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.
Melissa Bauknight
My journey to overcoming impostor syndrome began nine years ago at Landmark Worldwide. Despite being ranked #2 in sales at the medical device company where I worked, I battled a persistent fear that I wasn’t truly deserving of the recognition I received. This fear of being seen as an impostor haunted me. Read more>>
Leslie Kenehan
I’ve really come to see impostor syndrome as a sign we’re exploring new territory or stepping into the unknown, often triggering a bit of fear. Recognizing impostor syndrome for what it is, I realized it’s not about overcoming it, but continuously moving through it. It signifies that we’re exploring and trying new things that we’ve never attempted before. This realization empowered me to lean into imposter syndrome. To feel that fear and move through it. Read more>>
David Franz
Does anyone actually overcome imposter syndrome? I don’t think so. I think the voice that tells you that you’re an imposter can just get a little quieter, or not around as often as you build confidence through practice, but I don’t think it goes away. And that’s a good thing. Imposter syndrome can be useful if you use it for checking in on yourself, not getting too cocky, and always striving to improve. Read more>>
Nyiesha Muhammad
To be fully transparent, imposter syndrome is something I haven’t fully overcome. I believe for some people like myself, it’s a constant battle in your mind. The way I approach overcoming it is by reflection. I’ll take the time to look back at the course of my life and revel in the fact that although my journey has had a few bumps, some with a heavier impact than others, it’s still mine and I’ve accomplished what I’ve set out to do no matter the time frame or circumstances. Affirming myself on my achievements is another way I silence that voice in my head. Read more>>
Qiana Abrams
Imposter syndrome IS A LIE 😂 For a long time, I always thought that could never be me when it came to reaching my goals EVEN while in the middle of them. I never used to celebrate small victories because U felt the big ones needed to be the loudest. Fitness has really helped me overcome this, because WHY NOT ME? Why can I BE A FITNESS TRAINER? Now I think, if not me, who? That drive to celebrate me really keeps me going! Read more>>
Trisha Monae
I managed to conquer imposter syndrome by maintaining focus and understanding that my ultimate objective is more significant than any temporary negative thoughts. It’s quite simple to be consumed by pessimism when chasing your aspirations. I often find myself drawing comparisons with others. Read more>>
Kyoko M
In some ways, I think I still suffer from it, but honestly what helps me get over imposter syndrome is watching reviews of terrible movies. I know, right? That’s probably an odd way to go about it, but whenever I feel low and think I’m a bad writer, I find something worse and then remind myself “at least you’re not THIS bad.” My go-to for that are the Jurassic World movies. Read more>>
Robert Gwaltney
For the longest while, I struggled with calling myself a writer–with saying the thing aloud. I often tell other writers who are just starting out, “If you engage in the act of writing, you are a writer.” I wish I had taken my own advice earlier. Do as Robert says, not as Robert does makes Robert a hypocrite. I wish I could say that I have overcome imposter syndrome. Read more>>
Chloe Bogosian
Imposter syndrome is something that I have truly struggled with throughout my life. I would constantly fixate on any of my failures and shortcomings and it would prevent me from doing many things. It wasn’t until I became a high school Social Science teacher that I finally started to change my mindset and focus on how much I was learning and growing and bringing that positivity into my classroom and the students I was teaching. Read more>>
Beaux McDuffie
I always tell my clients that “Fear, will have you believe that you can’t do something that you’re doing,or have already done successfully.” For me overcoming imposter syndrome is something that I have to practice everyday with affirmations. Even when asked to do this interview, the imposter syndrome tried to sneak in. I had to tell myself “You have a voice, and it’s time to use it ” I have to trust in my life experiences. I have to remind myself that my voice matters and I have the knowledge to back it up. Read more>>
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a continuous journey for me, and I’ve found several strategies that help manage and mitigate its effects. While I believe that imposter syndrome may not be entirely curable, it is certainly treatable and controllable. First and foremost, preparation plays a pivotal role in my approach. Thoroughly preparing for the task at hand allows me to build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Read more>>
Sadie Peterson
While the photography world felt very intimidating to me, I was fortunate to be introduced to a really incredible community of photographers in Denver. I think this is the first time that I felt AND believed in the “community over competition” mantra that is often tossed around. These were incredible photographers who were willing to answer my questions, share tips, etc. I credit some of these women for getting me to where I am today. Read more>>
Sabrina Shabica
Stop comparing! The best advice I ever received when dealing with imposter syndrome is to simply, stop scrolling. It is so easy to get caught up in everyone else’s work. Compare yourself to their clients, their shots, their edits, how successful they are doing, etc.. When this starts creeping in your head, just take a break from scrolling social media. If anything, simply take a break. Give yourself some room to breathe. Remember why you started in the beginning, and why you love what you do. Read more>>
Holly Kent-Payne
I don’t think I have overcome imposter syndrome so much as come to the realization that I am no more of an imposter than anyone else in my industry! Coffee roasting is a difficult field to break in to if you have no experience. There’s no official career path laid out in the coffee industry that can take you from barista to roaster; rather, it comes about through a combination of opportunity and determination. Read more>>
Alex Ramos
I’m not sure if you ever do. I think we are surrounded by other professionals who are always trying to covertly sell their expertise and often we think they are being sincere. The reality is we are in the same boat as them. Keeping your humility and getting the job done can be a fine line to walk. Read more>>
Jayy Maadniss
I wish I could tell people that I carry the utmost confidence in who I am, being honest I never really get over it. I just make peace with it. No man nor woman has control, God & the Universe does. So I allow my ancestors to guide me accordingly without fear of failure. Sometimes that guidance leads me back to my roots, my family. A glance of a picture reminds me where of I’m from & how far I’ve come. Read more>>
Jamiee Nathaniel
My formal background is in social work, and often people are shocked to see that I am in a communications role and now a co-owner to a digital planner business, The Jam Planner. Despite social work being a very broad field, folks don’t usually expect social workers to be in these creative positions. For a while, especially when I was making a pivot in my career and moving away from direct service, I wondered if it was possible to make a career change. Read more>>
Samantha Luegger
What is it even? Imposter syndrome (IS) is a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals. Did you know there are actually 5 different types of imposter syndrome? From impostersyndrome.com, “The Perfectionist’s primary focus is on “how” something is done. This includes how the work is conducted and how it turns out. One minor flaw in an otherwise stellar performance or 99 out of 100 equals failure and thus shame. Read more>>
Pedro Meyer
I am sure every artist worth anything have felt imposter syndrome at some point. Perhaps some more often than others, but all nonetheless. It is part of the creative process to critique your own art. We, the artists, are nothing but the first audience member to experience the art that was made, so it is natural for us to put it through the ringer, since we expect that others will do the same. Turns out, no one cares as much as we do. Read more>>
Ryan Majoris
I’m not sure anyone fully overcomes imposter syndrome. Honestly, I’d be wary of the person who says they have. I feel like it’s an inherent part of creativity since it stems from fear which is an absolute necessity when creating. I don’t think fear should dominate, but if you’re not afraid at all, you’re not challenging yourself. That said, I do feel like you can learn how to become more familiar with the fear. Read more>>
Caroline Alderson
I’ve been lucky enough to have worked on some incredibly successful TV shows and films over the course of my career, such as Game ofThrones, House of the Dragon, and Star Wars. Being surrounded by such enormous talent was at times daunting for someone just starting out and trying to find their way in a very competitive industry. Read more>>
Chloe Arambel
Firstly, I am (still) constantly overcoming imposter syndrome, especially as I continue to grow in my career. Conquering impostor syndrome is not an easy feat and takes years to master; yet, your chances of beating it are highly likely with an encouraging and supportive environment of family, friends and work colleagues. Read more>>
Loris Jones-Randolph
I realized I was an imposter, and that was okay. I am not a white man. I am not from a wealthy family. I am not what someone pictures when they hear “she’s a sommelier.” In my industry, there’s no one at the top that looks like me; in fact there are only four black Master Sommeliers and they are all men. The 33 female Master Sommeliers I can, and do, look up to, are all white women. Read more>>
John Redlinger
First and foremost, acknowledgment is key. When I begin to sense the onset of an “imposter attack” I try to create space – even briefly – to take inventory of what’s really going on. It is important to recognize that feelings of self-doubt can be normal, especially in a creative industry where the circumstances are often fluid and results are subjective. Then, for me, it’s essential to reflect on past experiences and accomplishments. Read more>>
Gleana Albritton
One of the ways I overcame my imposter syndrome was by spending some time doing the work of identifying my unique purpose and how my unique talents & abilities have supported that unique purpose over the course of my career journey. This work allowed me to give myself a lot of grace and also made me focus a lot more on making sure that the choices I made were intentional, in order to move my career forward. Read more>>
Kirsten Parker
I first had to make a conscious decision not to keep thinking of myself as an unqualified amateur. It sounds counterintuitive, because you think “I’ll get all the qualifications and evidence I need first, then I’ll feel confident.” But truly, the most effective way to get out of imposter thinking is to decide you don’t want to hang out there. Read more>>
Charity Snider
They say “comparison is the stealer of joy”…and as cliche as that statement is, it’s true! I had to stop comparing myself and my journey to others. You never know the silent “L’s” someone else has taken or all the obstacles they’ve endured before achieving they’re “overnight success.” Read more>>
Christina Korotich
It’s been a challenging internal journey to feel worthy and to accept my own uniqueness. Even writing about it now helps me to realize that I am calmly accepting that I am talented and can influence people’s lives through my creativity. It wasn’t always like that, but it’s good to have a transcendent outlook on my life, and I can see the strength in myself much clearer from my higher self point of view. Read more>>
Nelson Bonilla
I’m not sure artists ever truly overcome the “Imposter Syndrome”. The best I can do is recognize it when I see it. I think I’ve learned to manage its affect over my life as an actor. It’s like having a relationship with a goofy cousin. He shows up – with an eye-roll you acknowledge him – say your pleasantries – and wave to him as he exits. Read more>>
Aubrey-Anne Davis
I use my art practice as exposure therapy, continuously pushing through feelings of imposter syndrome to curate a space that can be one hundred precent my own without shame. As someone who struggles being seen, I have found purpose in creating, making work for those who are exhausted getting out of bed some days, who are overwhelmed by feelings of not belonging, and with debilitating anxieties that have kept them from fulfilling their full potential. Read more>>
Omar Kinnebrew
I believe that imposter syndrome can plague anyone at any level in their career or business. I certainly felt it when building up the brand and introducing myself as a CEO. Essentially anyone can be a CEO if they start a business; the problem with me is that I didn’t feel as though the business was at a point of significance (age and revenue) where I was truly the CEO of a company. In reality, I was just one guy with a brand and a passion that was providing some amazing custom pieces to the market. No matter how small I felt as a founder, people always saw the business on a more grand scale. Read more>>
Andi René Christensen
I don’t know that I’ve necessarily “overcome” it, but I’ve learned ways of keeping it in check. It keeps me in check, too. I think that’s why I have a healthy relationship with it. If it happens to rear its head, I take it as a very clear sign that I need to pause and sort out what’s driving it. Over time I’ve learned that it’s always something I’ve avoided acknowledging or emotionally deprioritized. What we have to remember is that it happens to everyone at some point. Read more>>
