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.
Riah Hansen
I think a better question is how “do” I overcome imposter syndrome? Because it’s still something I continue to face and work through. All the time. I’d say that sometimes you have to borrow other people’s belief, for a while. For instance, I remember going to an art exhibit and sale with a friend, and as we were leaving I said something along the lines of “It’s so cool to rub shoulders with those kinds of people” to which my friend responded “Riah, you ARE those kind of people. Read more>>
Kiara Ruth
A few years ago, I attended a panel session on imposter syndrome. I was eager to hear the women speak, especially since one of them held a doctorate, another was well-traveled, and the third was an expert on the topic. At that moment, I couldn’t imagine speaking on such a subject myself. I felt unqualified and believed that these women were much smarter than me. Read more>>
TONYA WILLIAMS
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a difficult feat and it took me quite sometime to remove the “I’m not worthy” labels from my mind. I believe my battle with imposter syndrome started my freshman year in college. So I attended a PWI and majored in Theatre Arts. Read more>>
Maria Pasquarelli
What a great question and, honestly, I am not 100% sure that I have overcome imposter syndrome. I believe, especially as women, it’s very real and very intense. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I actually know what I’m talking about. When clients actually ask questions or want advice, it just comes out of me – I am ready for it. But if I sit and think on it, I start to panic. Read more>>
Siraaj Woods
Growing up I was that shy and awkward kid who often felt like an outsider looking in. The weight of imposter syndrome loomed heavily, casting doubts on my abilities and holding me back from embracing my potential. But life has a way of transforming us through unexpected journeys. It was not until I got to college that I began to embark on a path of self-discovery and growth. Read more>>
Candace Almy
Imposter Syndrome is completely against my brand and in becoming “TheHypeIsDead”, I had to learn how to tune out the noise. Everyone is on a path they have no idea about, almost as if we were given different scripts for completely different movies while judging one another on how well “our movie” is coming out. The judgement doesn’t amount to anything when you take a step back. Read more>>
Niki Marengo
Imposter Syndrome is a real strong vibe for many when getting started in the outdoor community – and something I think creates a mental intimidation factor for people, particularly if they don’t feel like they are the right age, or shape or look for a particular activity. How many miles make you a runner or backpacker? At what point can someone consider themselves a mountain biker or a climber? Read more>>
Sarah Hufstedler
Overcoming imposter syndrome is something that I still work on from time to time. It helps to remind myself how far I’ve come, not from pretending or “faking it until I make it” by any means. Thinking back on how much effort I’ve put into each project reminds me that I’m putting in the work and the outcome in the end shows. Read more>>
Mila Renee
In November 2021, I was called by a makeup artist friend with what she described as an “incredible opportunity”. She was vague. She asked if I was available for work in Miami and without a beat, I said yes. She told me to have my portfolio ready and gave me a number of an agent to call immediately. Read more>>
Mike Garcia
I’m not sure I can say that I’ve completely overcome Impostor Syndrome, but I can say, repetition is the mother of skill and the more you do something the more you will fill comfortable doing that said thing. As a filmmaker, you have to learn to enjoy the process and not be so beholden to the outcome. Read more>>
Gianna Perani
Imposter syndrome is something that seems to affect almost all of us in this era of technology and 24/7 access to information. I have been dealing with imposter syndrome my entire life. When I was in school, I thought I shouldn’t be there. When I did artwork at a level above all my peers, I just didn’t see it. Read more>>
Nataly Kinley
As three sisters diving into the entrepreneurial world, we often found ourselves questioning if we truly belonged and if our brand could make a meaningful impact. Read more>>
Maggie Karanja
Imposter syndrome is something many of us can relate to. In my journey, I’ve found that intentionally avoiding comparison has been crucial. The trap of comparison can steal our joy, so I’ve chosen to embrace joy instead. Every individual’s path is unique, and comparing ourselves to others only hinders our own progress. Read more>>
Malina Lee
Imposter syndrome is something I think a lot of people in creative industries struggle with. In particular, in the baking world there is so many great ideas at our fingertips that I think it is easy to compare yourself to others. I learned that in order to stand out and be successful I needed to be confident in my business and my talents, that confidence in myself allowed my clients to have confidence in me and my ability to bring their visions to life. Read more>>
Sonja Hernandez
Growing up in WNC I was surrounded by world class potters and ceramic artists. Being surrounded by such talent and dedication made it feel hard to claim my own place in the ceramic world. In my early 20’s I was dabbling in clay after college but was having a hard time overcoming imposter syndrome and thinking I would never be good enough. Read more>>
Christelle Anani
Do you know the saying, nothing worth having comes easy? Imposter syndrome is the same concept to me. When I know I am good at something, and I have resistance coming from inside my own brain, part of me is affirmed. Read more>>
Olga Ten
For me persistence has been the answer. When you are starting a business everything is new, so the imposter syndrome is only natural. You are outside of your comfort zone. It’s normal to feel insecure. However, this also means that you are learning, developing, and therefore growing. Read more>>
Makenzye Barfield
The short answer is that I haven’t. I still have days where I feel anxious that someone will discover that I’m totally winging it. What I have solidified is when the feeling arises it is an indication that I’m doing something new that’s outside of my comfort zone. That feeling has become a marker of personal growth. I know that if I can breathe, be honestly present for myself and work through the moment that everything will be ok. Read more>>
Jennifer Otis
Now this is one question that I can honestly say, I still struggle with sometimes to this day. I am a home chef and all of my culinary skills I got from mainly my mother teaching me how to cook in the kitchen at home, some foods classes that I took at school throughout the years, and traveling around the world and eating at different restaurants and such. I love to watch a lot of cooking shows, and even have some favorites of social media home chefs that I like. Read more>>
Christopher Allen
A little known fact about me is that I have had a long time battle with imposter syndrome. People experiencing imposter syndrome often downplay their achievements, attribute their success to luck or external factors, and feel a constant sense of unease that they will eventually be revealed as incompetent. The things that people tend to praise do not resonate with me making my experiences seem unimportant. Read more>>
Marco Barajas
t’s very common to not know your worth and think that you don’t deserve to be where you are at or receive the accolades that come with being a musician. It took us a while to understand that the only way people would take our band seriously, was if we ourselves took the band seriously. The big one for us was knowing how to charge for our services or thinking what we were receiving was enough because we were just “starting out.” Read more>>
Ari Demboski
For most of my high school career I believed that I was going to major in music, dedicating most of my school and after school hours to the music department. Despite the many hours of practicing I had under my belt and the fact that I was well awarded, I still felt like I was faking being good at music and that I could never perform to peoples standards. The pressure of being perfect because I was at the top ultimately crushed me and I decided to go to college undecided. Read more>>
Winnie Tataw
Overcoming imposter syndrome for me as an artist requires a combination of self-reflection, mindset shifts, and community support! Remember to celebrate my strengths and achievements, reframe my negative thoughts, and connect with others who can provide me with encouragement and support. Read more>>
Tyler Witt
It’s been a process to get to where I am now with it, but early on I definitely struggled with imposter syndrome. Coming from athletics with no background in the music industry, I’ve felt out of place at times. It also created doubt in my mind that I can be effective at running my own record label. Read more>>
Carlos Tonos
I don’t think I have ever really overcome imposter syndrome and I am not sure if ever really want to. There is not a single day that I am teaching that I do not ask myself if I am doing a good enough job, and if I am truly ready. Read more>>
Ryan Brown
’ll tell you a story. Early on in my career, before you could really even classify it as a career, a friend and I were asked by a teacher of ours, William Whitaker, to drive several of his paintings down to Santa Fe for his upcoming one-man show. Bill, at this time, was a seasoned professional, well known and respected in the larger art world. Read more>>
Cliff & Shanequa Stafford
It is extremely important to understand that every human being is created with purpose and intentionality. God is the greatest innovator and He took the time to handcraft every living soul. It is from this viewpoint that I realize there is something unique within myself that can benefit the earth. Read more>>
