When Doubt Creeps In: How to Face Imposter Feelings with Confidence
Have you ever walked into a meeting, taken on a new leadership role, or stood up to speak—and suddenly felt like a complete fraud?
Like someone might “find you out,” even after all your experience and success?
If so, you’re not alone. And you’re not broken.
In fact, you’re in good company with millions of professionals who experience what’s often called Imposter Syndrome—or what I prefer to call Imposter Feelings. Because let’s face it: it’s not a syndrome or a diagnosis. It’s a very real, very human feeling that comes and goes.
On a recent episode of Stepping Into Leadership, I sat down with my friend and leadership coach Blanca Winkfield to unpack this all-too-common experience—and to share how we move through it ourselves, especially as women in leadership.
Let’s dive into a few insights that stood out.
💭 It’s Not Just You—And It’s Not New
Blanca reminded me that when this concept was first introduced in the 1970s, it was called the Imposter Phenomenon—something that came in flashes. It wasn’t until later that it was labeled a “syndrome,” which made it feel like a psychological disorder.
But these feelings? They don’t mean you’re broken. They mean you’re human.
In fact, a recent Forbes article reported that 75% of U.S. women executives have felt imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. And 62% of knowledge workers worldwide experience it regularly.
This is part of the leadership experience—and the conversation we need to keep having.
👀 My Flash of Doubt (And What Helped Me Move Through It)
I recently gave a keynote talk to over 200 people. Lights, stage, pressure—you know the drill.
And even though I was prepped and ready, I had this wave of: “Do I have anything to offer? Am I just faking it?”
What helped? I looked around the room, locked eyes with a few people, and told myself: “I want to be of service. Even one takeaway I share today can help someone.”
That reminder—of service over self—grounded me. And the moment passed.
🧠 7 Tips to Tame Imposter Feelings (Backed by Science + Real Talk)
- Name it to tame it
Say it out loud: “This is imposter syndrome showing up.” Awareness is powerful. - Reframe the thought
Instead of “I don’t belong,” try: “I’m learning and evolving every day—just like great leaders do.”
Bonus: This boosts serotonin and dopamine. - Borrow someone else’s belief
When you can’t see your own brilliance, let a friend, mentor, or cheerleader remind you who you are. Blanca calls them your positive thought partners. - Ditch the comparison trap
Don’t compare. As they say: comparison is the thief of joy. - Celebrate small wins
Not every success is a promotion. That thoughtful email, the clear agenda, the resolved conflict? That counts. - Aim for good enough
Perfection is exhausting—and unrealistic. Progress matters more than polish. - That’s a them problem, not a you problem
When someone projects their doubt onto you, don’t internalize it. Their insecurity is not your truth.
📌 Imposter Feelings Don’t Mean You’re Not a Leader—They Mean You Care
Here’s what I want you to remember: imposter feelings often show up when we’re doing something brave, stretching ourselves, or stepping into new territory.
That means you’re growing. And growth takes guts.
So the next time that inner critic pipes up, pause. Name it. Reframe it. And surround yourself with people who speak life back to you.
🎧 Want more? Listen to the full episode of the podcast here → Episode Link
