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.
Jordan Goodman

I can’t say that I’ve ever “overcome” imposter syndrome; it’s an on-going journey that I am continuing to work through. Starting my business, Sniff Slut Candle, has taught me so many things, one of which is that things do not always go as planned, and that I do, in fact, not know everything. When I feel like I don’t belong, or that other people are doing better than me, or having more growth than I am, or whatever the scenario may be, I always try to reflect on why I am comparing myself to anyone else in the first place. Read more>>
Kim Peirano

I wouldn’t say I’ve overcome imposter syndrome, but I’ve developed ways of working with it and addressing it when it comes up, which has been very helpful in my journey. First, we have to get to the root of imposter syndrome. Does it feel like an imposter, or is it never good enough, or is something deeper at play? I believe the deeper roots of imposter syndrome lie in internalized toxic patriarchy, racism, xenophobia, and other oppressive systems. Read more>>
Emerson Cole

Something I have dealt with, like many others, is the inherent imposter syndrome. Throughout my career I have struggled to find a purpose to why I’m doing what I do and tried to tell myself that I deserve it. Alas, I don’t think anyone “deserves” anything. You make your journey based on the people around you who believe in you and your work. Read more>>
Ben Bryant

That’s a tough one! That’s something I’ve struggled with a lot in the past. I feel like a part of us always has that doubt that we aren’t where we’re supposed to be, we’re not who we’re supposed to be, and we’re not doing what we’re supposed to be doing. You’re a small fish in a big pond, and you feel like you really don’t belong where you’re at. Read more>>
Ashley Anderson-Strawser

In the photography industry this continues to be an issue with so many photographers, including myself. Earlier in my career I fell victim to the imposter syndrome, constant comparison and questioning if I was even good enough to continue in this field. I began to notice how imposter syndrome (which I didn’t know was a thing) was consuming my thoughts and taking the joy out of what I was trying to do. Read more>>
Susy Schieffelin

There are two main ways that I feel I have overcome imposter syndrome (and that I continue to use to overcome it when it pops back up). First, the best way to overcome imposter syndrome is to do it anyway. Even if I am afraid or feel like “who am I to…” I choose courage over comfort and show up anyway. Over time, by showing up consistently for myself, my clients, my work, and my biggest vision, I have come to see that commitment is what matters most. Read more>>
A.C. Kimsey

I find that overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing journey that can really only be “cured” by consistently challenging yourself and getting out of your comfort zone. In any creative pursuit, because there are an infinite number of ways you can create success for yourself, imposter syndrome is nearly inevitable because you’re almost always taking the road less traveled. There is no other creative journey that can be compared to yours. Read more>>
Heather Cronemiller

I can’t say that I have overcome imposter syndrome. I can say that I am overcoming imposter syndrome though. I have been so lucky to get asked to do some absolutely amazing collaborations in the last couple of years. The one that I am most proud of is being a co-author on the book Going Deeper for Women: How Your Inner Child Impacts Your Love and Sex Addiction and the Going Deeper for Women workbook. Read more>>
Lindsey Cooper

Imposter syndrome thrives in the shadows. In overcoming imposter syndrome, I’ve realized that the wisest of all know what they don’t know. As a mental health clinician, I hear on an almost daily basis from patients who are struggling with imposter syndrome. We examine judgments, what is “good enough” and reflecting on the unique qualities each individual brings to a situation. Read more>>
Susan Phelan

First of all, I think most of us have to overcome imposter syndrome again and again. Like COVID! But hopefully it isn’t as bad after the first time. Read more>>
Kisha Walwyn-Duquesnay

At first I didn’t. I grappled with self-comparison, feeling perpetually behind my peers in the pursuit of success. Even when I tried what they tried, to get to where they got, it still didn’t land where they did, I continually fell short. As a licensed psychotherapist, I clung to the illusion that I needed further certifications and seminars before venturing into my true purpose of helping people. Read more>>
Jennifer Bieber

Thats a great question! It can be especially tough in the photography world, as there is so much fantastic talent in all genres. I feel like you have to focus on your vision and really try not to be influenced by trends or what you are “supposed to be doing”. Learn the rules so you can break the rules and do not compare yourself to others. I know I have experimented in many different areas and found that I ended up coming back full circle to what I think looks great as a finished product. Read more>>
Dominique Hall

Although I am imposter syndrome is something you never quite get over , it something that you constantly get through as an entrepreneur inevitably. Ways that I’ve been able to see past my own imposter syndrome is truly understanding I deserve to be there and that anyone’s greater or grandest accomplishments , not only do they not affect nor reflect on me , they have nothing to do with me. Read more>>
Bintou Cisse

As a creative and fashion designer, I’ve wrestled with that sneaky imposter syndrome for what feels like forever. You know, it’s that pesky voice in your head that loves to whisper, “You’re not good enough,” and plant seeds of doubt about your abilities and talents. For years, imposter syndrome kept me stuck in a loop of second-guessing every design choice, every fabric selection, and every single stitch I sewed. Read more>>
Jordan Obinger

Throughout my upbringing, the phrase “Fake it till you make it” echoed persistently. Yet, the concept of “faking it” always left me unsettled, just as the nebulous notion of “making it” puzzled me. Make what exactly? Triumph in life’s grand game? Secure the coveted dream job? Often, we find ourselves at odds with our own perceptions. Conquering imposter syndrome emerges as a ubiquitous and entirely natural challenge. Read more>>
Isabella Talbott

I overcame imposter syndrome by working with a ghostwriting client who wasn’t the easiest. Sometimes it is true that overcoming adversity makes us stronger. This client was looking to write a book on a topic I had a significant amount of experience with. I’d been studying/pursuing the topics he wanted to discuss for more years than he had been. I wasn’t rubbing that in his face by any means but he kept questioning my “knowledge” and “understanding” of what he was talking about and trying to say. Read more>>
Valerie Davis

Imposter syndrome is definitely a human experience I continue to dance with every now and then in my work. As I have continued down my path as a licensed therapist and holistic practitioner, I have found that coming back to my sense of self and true authenticity has been incredibly helpful in letting me move through this feeling effectively. I can’t say I have completely overcome it, but that I continue to acknowledge those thoughts when they come up and have found some powerful ways to navigate it. Read more>>
L.J. Burkhart

Let me just preface this by saying that dealing with imposter syndrome in this field is not easy. I think every author struggles with it. It’s a constant back and forth. I really notice it when I’m going through the editing process and rereading my work a million times. I start to question if the story is really good enough to release. I want to assure all other authors and writers out there that this is completely normal! Read more>>
Melissa Scott

I overcame imposter syndrome by focusing on my passion, dedication, and expertise in my field. Despite facing challenges and obstacles, I remained committed to providing superior products and services, prioritizing the well-being of my clients, and advocating for healthier alternatives in hair care. Surrounding myself with motivational resources, learning from successful entrepreneurs, and transforming my mindset about wealth and entrepreneurship were also crucial in overcoming imposter syndrome. Read more>>
Tianyi You

Interestingly, my picture book “Who is the Liar” tells the story of Impostor Syndrome, inspired by my own experiences. I’ve always seen myself as an “amateur” in the art industry. Before studying for an MFA in Illustration practice at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in the United States, I was a self-taught artist, with an undergraduate degree in landscape gardening. I persisted in drawing solely out of interest. Read more>>
Brandi Inman

I’d like to say that I ultimately overcame imposter syndrome by making the choice to celebrate the wins of other creatives in my own industry. It’s easy to compare yourself to others or feel like someone else is doing better than you in your own field. But that’s their own journey. We all have our own unique techniques and styles in the photography world. So instead of comparing, I decided to celebrate. I’ll be the biggest cheerleader for my fellow photographer any day. Read more>>
Leonor Dosanjos

By being myself. I know I have a unique gift that needs to be seen and explored, I don’t know anyone like myself and I don’t know anyone like the people I meet. I show up as my authentic self when I step out and with that I attract the same vibe. Self love and therapy helped a lot. Read more>>
Angie Taylor

As a leader of multiple schools that I co-founded around the world it is easy to fall prey to imposter syndrome. The biggest lesson I have learned over the years is to anchor my faith and identity in God. I have learned to take Him at his word when He says in Jeremiah, He knows the plans He has for me, plans to prosper me, not to harm me and give me a future. I have learned to place my life, my success and reputation in His hands. In Psalms it says a man can make his plans, but it is God who establishes them. Read more>>
Meryl Klemow

I experienced imposter syndrome when I was first born. I doubted that I was meant to be a baby, in a hospital, in Rochester, New York. What did it all mean? From that day (August `1, 1982) on, I have decided that I am meant to be and do everything I want to! If not you, then who? A friend once told me that instead of imposter syndrome, I have imPOSER syndrome, because I am not afraid to impose myself on a situation I feel I’m deserving of. Read more>>
Sharon Bushy

I focus on the value that I am offering to my professional community rather than on the imposter syndrome. My work is not about me, it is about the people that I serve and the value that I aspire to provide. Read more>>
Jenna Dundon

As a musician and artist, I believe we never really overcome our imposter syndrome. The best artists are never satisfied with where they are and always striving to be better. I believe overcoming your imposter syndrome is impossible, but accepting it and using it as motivation rather than letting it deter you from your dreams is the key. It took me a long time to find a perfect balance between accepting where I am in my career, but never feeling satisfied. Read more>>
Remi Yvonne

As a salon owner and entrepreneur, overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Initially, I grappled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, questioning whether I truly had what it takes to succeed in the competitive beauty industry. However, I realized that these doubts were merely obstacles holding me back from reaching my full potential. Read more>>
Jummy Kirby

Overcoming imposter syndrome as an African American woman is something I’ve had to navigate personally, and it’s been quite the journey. One of the most important things I’ve learned is to celebrate my achievements, no matter how small they may seem. It’s about recognizing the hard work and dedication I’ve put in to get to where I am today. Read more>>
Azul Leguizamón

Usually, when someone speaks about impostor syndrome, it’s related to a specific role in life: feeling like an impostor for not believing you are a professional in a specific job, or not talented enough. In my case, however, I grew up feeling like an impostor because I was raised in a very dysfunctional family, where violence, psychological abuse, and neglect were everyday occurrences. Read more>>
Carys Mullins

When I got my first job at 17, the only qualifying experience I had was a stubborn motivation to learn all I could learn and a solid understanding of mental health gained from years of therapy. I worked as a mentor to at-risk and incarcerated youth. I also assisted in teaching survivors of sex trafficking how to cope with and understand their trauma through Social Emotional Learning (SEL). I definitely felt like an imposter when I started. Read more>>
Adrienne Blackstone

Imposter syndrome is a challenging experience, The first step on my journey of dealing with imposter syndrome is recognizing and acknowledging my feelings of self-doubt. Next, I learned that I needed to separate my thoughts from reality. I still have my bad days but building my self-confidence through positive self-talk and affirmations is beneficial on this journey of self worth. Read more>>
Natalia Rutecki

Despite receiving encouragement to pursue personal styling as my career, I grappled with feelings of inadequacy and doubt regarding my abilities and whether others would have confidence in me. Taking the leap to start my own business was daunting. I feared I wouldn’t be able to meet all my clients’ expectations, especially in an industry without formal training or certifications. Read more>>
Madhurima Sappatti

One of my favorite ways to overcome imposter syndrome (that I dive deeper into in the article linked below) is to “Remember the value and impact I create!” For me, my impostor comes from my stories of “not being enough” or “not doing enough”, and the best way to help me step out of this loop of hate is to remember that I am doing my best right now and constantly supporting people. Read more>>
Ashley Chambless

I work in the faith-based film industry, and many people may not know that the leaders in this industry are almost exclusively male. Women have not always been allowed a seat at the table, particularly in extremely conservative circles. It is exceptionally easy for women to fall into the belief that they don’t deserve a seat at the table. That they need to be in an assistant role. For a long time, I believed that was true about myself. Read more>>
Megan Johnson

Imposter Syndrome is a real feeling. For me, working in an industry that I didn’t go to school for or have a degree in, I can tell you there were times in the beginning where I felt it. But I also think there are many career paths that you can become good at by diving right in and getting as much hands-on experience as you can. Read more>>
Shannon Tidwell

Oh my goodness, I still struggle with this! As a florist in central Texas, I am surrounded by incredible creators who have far more experience than I do. It is extremely intimidating entering the wedding industry, even when I have five years of experience literally TEACHING floral design. The more florists and vendors who I have the opportunity to work with, the more I realize that we are all figuring this business out as we go! Read more>>
Anthony Fitzpatrick

Imposter syndrome is something that I have to deal with on a daily basis. I’m constantly reminding myself that where I am now, is further than I was yesterday. I wouldn’t say that I’ve fully overcome the thought of not belonging in the field of photography, but I have been able to settle in on the fact that my skillset has grown and improved tremendously since I’ve started. I also remind myself that I’ve given creatively to the field of photography as a mentor and creative. This is what keeps me going. Read more>>
David Rosen

I think imposter syndrome is a very real thing that we all deal with at times, even after breaking through and knowing that we’re not imposters. But the most important thing is just continuing to do the thing you love with no expectation. I want to be successful in all that I do of course, but just knowing that I’m doing it because I love doing it, means I don’t really have to worry about whether or not someone else thinks I should be or am capable of doing the creative things that I do. Read more>>
Gilly Kahn

I actually started tearing up while reviewing the question options because they made me realize how much left I have to learn. As a woman with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and with a history of depression, I am no stranger to the intense jab of rejection sensitivity. The truth is that I don’t think I will ever overcome imposter syndrome. I believe my confidence and self-esteem are a work in progress. Read more>>
Rochelle McConico

Did I overcome it? Or do I just treat it when it flairs up? Is imposter syndrome the herpes of mental illness? You have it for life but you’ve just got to manage the outbreaks? Yeah. I have had to treat many outbreaks of imposter syndrome. I do that by looking at the data. I think sometimes when we feel like we are not good enough or a phony, we needn’t look much farther than our output. Read more>>
Conscious Coore

it’s just that I didn’t have the type of hopes or goals that were truly longterm. In hindsight, I can see how every part of my life, including the one unfinished degree in architecture, has given me relevant insight and skill to do the work that I do today as a middle school educator and entrepreneur. Read more>>
Caren Cooper

To me imposter syndrome is trying to be someone you are not. Part of imposter syndrome to me is comparing to others but also not truly loving who you are. You are yearning to be everyone but yourself. I lived like that for many year. I always wanted to be someone other than myself and because of that always compared myself to others. I never appreciate what I had, I was jealous of what others had. Always judgemental too. Read more>>