From Self-Doubt to Self-Assurance: Saying Goodbye to Imposter Syndrome

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome have stopped far too many talented folks from going for their goals and reaching their true potential. Our hope is to host conversations that inspire folks to overcome imposter syndrome and help others as well.

Jamie deMilt

This is probably the area I struggle with the most, which also makes it the area I am working on the hardest. It think for most people, it is hard to recognize and acknowledge your achievements. Sometimes we get so busy just pumping out orders that we don’t take the time to reflect on the accomplishments that come with being busy and the effort that went into that. Read more>>

Alexander Scelso

To be honest, overcoming imposter syndrome is something that comes in waves. Especially because the arts can be so competitive so mentally, it brings you to a comparative state. Social media doesn’t make it easier. But the best thing that my mom told me was that in this life, what is meant for you is meant for you, just keep putting in the work towards your dreams. Read more>>

Freddie Carlini

I think imposter syndrome is something I just need to get used to popping up. With over 14 years of owning my own agency, as well as many more years in the industry before that, there’s still many days where I find myself questioning my abilities or a sense of doubt and anxiety that overtakes me when approaching certain projects.Read more>>

Roberto Garcia

I think this is a process you have to live through. I believe it´s very common among a series. of young professionals. In my case, it´s been a mix of thinking ¨fake it until you make it¨ with trying my best to always do a good job. It is normal to have insecurities and doubts while you are living the process of growing in your field. Read more>>

Zak Miskry

Imposter syndrome is one the most effective killers of your creative spark. To describe it as something I’ve “overcome” implies that I never find that creeping self doubt sneaking up on me – which is definitely not the case. I’m sure imposter syndrome in some form will forever be a part of my psyche, it’s just the nature of the game.  Read more>>

NuEra Sunshine

Overcoming? I think sometimes it’s a myth used as a bandaid to help us feel better; stay hopeful…that whatever struggles we experience will all be over one day; something to look back and laugh at. Though leveling up is possible, sometimes our struggles come back in different forms or intensity. One day you think you’re fine, over something; the next moment, day, year, decade…. sucker punch!…but it’s all apart of the discovery, right? Read more>>

Rachana Arora

Imposter syndrome is not something I was very familiar with till a couple of years back. When I decided to start Rtisanal in 2022, I realized the effects of imposter syndrome. I had not worked in 12 years as I had dedicated this time to raising my 2 kids. Besides that, no one in my family had ever started their own business. Read more>>

KJ Fieler

You’d think, with the seven awards under my belt, I’d be comfortable calling myself an author. But, no, I have yet to overcome imposter syndrome. I still blush when a reader leaves me a fair-spoken review or takes the time to email me. Like most authors, I’m in the details. My characters are all some version of me, especially Ada.  Read more>>

Betsy Allen-Manning

I remember one year getting hired to give a keynote speech in front of 350 doctors. While prepping for the event, I sat with my husband and told him that I would be the only one there without a Ph.D. after my name, and I was starting to feel unqualified for this audience. Then he reminded me of a skillset I had spent years developing that they often lacked.  Read more>>

Doug Tompos

It’s an interesting thing about our old friend “imposter syndrome” – do we ever truly overcome it? And should we? To me, it functions as that nagging conscience that challenges me to be authentic in my work and in my personal relationships. It constantly nudges me to discern the difference between “Who are you trying to be?” and “Who are you really?” Read more>>

Polina Bogomolova

I feel like this is the biggest obstacle of every creative and talented mind. And I believe that a person will never be able fully overcome it because that’s how our brains and beings are – we sometimes trick and sabotage ourselves out of fear of sharing our knowledge / art / self expression with the society, stepping into an unknown basically. Read more>>

Chelsea Oliver

I think there are two main contributing factors to overcoming my imposter syndrome. The first being my circle of friends and family. So much of my confidence comes from my husband and the hype-women I am so lucky to be surrounded by. They really make me feel deserving and proud of what I’ve accomplished. Read more>>

Desiree Bartlett

Each morning I can truly say that I am excited to share the joy of movement. Over the years I have consistently worked to share this message across platforms including fitness video platforms, writing books, writing articles, teaching retreats, and offering tips on social media each day. Read more>>

Grace Phiri

Imposter syndrome is definitely something we can not ignore. The excessive use of the internet has contributed a whole lot to this problem sadly, but in life we cannot allow ourselves to drown in a glamorized and probably curated lifestyle. Being content and in touch with my own life has helped a whole lot in overcoming imposter syndrome, believing that God created me in his image and I am loved by him keeps me happy and content because even though I look at others and want what they have, or even feel less of myself I lean to God and what he say about me and I make the most of my own life in my capacity.  Read more>>

Cathy Lyons

I’m usually shocked when a creative friend or colleague confides that they have “imposter syndrome” especially when I think they are doing a lovely job at what they do. Although, I’m not sure when that phrase became commonly used, I have experienced the self-doubt and fear that I wasn’t a real photographer. Read more>>

Jossie Fillalan

I wouldn’t say that I have overcome imposter syndrome, but I can say I am working on it. You’d think that at my 45 years of age I’d feel so accomplished. I own my own small business, married for 23 years and have 2 amazing kiddos. It has been my dream to be a business owners after being a stay at home mom for so long. I always tried to manifest it, pray for it and wished it my future. Now that I am, I don’t always feel as though I am worthy or deserving of it. I didn’t even know that what I was feeling was a “thing”.  Read more>>

Joshua Mentrup

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey of self-reflection and growth for me. Initially, I grappled with feeling like I wasn’t qualified enough or that I’d be exposed as a ‘fraud’ despite my successes. What helped me was realizing that this syndrome is not unique to me; many successful and highly competent people experience these doubts. Read more>>

Niah Kalpak

Gosh, this is one of the biggest issues that isn’t talked about much or enough in the creative world. When you first start taking photos, you bring Pinterest photos screenshotted on your phone to sessions, and later on, you learn to take a picture OF your phone on your camera so you don’t look like you don’t know what you’re doing, or you look at reels and screenshots of prompts other photographers use, all to help you.  Read more>>

Zachary Pampu

Personally I overcame imposter syndrome working with the best and individuals that are pioneering the game. About five years ago, I entered the social media industry with Offseason Social. Initially known as Athletes’ Guide (@OffseasonSocial on social media), I served as the Social Media Manager from May 2020 to September 2020, for a period of five months.  Read more>>

Bridgette Lee Martinez

I haven’t. This is okay. It’s okay that I haven’t overcome imposter syndrome and it’s okay if you haven’t. Imposter syndrome affects everyone worldwide due to how many “voices” we hear every day. Those voices exist from friends, family, celebrities, religion, social media posts and videos, news articles, past trauma, or even heroes that we look up to. Read more>>

Luciano Ruscitto

The path to overcoming imposter syndrome has been a transformative journey for me, particularly as a young sports owner in an industry where youthfulness can be misconstrued as inexperience. Despite not fully conquering imposter syndrome, I’ve approached its challenges head-on, by simply being honest with myself about my capabilities and limitations.  Read more>>

Allanah Gonzales

The biggest issue for me was learning to just trust my Spiritual team/Guides. How was I supposed to understand and be ok with the things that had been happening around me that nobody else could see, feel or hear? At times I even wondered if I was losing my mind.  Read more>>

Anita Momodu

My journey to parenthood is unique. When I adopted my son, I experienced postpartum Depression but felt I could not express it because I did not birth him. In my work, I work with lots of parents who have experienced a pregnancy/infant loss (including myself). I found in order to overcome the internal battle of identifying as a parent, I had to take the following steps: Read more>>

Tyre Mills

Imposter syndrome has been a continuous struggle for me over many years. My first experience working on a movie set led to internalized imposter syndrome for me. Just prior to this experience I had come out of a dark place in life battling depression and a suicidal period, financial hardships, trying to get back into college after flunking out, relationship issues, surviving a head on collision accident, losing my job, dealing with a few legal issues, having family members also sick in the hospital at the same time, and ultimately fighting some health issues of my own that had me sick while in school. Read more>>

Layla Zhan

I used to struggle with feeling like I wasn’t good enough, but learning to accept feedback helped me see it as a way to improve, not just criticism. Documenting my progress from early designs to finished pieces showed me how far I’ve come, which was really encouraging. Read more>>

Renarda Joy

Navigating imposter syndrome in the male-dominated real estate industry was a significant challenge. As a woman, self-doubt crept in, fueled by constant comparisons and the fear of not being taken seriously. To overcome this hurdle, I deliberately shifted my mindset. I recognized that imposter feelings were a shared experience, not an indication of personal inadequacy.  Read more>>

Sonya Reyes

Imposter syndrome has been something that I have struggled with since the beginning of starting my career in nursing. Despite receiving extensive clinical training during school, this feeling of inadequacy persisted during my nursing residency and continued into my journey in aesthetics. To overcome this, I reflected on my accomplishments and skills that led me to where I am today.  Read more>>

Dr. Chester Wilson

Imposter syndrome is faced by many who enter a unfamiliar room. As a young Black administrator and entrepreneur, imposter syndrome was felt at every juncture of my career. Being reared in a small rural town, with a desire to expand and grow, it was intimidating. There were many times I found myself the only one in the room when it came to age and race. Read more>>

John McCarthy

I absolutely love this question! It reminds me of a big two-day event in Salt Lake that my previous coach, Sean Whalen, hosted. I was so excited to be there to learn, network, and mainly step into an uncomfortable situation. Read more>>

Moosar

Despite imposter syndrome plaguing me every so often, I am in a process of learning to accept myself as I am and realizing that being myself is my unique special super power. I do this by ensuring I remain true to who I am by not being swayed by other people’s opinions, but valuing the real me. Read more>>

Breonna Queen

One of the best things I’ve done to overcome imposter syndrome is reducing the amount of content I consume! I noticed that I would constantly compare myself to others when I would be over social media a lot. Now I reduce the amount of time I spend on social media and filter the content I consume and it has helped so much when it comes to my self-esteem and productivity! Read more>>

Rachelle Klein

The “condition” of imposter syndrome is really ironic because objectively you are probably really good at whatever it is you feel like an imposter in. I don’t know if I would have said a few years ago that I struggle with it but I think it’s because I really believed I was bad. Maybe not bad, just “not as good as” someone else so therefore not worthy to take up space, to throw my hat in the ring.  Read more>>

Jai Kaminoff

I haven’t to be honest. I started working in this industry very young and was immediately working with artists and other techs that were incredibly out of my depth. I’ve always looked older and tried to have a more mature way of doing things, so early on I surprised a lot of people when they learned my age. My first on the road gig was with Dee Snider from Twisted Sister. Read more>>

Kelley Curran

I’ve been dealing with imposter syndrome for years, and the only thing that really helps me is less time on social media. I know that sounds impossible, especially when building a business / brand, but taking breaks from social media is crucial to our mental health, and to help us keep going. If we don’t take breaks, we may just give up all together. As a photographer, it is easy to see other photographers succeeding on Instagram, and start down the dreaded doom-scroll of “why am I not good enough to be where they are?”  Read more>>

Andrew Taylor

I don’t come from a background of antiques dealers or anything of the sort and everything I know about antiques I have learned over the last 12 years either on my own or with the help of more experienced dealers, auctioneers, etc. There are definitely times, especially when I’m at a higher end auction or show, where I feel like I don’t belong. Read more>>

Robert Wood

I wish I knew. The “Ole’ Lady” my wife asks me “why must you always do things the hard way?” I always say “if it were easy everyone would do it.” And I really do not like being told what to do. I want to make my own way in life, that is why I left the Marine Corps. I want to build a business and a company that my family and others can be proud of and prosper. And all I can hope for is that we do some good in the world. Read more>>

Christa Hardin

When I was first starting in grad school to do my studies in clinical psychology, I hit a pretty big case of imposter syndrome. Even though I had double majored in college and graduated cum laude from Eastern Michigan University, as well as gotten a research project with a professor and presented it with a ton of grad students and professors, I felt SO inadequate when I got to Wheaton College.  Read more>>

Waldys Foubelo

I haven’t! I think that is a part of the artistic process and journey. Sometimes I feel like what I created is incredible and beautiful, and I’m really happy with how it turned out. But there are always times when I’m not impressed, or excited about it. It did not end up where or how I expected. Read more>>

Brian Kesley

Honestly, I haven’t! I still struggle with it every day. I have come to learn that it is incredibly normal for people to feel they are an imposter in music and I am working on having a healthy relationship with it. For me it started in college when I got to jazz school and was brutally awakened about where I was in my musicianship compared to other people my age and it has never left me since.  Read more>>