We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tammy Ferris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tammy, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I stood in the middle of a buzzing networking event, the kind of gathering I once dreaded but had taught myself to navigate. A few years ago, walking into a room like this would have felt impossible. My thoughts were a carousel of doubts: Am I qualified to be here? Who do I think I am to show up here? But over time, I pushed myself to step outside my comfort zone, meet new people, and learn from their stories. That effort has paid off in ways I never expected. I’ve gained so many wonderful perspectives and learned that there’s no one “right” path to success.
Even now, though, imposter syndrome still shows up. I’ve learned not to fight it, but to sit with it. I approach it with two thoughts that have become my anchors.
The first is: “It’s OK to not feel like ‘her’ yet.” The first time I heard those words, they felt like a gift. It was such a relief to realize I don’t have to be the person I aspire to become just yet. I’m on the journey, and it’s the things I do now—learning, practicing, connecting—that will help me grow into the version of myself I admire. It’s OK to not feel like I’ve arrived, because I’m still becoming.
The second thought is this: Imposter syndrome isn’t something to overcome; it’s something to listen to. When that familiar pang of doubt creeps in, I don’t try to shut it down. Instead, I ask myself, “What do I need in this moment?” Sometimes, I need to prepare more. Other times, I need feedback from someone I trust. Whatever the answer is, I use it to take the next step, and that step quiets the fear.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I grew up in an entrepreneurial family and am a huge advocate for small business success. I majored in computer science in college. For the past 20 years, I have focused my work on the intersection of small business and technology.
I specialize in empowering women entrepreneurs. What drives me is the belief that by working together, we can do incredible things. Men and women approach business differently. We experience success and failure differently. Our definition of success is even different. I believe that by recognizing and celebrating those differences, we can pave new paths to success for women founders—ones that honor their unique perspectives while fostering collaboration.
We achieve more when we collaborate. By blending innovation, community, and technology, I strive to help women founders redefine what’s possible for themselves, their businesses and the world. This is a massive undertaking. The most exciting part for me is that it is going to take many people (all genders) working together to be successful.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities and habits stand out as being the most impactful in my journey:
1) Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Growth happens outside of our comfort zones. When we’re maximizing our potential, discomfort becomes a constant companion—but it’s also a sign that we’re stretching ourselves in the right ways. My advice? Don’t shy away from challenges that feel daunting or unfamiliar. Instead, lean into them and view discomfort as proof that you’re on the path to something meaningful.
2) Prioritizing Health and Wellness
You cannot show up as your best self—whether in your personal life or your business—if you’re running on empty. Exercise, nutrition, and sleep are not just important; they’re foundational. My advice here is to create routines that prioritize your well-being. Even small, consistent steps, like going for daily walks or setting boundaries around work hours, can have a huge impact on your energy and focus.
3) Staying Curious
I constantly ask why: Why did this strategy succeed? Why did that approach fall short? Why am I reacting so strongly to this situation? When you don’t know the answer to a why, it’s a clue for where to focus your attention next. For those early in their journey, I’d say embrace curiosity and see every question as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m always open to partnering with like-minded individuals who share FounderShare’s core beliefs. At FounderShare, we believe in the power of collaboration and the transformative potential of technology to create meaningful change for women entrepreneurs. We recognize that men and women approach business differently, and by embracing those differences and working together, we can pave new paths to success.
I’m looking for collaborators who align with this vision—people (men and women) who are passionate about being part of a community that empowers women founders. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, mentor, educator, or industry leader, if you share this commitment to supporting women in business, I’d love to connect.
You can reach me through LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-ferris-2bb0178). Let’s work together to build something extraordinary!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://foundershare.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-ferris-2bb0178
