over 25 years in Cyber Security, I can tell you that I still suffer just as much as everyone else. We just have to use it to our best ability. Have you ever suffered from imposter syndrome? If you need someone to talk to, my PMS are always open.

Most people think imposter syndrome is a career killer. But it’s not. It’s a signal. 📍 You’re growing. 📍 You’re stretching. 📍 You’re doing something that matters. 🧠 62% of high achievers experience imposter syndrome at some point in their career. (Salari, et. al, 2025). Yet most don’t talk about it. They just try to hide it, and hope no one notices. And the endless mental loop gets louder: → “Don’t let them find out.” → “I should be more confident by now.” → “Maybe this means I’m not ready.” But I’ve learned that feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you’re not qualified. It means you’re in the arena. I remember when I became a company officer and joined a board at 27. On paper I felt I had made it. And inside, I was bracing, like someone might tap me on the shoulder and say, “Hey… we made a mistake.” I later learned that feeling didn’t mean I didn’t belong. It meant I was stepping into a new version of myself. And it’s a feeling I’ve seen show up again and again in brilliant, hardworking leaders who are quietly carrying so much. When you stop fighting imposter syndrome, you stop performing from fear, and start leading from power. Here’s how I co-exist with it and teach high-performers who feel it too: 1. Separate feelings from facts → “I’ve done hard things before. I’ll figure this out too.” 2. Use doubt to fuel mastery → You don’t need to feel ready. You just need to keep showing up. 3. Talk back to the critic → “What if this is the version of me that rises?” 4. Track your wins like data → Keep a ‘Wins Portfolio.’ Pull it out when your inner critic gets loud. 5. Redefine success on your terms → Not their finish line. Yours. You don’t need to silence imposter syndrome. You just need to understand what it’s trying to tell you. Because once you stop fearing it… you unlock the part of you that’s been ready all along. Imposter syndrome isn’t your enemy. It’s your upgrade code. ❓What’s one imposter moment that ended up being a breakthrough for you? Tag someone who needs to hear this today. ➕ Follow Loren Rosario - Maldonado, PCC for raw, real career rewrites that feel like coaching. 📊 Sources: Salari, et.al. (’25) 📸 Quote: Steven Bartlett #Careers #LeadershipDevelopment

Imposter syndrome is real, especially when you're in a room full of experienced leaders. Recently, I was asked to join a media roundtable with high-ranking Warrant Officers and our Commanding General. As we prepped, I realized I was the only one who hadn’t participated in such an event before. Cue the self-doubt. The night before, instead of letting anxiety take over, I leaned on the very strategies I coach others on. I reminded myself: "I'm not just a coach—I’m living proof these strategies work." The next day, the roundtable went off without a hitch. Here are a few strategies I used to combat those feelings of inadequacy: 1. Acknowledge Your Expertise: Recognize that you’ve been invited because of your unique skills and perspective. You’re not there by accident. 2. Prepare and Practice: Confidence comes from preparation. Know your material inside and out, and practice until you’re comfortable. 3. Reframe Negative Thoughts: When self-doubt creeps in, consciously reframe it. Instead of thinking, "I'm not experienced enough," tell yourself, "This is an opportunity to grow." 4. Lean on Your Support System: Don’t hesitate to seek encouragement or advice from trusted colleagues or mentors. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can make all the difference. Imposter syndrome might never fully disappear, but with the right tools, you can lead with confidence. Question for You: How do you overcome imposter syndrome in your leadership role? Share your strategies in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you. Ready to overcome your own imposter syndrome and lead authentically? Let’s talk.

The uncomfortable truth about impostor syndrome that no one talks about If you never feel like an impostor, you're probably failing at life. Studies estimate that up to 70% of people will experience at least one episode of impostor syndrome in their lives. Maya Angelou had it. Einstein called himself a "swindler." But here's what nobody tells you: "Impostor syndrome isn't a character flaw. It's a growth signal" Your brain is doing exactly what it's designed to do - alerting you when you're in uncharted territory. The question isn't how to eliminate the feeling. It's how to use it. Here are 5 reframes I use with clients that will change everything: 1. Reframe it as evidence you're growing ↳ When you feel like a fraud, ask: "What new challenge am I taking on?" Replace "I don't belong here" with "I'm exactly where I need to be to grow." 2. Normalize the learning curve ↳ Accept that feeling uncertain is part of mastering something new Remember: Every expert was once a beginner who felt over their head. 3. Focus on contribution, not perfection ↳ Shift from "Do I deserve to be here?" to "How can I add value right now?" Your worth comes from what you contribute, not from being the most intelligent person in the room. 4. Collect evidence of your competence ↳ Keep a "wins file" - positive feedback, successful projects, problems you've solved. Review this evidence when impostor thoughts arise. 5. Use it as motivation for growth ↳ Channel the discomfort into learning: Feel inadequate? Get training Let impostor syndrome become your compass for personal development. The bottom line: The people who never feel like impostors are either not challenging themselves or lack the self-awareness to grow. Impostor syndrome often means you're exactly where you need to be - challenged, developing, and contributing at a level that matters. Stop trying to cure it. Start using it as rocket fuel. Coaching can help; let's chat. Follow Joshua Miller for more on Mindset, Leadership + Coaching Tips. #executivecoaching #impostorsyndrome #coachingtips #mindset

why imposter syndrome isn’t a weakness—but a milestone. my cousin builds rockets for a living. literal rocket scientist. and yet—she still feels like a fraud. turns out, imposter syndrome is often a feature of success, not a bug. why? three reasons: 1. the expertise paradox the more you learn, the more blind spots you see. knowledge expands, certainty shrinks. 2. rookie reset every promotion drops you into a tougher league. you go from all-star to beginner—again. 3. spotlight bias when you’re the only woman or person of color in the room, your doubts get amplified under the microscope. i used to walk into rooms full of CEOs and wonder if they were right to second-guess me. here’s what helped me blast past it: • evidence bank – keep a doc of wins, screenshots, renewals, thank-you notes. proof on demand. • truth tribe – 2-3 peers who will reality-check you every quarter. no sugarcoating, no sabotage. • purpose flip – shift from “did i impress?” to “did i move the mission forward?” purpose quiets panic. bottom line: imposter syndrome often means you’re growing. you’re operating at the edge of your capacity—right where rockets launch. drop bank in the comments and i’ll send you the template i use. #impostersyndrome #careerstrategy #leadership #womenintech #growthmindset #shamahyder

Let’s get real about imposter syndrome, because I know a lot of you are feeling it. When you’re a consultant, it’s not like a corporate job where your title, company, or team props you up. Now, it’s just YOU. You’re asking clients to bet on your brain, your expertise, your solutions. And that’s when the doubts start creeping in: “Am I really good enough to charge this much?” “What if they find out I don’t know everything?” “Why would they pick me over someone else?” Guess what? You’re not alone. • 84% of entrepreneurs say they’ve faced imposter syndrome (Source: Entrepreneur Magazine). • In fact, 70% of all professionals deal with it at some point (Source: APA). Here’s the thing: Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you’re unqualified—it means you care. But if you don’t handle it, here’s what happens: The Problem with Letting Imposter Syndrome Run the Show Paralysis: You’ll hesitate to pitch yourself and miss out on opportunities. Undervaluing Yourself: You’ll price too low or overdeliver just to “prove” you’re worth it. Self-Sabotage: You’ll procrastinate or avoid putting yourself out there altogether. Sound familiar? Here’s what you need to do instead: How to Beat Imposter Syndrome Acknowledge It: Imposter syndrome isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a signal that you’re growing. When it shows up, remind yourself: “I’m stepping out of my comfort zone, and that’s where success lives.” Track Your Wins: Start a “success journal.” Write down client wins, great feedback, and projects you’ve crushed. When doubt creeps in, this will remind you of what you’re capable of. Reframe the Doubt: When you catch yourself thinking, “Why me?” flip it: “Why NOT me?” You’ve got the skills and experience—own it. Find Your People: Surround yourself with mentors or peers who get it. A strong network reminds you that you’re not alone and gives you the boost you need when self-doubt hits. Here’s the Truth Imposter syndrome never goes away completely. You don’t “outgrow” it—you outwork it. Every time you show up, pitch yourself, or deliver for a client, you prove it wrong. And over time, that voice gets quieter. Feeling stuck? Download my "Confidence Toolkit" to reframe self-doubt, track your wins, and own your expertise like the pro you are. Comment "TOOLKIT" or DM me and I'll send it to you.

Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Lessons from the Journey 👩💻 I’ve been reflecting on how much imposter syndrome has shaped my career—especially in the early days. Walking into rooms filled with brilliant minds, tackling complex challenges, or stepping into roles I wasn’t sure I was ready for—there were moments when the little voice in my head whispered, “Are you really cut out for this?” Spoiler alert: I was. But conquering imposter syndrome didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t just about silencing that voice. It took practice, self-awareness, and, most importantly, leaning into discomfort. Here’s what worked for me: 1️⃣ Focus on Learning, Not Perfection: Instead of proving I “deserved” a seat at the table, I focused on being curious and asking questions. Mastery comes from being a student first. 2️⃣ Celebrate Small Wins: It’s easy to downplay accomplishments, but every win is a step forward. I’ve learned to take a moment to appreciate progress—even when it feels incremental. 3️⃣ Lean on Mentors: At pivotal moments, I’ve had incredible people (like Norm Slaught, who shaped my early enterprise sales approach) who reminded me of my strengths and helped me grow into bigger roles. Find those people and listen to them—they see your potential more clearly than you might in the moment. 4️⃣ Reflect on the Journey: Having a diverse background that taught me discipline, grit, and the value of hard work, I remind myself that my foundation is solid. Growth isn’t about being ready for every challenge—it’s about showing up and figuring it out. To anyone battling imposter syndrome right now: You’re not alone, and that voice in your head doesn’t define you. The very fact that you’re in the room means you’ve earned it—so keep pushing, keep learning, and trust that the person you’re becoming will be ready for whatever comes next. Have you ever felt imposter syndrome? I’d love to hear how you’ve tackled it. #ImposterSyndrome #Leadership #GrowthMindset #CareerDevelopment