How did you overcome imposter syndrome?

We’ve got some of the most incredible artists, creatives and entrepreneurs in our community and we are constantly shocked by how prevalent imposter syndrome is. So many incredibly talented folks are haunted by self-doubt by a society that often tells you not to think too highly of yourself, but in order to have the strength to take on big challenges and make meaningful change in the world you’ve got to believe in yourself and so we wanted to create a space for conversations around overcoming imposter syndrome.

Jill Magoffin

In my work as a birth and postpartum Doula, imposter syndrome is a daily companion. Having battled anxiety for decades, I’ve developed strategies to tackle both. Daily, I consciously acknowledge my skills, seek guidance from mentors, engage in ongoing learning, and utilize my toolkit of coping mechanisms. It’s a continuous process of navigating through anxiety and imposter syndrome, one day at a time. Read more>>

Carolyn Daughters

I overcame imposter syndrome by not overcoming it. I live with and face imposter syndrome head on every day. Like many of us, I’m a work in progress. For many years, I took on here-and-there contract work for dozens of companies, big and small. Some hired me to write content. Others wanted me to copyedit something they had written. Still others wanted me to lead a brand strategy session or help them build a proposal strategy. Read more>>

Edgar Alminar (DJ GarGar)

In a lot of ways, I don’t think I’ve ever overcome imposter syndrome in my creative space. I’ll have people tell me that something sounds good, and I’ll still doubt myself. I’m an absolute perfectionist in the studio and when I’m DJing, so I probably set the bar too high. At the end of the day, I guess it’s a good thing, because I’m always trying to get better and outdo anything I’ve done in the past, and I’m super competitive. Read more>>

Jonathan Carney

Imposter syndrome had been one of my biggest hurdles through college and as I pursued future career opportunities. The feelings and thoughts that accompany imposter syndrome can be discouraging and deflating. As I took strives in my career with internship opportunities, apprenticeships, etc. I always felt those feelings of anxiety and questions of worth in my role, no matter the case or no matter the qualifications I met.  Read more>>

Tiffani Nicholle

Exploring this question feels incredibly relevant as I’ve recently come to realize I was grappling with a touch of imposter syndrome. I found myself hesitating and doubting my place in significant business scenarios, wondering if I truly belonged in those major meetings or if I had the skills to handle substantial brand collaborations.  Read more>>

Jessie Yarborough

I am not sure there is a one size fits all cure for imposter syndrome, I think as I grow and mature I have to find new ways to overcome it. Especially as a creative. There is always something new on the market, things to keep up with, artists to compare yourself with, and is ever evolving. I think the biggest thing for me is stepping into my authentic self and trusting the jobs and clients I align with, that become regulars for me. Read more>>

Moana A

I haven’t! But I am working on a kind of exposure therapy of sorts. I just keep going until I get used to the discomfort of doubting myself, and until I can convince myself that I deserve to be where I am. Hopefully by faking it until I make it, I will reaching a point where it’s undeniable that I’m not an imposter, and I actually start believing it. Read more>>

Brittany Jones

Since elementary school, I have always been a high achiever. An honor roll student and quietly competitive. Most if not all of my friends were the same. Every award ceremony my name was called for something- some type of award or accolade. Back then I didn’t think much of it because to me that is what I was supposed to do. I’ve never really enjoyed the attention behind doing what was perceived as “well’’ or the “right thing”. I’ve always been shy, and I enjoy just being in the background. Read more>>

Dallas McLaughlin

I haven’t. I don’t think I ever will. I own a successful business that generates incredible results for my clients, but that doesn’t mean I don’t wonder everyday if I belong in this position, running this business, winning these awards and being rewarded by my client’s continual investment in me and my ideas. Read more>>

Amirah Kane

Imposter Syndrome is a tricky thing because it is not easy to realize that you are suffering from it until you break down mentally. When I started working as a music media personnel, I found that it was a highly competitive field, especially within my media niche. I mostly reported and blogged about topics related to the male-dominated hip-hop community, where the competition for women was scarce. This allowed me to build self-confidence in my craft. However, I struggled with my public figure persona as a Muslim woman.  Read more>>

Aaron Bos-Wahl

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the term imposter syndrome is the idea of whether or not someone feels comfortable calling themselves an artist. For whatever reason I’ve never had a hard time with this personally, calling myself an artist or thinking of myself that way it was always what I was aspiring towards.And I guess I had enough support and validation early on in my life from parents, teachers, and peers to continue thinking of myself as an artist. I was fortunate in that way. Read more>>

Dimitri Walker

That one was kinda easy for me. We didn’t have a lot of extras growing up. It was either work hard to buy, learn to make, or do with out. To my way of thinking when someone wants to give me their hard earn cash for my art, well that isn’t something I take lightly. I just can’t imagine people buying something like a painting and not believing in the piece and in the person who created it. If that is true and I’m the creator, how can I be an imposter? Read more>>

Jason Bahamundi

I don’t know that you can overcome imposter syndrome so my answer isn’t going to help you eradicate that feeling. I believe that we can learn to live with it by continually working on ourselves along with a lot of self-reflection. For example, there will be moments when I am worried about the business. I’ll ask questions about whether or not we are doing enough, talking about the right subjects, etc. Read more>>

Drew Landry

Honestly, I don’t think you do, I think you just learn how to deal with it and ignore it. At least for me. Any time I get any tiny win or accolade or opportunity, it makes my imposter syndrome grow, my brain says “Do they realize they’re giving this to someone who has no fuckin idea what he’s doing?” Ideally, I try to not listen to that voice or just hope I’m wrong. Read more>>

Sarah Perkins

Imposter Syndrome never will really go away, in fact, it’s something you learn to live with and often, to ignore. It takes a change of mindset to “overcome” Imposter Syndrome. Everyone is the hardest on themselves. It doesn’t matter in what field you end up, often time we tend to criticize our work the harshest. We look at others and compare our weaknesses to their strengths. Read more>>

Chris Powe

Overcoming imposter syndrome is something I am constantly working on. During my time at college, I felt that I wasn’t accomplishing all the goals I had set for myself when I first got there. One of the major goals was to create and perform my own original music. For the longest, I didn’t believe in my musical ideas, or have trust in my creativity. I viewed myself as a subpar musician and that I needed to be further along in my musical journey in order to create something meaningful. Read more>> 

Brittany Coleman

Overcoming imposter syndrome has always been part of my journey as a business owner. When preparing to open Refined Creative Studio, I faced many hurdles, from negotiating the lease to working with vendors but through it all, I worked hard to keep moving forward even when I didn’t have all the answers. When new opportunities present themselves, doubts, fears, and anxieties always have the potential to creep in. Read more>>

Shan Berries

I just did it! I simply had to silence those voices in the back of my head. I knew I had to start somewhere, and to be honest, I never thought my company would blow up the way it did. I started it as a hobby, a side hustle because I genuinely loved makeup. Seeing the positive response from the public and the support from people had motivated me even more! Read more>>

Cindy Baer

Wow. This question feels like kismet, since the next movie I’m making is actually titled IMPOSTOR SYNDROME!” It’s a romantic comedy about three women who ALL have Impostor Syndrome but in different ways. Read more>>

Sarah Dusek

Navigating Imposter Syndrome was a significant personal journey for me as I started my entrepreneurship journey – a trend I see across many female founders. Initially, I confronted its existence by acknowledging it head on and adopting a strategy of positive affirmations, consistently reminding myself of my qualifications and the achievements that propelled me to my current position. Because why not me? Read more>>

Shawonna Coleman

When I think about imposter syndrome, I can’t say it’s something that I have completely overcome. I will share that I have learned to navigate the mental and emotional space it places me in. It is sometimes overwhelming for someone like myself to be an introvert with social anxiety who has to show up as an extrovert because of my career and my engagement in organizations.  Read more>>

Ashley Mozingo

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey of self-affirmation for me. Embracing the idea that I can’t be an imposter in a room I was invited to has been pivotal. With over 12 years of experience in talent development, brand building, and success coaching, my nickname “Coach” reflects the trust I’ve earned. My diverse roles as a journalist, mental health advocate, and lifestyle blogger underscore the authenticity of my journey. Read more>>

Erika Carrillo

Honestly, I’m not sure if I have. Seriously one week I’m on top of the world and the next I’m struggling with my self-confidence. When you have clients that appreciate your unique style it gives you a boost of confidence. But when you deliver a gallery and just hear crickets… Your heart breaks just a little. It’s hard not to compare yourself with super-successful photographers.  Everyone has a unique background I know my style comes from my experiences. I’m very proud to see where I’m at in my journey.  Read more>>

Amanda Hoffman

I don’t know if I will ever really overcome imposter syndrome, I think some part of me will always feel a bit like I am faking it as I take on different types of work & clients. Working in photography as a solo entrepreneur, where there is such a vast array of creatives & subjects, there will always be someone doing it differently than you & it can sometimes feel difficult to keep up.  Read more>>

Alexandra Wright

Oh goodness, imposter syndrome! I struggle with it all the time. I’m not sure if it’s something you necessarily overcome; I think it’s something you learn to identify when you’re in it’s grasp, and then learn how to move through it in the moment. That for me is always the most helpful–knowing that it’s normal, and that folks experience it during every level of their career. Read more>>

Alexandra Boylan

I love this question! My new movie “Identity Crisis” that just released last month through Vertical entertainment and is available to rent on amazon, apple tv, vudu and pretty much anywhere you can buy or rent a movie, is all about imposter syndrome. I wrote the script, so if you get a chance to watch the film and read the novel I penned, you will glean more insight into how I conquer imposter syndrome. Read more>>

Stefani Angeles

Sometimes I think I’m not as good as I would like to be, but I remember all my path, the sacrifices and efforts I’ve made to achieve my goals. In short, I try to be kinder and more understanding with myself.  Read more>>

Yashna Malhotra

It’s something I am still working through. I don’t know if I have completely overcome it. Some days are better than the others, but I think the key is to trust yourself more and just write from the heart – everything else is just noise. Read more>>

Damon Amato

I don’t think designers or artists every truly overcome imposter syndrome. I think it’s something that comes in waves every so often, kind of like a “writers block” for creatives. Personally for me when I am feeling this way it has to do with being a designer in New York City when I was born and raised in my hometown Palm Springs, CA which is much smaller in comparison.  Read more>>

Natasha Selena

Imposter syndrome is an aspect of my life that I’m coming to terms with. Almost like depression, I’m learning to identify “it” and when/how it shows up in my life, and then adjust accordingly. This is one way I hope to overcome it. I experience moments when it’s around and others when it’s nowhere near a thought in my mind, so it helps tremendously when I’m able to notice its effects and catch it before becoming engulfed.  Read more>>

Camila Montoya

This question has been one of the most challenging for me to address. I’ve extensively researched this syndrome because, unfortunately, I frequently experience it, especially when the brand achieves something remarkable. Read more>>

Kristina Lao

I was the first Hong Konger to graduate from the London School of Musical Theatre, a school that accepted just 40 people per year, and whose alumni span film, TV and theatre in some of the world’s largest productions. I moved to London from Hong Kong that summer, in eager preparation for what I knew would be a life-changing chapter. Read more>>

Bonnie Monteleone

My moment of overcoming imposter syndrome came at a AGU Ocean Science Meeting in Portland, OR in 2010. I was still a graduate student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). At that point in my open-ocean plastic marine debris research I had traveled 30 days across the North Pacific gyre (known as the garbage patch) collecting surface samples with Algalita Marine Research Foundation and a week sampling in the North Atlantic gyre with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Read more>>

Charessa Freeman

I have overcome imposter syndrome by connecting with my spirit and doing the things I said I will do even when my emotions may not cater to what needs to be done. Read more>>

Taylor Cook

Imposter syndrome, to me, feels like something you’re going to come across daily, weekly, or whenever you face challenges in business. Anytime you try something new or face a career roadblock, you may hear that nagging voice in your head that says, “You can’t do this.  Read more>>

 

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