The Curious Case of Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever sat in a room, a meeting, or even on a Zoom call, ready to contribute, when that quiet, insidious voice whispers: “You don’t belong here. You are going to get found out”? I have. Stumbling over words, second-guessing every sentence, worrying that I sound unprofessional. And I’m not alone, imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone, from entry-level employees to experienced business owners, from managers to the C-suite leaders we admire from afar.

Just last week, I spoke to two working mums: one running her own business, the other balancing a demanding role in a corporate team, who both admitted to feeling the same gnawing self-doubt. We see it on screen too; take Jules Ostin, the fictional founder of a thriving company in the movie The Intern. Brilliant and driven, she is nonetheless haunted by self-doubt, a story that mirrors what so many women experience.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, at any level, from working mums to leaders in the spotlight.

And it’s not just fictional characters; even women in the spotlight struggle. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has spoken openly about experiencing imposter syndrome during her time in office, and singer and actress Jennifer Lopez recently shared how self-doubt has followed her despite decades of success.

Success doesn’t erase the inner critic; it only sometimes makes it louder.

Why Women Are More Vulnerable

Women are often more susceptible to imposter syndrome due to a mix of social, professional, and internal pressures:

• Juggling multiple roles (work, family, community involvement): When responsibilities pile up, it can feel like no matter what you do, it’s never enough.

• Societal expectations: The pressure to “do it all”; to be nurturing, successful, composed, and constantly available, means even minor perceived shortcomings trigger self-doubt.

• Workplace dynamics and underrepresentation: Gender bias, being overlooked, and being the only woman in a male-dominated space reinforce feelings of being an outsider and contribute to self-doubt.

• Internalised perfectionism: Coupled with mum guilt, it amplifies imposter thoughts, making it hard to celebrate wins.

Research shows that imposter feelings are not a reflection of capability, they are a reaction to context, culture, and the weight of expectations.

You are capable; your mind is just playing tricks.

Steps to Challenge Imposter Thoughts

• Name it: Recognise imposter syndrome for what it is, your inner critic, not the truth. When the voice whispers “You don’t belong,” pause and acknowledge it for what it is.

• Keep evidence: Save wins, positive feedback, and achievements. When self-doubt strikes, reviewing your accomplishments can remind you that your success is real.

• Talk it out: Share your experiences with peers. You will discover you are far from alone, and hearing others’ stories can normalise your feelings.

• Start small: Speak up in a meeting, volunteer an idea, or take a tiny step outside your comfort zone.

Each small action strengthens confidence and makes the next step easier.

Reflect: Where does your self-doubt show up the most? At work, in parenting, or in relationships? When did you last feel like you didn’t belong, even though you earned your place?

Decide: Next time self-doubt strikes, choose how you’ll respond. Will you pause, breathe, and reframe the thought? Will you revisit your achievements? Or reach out to someone who understands?

Act: Take tangible steps. Speak up, ask for help, or celebrate a small win. Confidence grows through action, not waiting.

💡You don’t need to earn your worth; you already are enough. The more you embrace that truth, the more freedom you’ll find to lead your shift, in your career, your family, and your life.

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