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.
Devon Douglas
I wrestled with imposter syndrome for a long time—both in my 9-to-5 job and when I decided to start my own business. But deep down, I knew the life I wanted, and I understood that the only way to make it a reality was by taking risks. My vision wasn’t about becoming a millionaire or owning a mansion or luxury car. It was about freedom—financial freedom and the ability to live life on my own terms. I knew I had to build something of my own to achieve that. Read more>>
Abigail Eisley
I used to say, “I’ll never work for myself!” Fast forward to now: I am running a busy lactation practice, where I am privileged to support new families in the Baltimore area every week. When I first looked into running a private practice for lactation, it seemed very daunting, and I felt that I had nothing to offer. But the more I trusted myself, the easier it all felt. I reminded myself that we all start small, and providing quality care will speak for itself. I made sure to review some topics I felt less confident in, taking trainings to bulk up my skills and education. I am so glad I went for it. I am learning new things every day through caring for my clients. Read more>>
Leena Kazak
Overcoming imposter syndrome is really tough, and I’d be lying if I said it’s something I’ve completely conquered—it’s definitely an ongoing process. Some days, I feel incredibly proud of my accomplishments as both a first-time author and an editor. But there are other days when self-doubt suffocates me. On those tough days, I try to ground myself in the present. I’ve found that when I let my thoughts spiral, it’s usually a sign that I need to step back and take a break—especially from social media. Comparing myself to others or feeling like I’m not doing “enough” only feeds the negativity, so giving myself space to take a break is crucial. Read more>>
Jason Mettler
I never thought I’d find myself in the health field. For years, I worked as a video producer, mastering skills in editing, motion graphics, storyboarding, and everything else that goes into pre- and post-production. I even led a team for a while. But as my department was merged with another, I saw the writing on the wall. One by one, my team members were let go, and I realized my specialized skills didn’t align with the company’s future. It was clear I’d need to reinvent myself.
At the same time, I kept hearing comments from different people about pursuing a career in health. It made me pause and think seriously about my future. For decades, I’d faced my own health challenges and had to become my own advocate, researching and experimenting to uncover answers when conventional medicine failed me. This personal journey had given me a deep respect for holistic health and natural medicine. Suddenly, the idea of stepping into this world didn’t feel so far-fetched. Read more>>
Isaiah Mcswain
At first, I didn’t know I was dealing with imposter syndrome. I simply wanted to show up in select, if not all, spaces in an acceptable manner. This was more prevalent in my life during high school. During undergrad, I started to find a sense of being and self love. I was able to show up in my professional spaces with inner calm. I had been through what seemed like endless challenges up until that point, even throughout college. I found an inner center that feeds me in my learning phases and interactions. Read more>>
Andrew Soto
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a shared journey for both of us, shaped by the challenges we’ve faced individually and together. For me, Andrew, being in medical school has meant constantly navigating self-doubt in a high-pressure environment. There are moments when I question if I’m good enough, but reflecting on my progress, leaning into my passion for medicine, and knowing Deissy believes in me keeps me grounded. Read more>>
Jessica Denise
In American, we often associate, learning or obtaining skills with attending formal education institutions. However, we may have been learning things such as organization from young age when our parents, bought us colored bins and told us to put our toys away. First thing I had to do is get over my Imposter Syndrome and BE REAL with myself and ask sincerely do I have that skill? Do an inventory of skills you use in daily life? Ask can these skills be applied anywhere else? Formal education is wonderful but knowledge has many paths. Read more>>
Hailey Mathis
When I was battling with imposter syndrome, the one thing that started to help me the most was building a network of other small business owners and makers. Sharing our experiences and our obstacles with each other helped us realize that we all struggle with imposter syndrome. We’ve been able to help lift each other up and overcome imposter syndrome! I still struggle with imposter syndrome sometimes but it’s not near as bad as what it use to be! Read more>>
Ray Daly
I don’t think that imposter syndrome is something that ever fully goes away. As I grow and I take on new, less familiar, tasks I’m still hit with the feeling that I’m unprepared or don’t know what I’m doing. That feeling always spurs me to action though. I think to myself about the ways that I can learn more about what I don’t know. The important thing isn’t to feel like you’re not an imposter, but to show up even when you feel like one. Read more>>
Elena Lozonschi
Honestly, I’m not sure performers are wired to ever completely overcome it—it’s something you learn to live with, haha! Over time, I think it loosens its grip a little bit, you know, as you grow more satisfied with the effort and preparation you put into your work. Accepting that you’ve done your best is a huge step, followed by the toughest part, in my opinion, which is: letting go. That means no overanalyzing, no obsessing, no stressing over your performance —just releasing and trusting that you got it, no matter what! Easy, right? If anyone out there has managed to fully do it, hit me up, I’d love to chat! Read more>>
Lilo Allen
In the ten years I have been in business for myself, I’ve learned that confidence is a muscle that has to be grown and strengthened over time. If you consistently put yourself in uncomfortable situations where you challenge yourself, you will always have the opportunity to show yourself just what you’re made of. Apply for the position you don’t necessarily qualify for. Accept the huge speaking gig that you’re nervous about. Define and then refine your elevator pitch. Yes, there’s an inner voice that pops up sometimes to tell me I’m not doing enough or that I don’t deserve all that I have accomplished, but I use that voice as redirection – not a reminder. I turn inward and investigate those feelings, and I make a plan to address any personal lapses I see in myself or my work ethic. Once I’ve done that, everything I do afterwards is undoubtedly my best intended work, and I’ll always be satisfied with that. Read more>>
Jerrell L. Henderson
It’s funny, all of my life I felt like I did not really belong in the spaces I found myself. Then I got a bit older and spoke to a few more people and realized that everyone else is battling their own version of I.S. That was helpful to my psyche for a while, you know? Knowing that I wasn’t the only one. Not even close. After a while, though, that connection wasn’t enough to overcome the anxiety I felt in both private and public spaces in terms of whether or not I had any right to be there. Read more>>
Zoe Smythe
I wouldn’t say I’ve completely overcome imposter syndrome, but I’ve learned how to keep it in check. The more I talk with other creatives—even those I deeply admire—the more I realize almost everyone deals with these feelings. It’s comforting to know that imposter syndrome is not just my challenge; it’s something many successful people face.
This perspective helps me avoid letting imposter syndrome hold me back, and I even use it to push myself forward. There’s a certain humility in this feeling that can be useful—it reminds me that there’s always more to learn and room to grow. Honestly, if I ever felt like I’d learned it all, I think the excitement would fade! So, I see it as a push to keep learning and challenging myself. Read more>>
Idriss Dabre
Impostor syndrome might just be one of the most valuable tools a creative will encounter on their journey. Calling yourself a “creative” is a curious act. The definition is entirely subjective, shaped by culture, language, and context. For those just starting out, it’s often the central question: When do you truly become a creative? In a field brimming with titles—Art Director, Senior Art Director, Associate Creative Director, Creative Director, Chief Creative Officer—the hierarchy suggests a linear path of growth. It implies that as you climb the ladder, gaining recognition from peers, you somehow evolve into a “real” creative. One might think that by reaching the upper echelons, you’d shake off impostor syndrome entirely and create freely, untethered by fear or doubt. Read more>>
Vanity Scott
I think imposter syndrome is something that comes when we are faced with new challenges. Someone once told me if you don’t feel imposter syndrome, you’re stepping into a room that is not big enough. They argued that imposter syndrome is good and it means you are stepping into a stretching season. So, I would say I overcome imposter syndrome by immersing myself in whatever challenge is before me. I allow myself to be stretched when God is trying to expand my mind and lead me down the path that He has created for me. Read more>>
Marcilli
I’m still overcoming imposter syndrome, to be honest. But what helps me is looking at how far I’ve come and giving myself credit for everything I’ve accomplished. I remind myself that I’m good enough, I’m deserving of my dreams, and so is anyone else with a dream. No dream is ever too grand—you should even go bigger than you imagined. Read more>>
Marcilli
I’m still overcoming imposter syndrome, to be honest. But what helps me is looking at how far I’ve come and giving myself credit for everything I’ve accomplished. I remind myself that I’m good enough, I’m deserving of my dreams, and so is anyone else with a dream. No dream is ever too grand—you should even go bigger than you imagined. Read more>>
Cody Riker
What a funny question. I think I still don’t believe I’m real sometimes- just a collection of impressions and data logged and left on a hard drive somewhere- but when I look at myself in the mirror, I see a face that looks familiar. About a year and a half ago, I started talking to myself. I’m an only child, so this isn’t exactly uncommon behavior, but I stared myself down in the mirror one day and decided that if anybody was going to guide me, it should be me. Read more>>
Jack Schoonover
As someone without a formal degree in my field (electrical engineering), I felt like a fraud often, especially in the very early days. I still grapple with the feeling on occasion, but experience has taught me that when I feel like I’m in over my head, that’s usually a sign that I’m pushing myself and learning something new. The important thing to remember during these times (for me, anyway) is to be patient with my growth and not compare my journey to others’. Read more>>
Carona Davis-diop
This is where self care, self love and self esteem all connect. If you don’t have this within yourself and you are looking for it through outside influences then be ready to fail. It’s that simple. I had to realize my value and realize that I’m a pretty cool individual! Lol! Even after 3 short films, 3 books and hosting 2 podcasts and a digital magazine. I felt like it wasn’t enough. I needed to really take a step back and review everything that I’d accomplished In the past decade. Only when I did that did I genuinely come to the realization that I was doing a fantastic job. I feel like I’ve been put here to help/assist others and I take that very seriously so, if I am down and feeling imposter syndrome after everything I’ve done how can I then help someone else? It doesn’t work that way. Appreciate your hard work and effort even if it’s just writing a page to your debut book or taking that first class. Read more>>
Kaylene Logan
From the age of 5, I was determined to be a physician, a pediatrician to be exact. In college, I first learned of child sex trafficking, and wondered how an Obstetrician/Gynecologist might be better suited to serve that population. I completed my residency training 11 years ago, and after the first few years of practice, scaled back to make space for motherhood, a gap which also allowed me time to serve a local anti-trafficking organization. The onset of COVID-19 during my third pregnancy pushed me into a variety of directions I hadn’t been expecting. Read more>>
Robin Nunez
I think imposter syndrome is something that has always lived with me. Of course I have felt it bubble up more at certain times in my life, and other times I can keep it at bay, but I’m not sure I have ever overcome it fully. However, I do feel like I have worked really hard toward living with it in a healthy way. Read more>>
Jennifer Hook
My journey overcoming impostor syndrome began with embracing the “fake it till you make it” mentality early in my career. While this might sound superficial, it proved to be remarkably effective because it pushed me to take on challenges I might have otherwise avoided. But the real key was surrounding myself with talented individuals who I could rely on and learn from. Counter to what some might expect, working with highly skilled colleagues actually helped reduce impostor feelings rather than amplify them. Read more>>
Clarissa Jane
Imposter syndrome is such a complex concept that I don’t think I’ve fully “overcome” thus far in my life. I grew up in a very uniquely complicated environment, having seemingly no end-in-sight as to when I would come out on the other side. I was always a wild dreamer, very imaginative & set my sights high as far as who I would be in this world. The life I have now is something I dreamed about since I was a little girl & I have to pause every now & then just to take a look around & soak it all up! That goes beyond career life & my accomplishments, it’s who I am in my own mind, my internal happiness & peace. I’m so proud of the woman I’ve become & I’m so immensely grateful to the road that’s lead me here. Read more>>
Jessica Marroquin-taveras
Imposter syndrome is such an obstacle for many photographers in the field. I have come across imposter syndrome before and still battle with it to this day. I would say the most important way that I am able to help myself overcome the emotions with imposter syndrome is to remember to give yourself grace for showing up for something you love to do, giving it your all , and doing as best as you can. It is also important in order for us to continue growing, continuous learning is necessary to obtain even more skills than before. Read more>>
Stephanie Lawhorn
In a world where your emotions, inspirations, and accolades are put on display for the world to see, it’s easy to succumb to the self-diagnosis of ‘imposter syndrome’. As a self-taught painter, I often found myself stuck in the cycle of comparison with the arts world around me when first displaying my own work. I have so much admiration for the talents of my artist friends! However, what became apparent to me over time is the value of our uniqueness in how we choose to create. As an Art Teacher, I’m often inspired by the unique qualities and talents I see in my students…and I love nothing more than to nurture the beautiful qualities in their God-given talents and watch them thrive! Read more>>
Kaylynn Hunt
Honestly, I can’t say that I’ve fully overcome it. It’s a constant battle of wills—a voice that questions my achievements and a determination to silence it. Whenever those doubts creep in, I remind myself of the facts: I did this. I wrote the books, I created the stories, and that’s no small feat. Completing a book, in itself, is a monumental accomplishment, and I make it a point to celebrate that. Read more>>
Monica Wesolowska
Starting out as a writer, I suffered from a reverse sort of imposter syndrome. Wanting to be taken seriously as an artist, I avoided the genre that had first called to me as a writer — children’s picture books. I was afraid of being treated as if I were writing a lesser art form, a “female” art form, as if I couldn’t write “great literature” for adults. I’m so happy I got over myself. Writing for children is serious work but you can’t do it well if you take yourself too seriously. Read more>>
Dearcl
There’s no overcoming this. The real answer is that it just doesn’t matter what people say if you enjoy making art – just make it. Make it for you, make it because you want to send a message to someone in your life – make it for whatever you define. The key detail most people are missing is that the majority of criticisms that come from someone devaluing an artwork due to whatever standard, is that this process is subjective. Distinctly a criticism can be helpful if it points out a specific instance to be improved upon and then details a short but concise opinion on how. I feel a lot of criticisms now are without this second part, which leads to anxiety for many people. Read more>>
Rikki Ramsey
This question made me laugh because, to be honest, I haven’t overcome imposter syndrome at all.. I still sometimes feel like a total imposter. It’s wild to me to think that people trust and hire ME to capture their visions and help tell their stories! I’ve spoke to so many other creatives and it seems like imposter syndrome is a common feeling across the board, so maybe it’s something that never completely goes away.. If that’s the case, in a weird way, I’m ok with it. Not only does it make me continuously appreciate, enjoy and truly feel the magic in what I do, I’m always hyper aware of making sure every shoot & every photo I deliver is the best it can possibly be. Read more>>
Rachel Gardner
Imposter syndrome has been an interesting topic in my life over the years, I have attempted to tackle it many ways, starting with ignoring it, moving on to fighting it, eventually learning about it and now embracing it. Being born to a family of professional musicians I found myself around such talent that I created a story in my head early on that I could never reach those levels. I never imagined I would call myself a musician. I had my challenges right from the start. Being born with significant hearing restrictions in a musical family created a sense of otherness and not belonging at a young age. I did not readily explore the world of music for a very long time. Read more>>
Ray Anthony “zen” Eddie
For me, overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t about defeating it entirely—it’s about learning to live with it and even embrace it as a sign of growth. I’ve realized that as long as I’m striving for more, pushing boundaries, and evolving, that feeling of “not quite belonging” might always be there. And, in a way, I’ve made peace with that. Read more>>
Harry Dean
I don’t think that I have ever actually overcome imposter syndrome. I think that it is important for my success as a musician to hold onto a bit of the imposter syndrome. Whenever I feel like something might be out of reach or I have not yet earned one opportunity or another one, that just gives me the motivation to work a little harder, or spend the extra time to write a song. Maybe it is practicing my guitar. I always find myself reaching for that next thing in my music career, just a little bigger stage than last time, and just throwing my name or my music in front of new people and just seeing what sticks. I have to sometimes take the time whenever I am feeling like I do not quite belong to look back at where I have been and appreciate all of the work I have put into this. Read more>>
Narkesha Brown
“When I first started my journey as a tax professional, I felt like I was constantly questioning whether I truly belonged in the industry. Despite my knowledge and qualifications, I would sometimes sit in meetings with clients or other professionals and wonder if I was enough. Could I really provide the solutions my clients needed? Was I truly the expert they believed me to be? Read more>>
