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.

Tracey (Caramel) Domond

Imposter Syndrome for me definitely has its times. But when I do feel it coming on, I just go back and remind myself of everything I’ve been doing so far and it motivates me to continue and push through these negative thoughts of imposter syndrome. Just remind your self that this year, you are where you are due to what you did last year. Read more>>

Frosti Jonsson

As a creative person we all have experienced that feeling of inadequacy, that what we do is not good enough and our time would be better spent on something else. Too often this feeling of inadequacy stems from some odd and unfair comparison with the outside world and how others define “success”.  Read more>>

Bryan Inman

I don’t think I will ever over come my imposter syndrome. And frankly, I don’t want to. The simple truth is that the only thing that I know is that I know nothing. There is so much to learn about the rum category that I love so much. Read more>>

Indy Lau

The first time I’ve ever felt imposter syndrome while running my small business was when I made my first sale. I had many questions of “why did they buy from me?”, “do I deserve that sale?”. As an established shop for the past few years with a few hundred sales under my belt, I still wonder whether I can call myself a small business owner. Read more>>

MARCO GONZALEZ

It’s fascinating how easily we can tune in to our inner saboteur. Imposter syndrome tends to rear its head, especially for me, during moments of uncertainty and vulnerability. It’s in these moments that I’ve questioned whether my accomplishments stem from genuine merit, built on academic training, experience, and business acumen, or if they’re merely a stroke of luck or a result of diversity and inclusion initiatives. Read more>>

Evie Abat

I think imposter syndrome is very much related to comparison and creating a story around what other people are thinking of you. As a multidisciplinary artist (actor, writer, director, producer) in LA, it’s a challenge to avoid feeling like an imposter, especially because of social media. Read more>>

LeRoy Erran

To be honest I am still overcoming imposter syndome. As a stand up comedian who has performed in front of ten of hundreds people, I still sometimes feel like I don’t belong there. So I just lean into my support system, who assures me that I am walking in my right path and that I’m supposed to be right where I am. Just keep going! Read more>>

Rebecca Hass

I would actually say that we don’t need to fully overcome imposter syndrome, but rather, not let it control our decisions and actions. As Elizabeth Gilbert says in her book Big Magic, sometimes fear comes up and tries to derail our creativity, but the key is to acknowledge it and not let it drive the car! Some ways I’ve tamed imposter syndrome are: Read more>>

Beth Howard

The easy answer is that I didn’t. I don’t think anyone ever leaves imposter syndrome behind entirely. Even as skills and confidence grow, we as humans will always compare ourselves to others – and sometimes we won’t like how we stack up. Read more>>

J Puzzles

Back when I was going to art school, I found it to be a bit pretentious to call oneself an “artist”. I always knew I had talent, and a skill, but was I an artist? In my circles, that title was known to be stereotypically reserved for those that had exhibits in galleries and museums. Read more>>

Teresa Jarzynski

By continuously working on my craft until I had put in enough hours that I no longer felt like an imposter. Read more>>

Reyna DeLaCruz

Imposter syndrome is one of those things that I believe every person encounters, at least one time in their life. Whether they are an entrepreneur, an artist, or even working in the corporate world, at some point the thought of you not deserving the position you are in has crossed your mind. I, too, have found myself in this spiraling thought before. Read more>>

Wendy Yereni

The first time I heard imposter syndrome was in 2018 during one of AOC’s speeches as she was first elected into office. It was a label that made sense even without a definition. She stated it and immediately I could see how relevant this label was not just for me but for millions of people on this planet.  Read more>>

Lindsie Kongsore

I am constantly battling my own imposter syndrome. I always have flashes of doubt in my mind where I ask myself, “Who am I? Why did I get hired? Why do these people care what I have to say?”. In my work as an actress I find that I am always carrying that a little bit with me. Read more>>

Jessica Powers

When I was first asked to be Publisher for Modern Luxury’s DC Magazine, it was on a whim by the leadership team at the time. The market was not doing well and it was clear that management thought that they had tried everything else and would “take a chance on me”.  Read more>>

Nicholas Eckert

That’s a hard one to break for anyone. For me, it’s stepping back and recognizing where I’ve come from. When I think about where I was 15+ years ago, the mistakes I’ve made and the successes I’ve found, it really puts things in perspective. We learn most from our failures, and I take those lessons to heart.  Read more>>

Sara Obando

I can’t say that I’ve fully overcome imposter syndrome, but I have definitely learned to minimize it. The biggest help to do that was surrounding myself of fellow business owners that I thought were amazing at what they do, and having these type of vulnerable conversations.  Read more>>

Lia Hibbert

Overcoming imposter syndrome in the US Virgin Islands poses unique challenges intertwined with the region’s cultural and economic dynamics, especially for women. Cultural expectations shape perceptions of success and competence, intensifying imposter syndrome’s grip. Read more>>

Ute Mitchell

I don’t know if you ever really overcome imposter syndrome. I went to school to get my wine certification. I studied for months on end. And I still asked myself what I possibly had to offer to the world that they would want. Read more>>

Jasmine Hajimomen

This is such a great question. I don’t know that I have entirely overcome imposter syndrome once and for all, but rather I work on consistency which boosts my competency, which then boosts my confidence and therefore helps with imposter syndrome. Read more>>

Cortina Jenelle Caldwell

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a daily habit that requires a multitude of strategies in order to quiet those inner voices that tell me that I’m not good enough, talented enough, skilled enough, experienced enough or “of age” enough to speak with authority, run successful businesses or be recognized by others as a leader.  Read more>>

Derrick Wright

As a licensed clinical social worker and therapist I have the ability to interact with people from diverse experiences and backgrounds. In the last several years I have been focusing on improving my clinical skills and have been doing a lot of therapy with individuals, couples and families. Read more>>

LaCretia Allen

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey. When I first started my business, I struggled with self-doubt and underestimating my own qualifications and experience. I didn’t fully recognize or communicate all that I had to offer. Read more>>

Keith Fiori

Imposter syndrome might be something all creatives go through at some point in their career. Comparison is a trap, and in the age of Instagram and social media bombardment it’s hard to avoid. I absolutely went through the phase of “fake it ’till you make it”! My first big design job was in men’s design at Polo Ralph Lauren in NYC. Read more>>