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.
Hannah DeBoer
Working in the performing arts can be rather infantilizing. I was 25 when I started my Master’s degree in Voice Performance (preparing for a career as an opera singer), but I often felt like childlike and without agency as I went through school and attempted to please my professors. Read more>>
Lizzy Moffett
I don’t think imposter syndrome is something you ever fully overcome—it’s more like a familiar tune that can pop into your head at any time, perhaps daily or even hourly. For me, this became especially noticeable when I shifted from a 15-year career in elementary education to web design. Read more>>
Jodee Bock
That is a loaded question! I’m not sure I’ll ever truly “overcome” imposter syndrome. Once you think you’ve got it, something new will creep up to show you that there is still work to be done. It’s been a journey to own my own strengths and gifts and way of seeing the world, even though it’s quite distinct from those business people who hve achieved “success” as coaches, speakers, authors. Read more>>
Babatunde Afolabi
Imposter syndrome has held me back massively in the beginning, when it came to DJing. Although I started DJing in 2017 I only landed my first club gig In 2022, I spent way too much time learning and practicing and was too afraid to put myself out there. What helped me overcome imposter syndrome was I heard a DJ at one of my favourite events that was awful. Read more>>
Kaitlynn Marie
Being a graphic designer, resin artist, and overall creator, I’ve often found myself being the one that constantly overthinks, self-sabotages, and at times, having “imposter syndrome” – believing that my work was never good enough and I didn’t deserve the great opportunities that came my way. Read more>>
Aysia Lane
I haven’t and I won’t ever. The real secret is: not a single person knows what they’re doing. Not entirely. No one knows exactly what’s next for them and their life. No one has all the answers for why they’ve gone through what they’ve gone through. What people do is sit at whatever table has an open seat- maybe even pull up their own chair- and pretend they are supposed to be there. Read more>>
Stefanie Will
I love the topic of imposter syndrome NOW, but in the very beginning of my journey as an entrepreneur, I was terrified that people saw me as an imposter. I thought, how can I possibly help all of these women? I doubted myself. But then I tweaked my perspective. Read more>>
Kate Lombardo
Rather than “overcoming” imposter syndrome, I believe a more helpful approach for me has been to lean into it and learn from what role that intense feeling of self-doubt is trying to tell me. This looks like me finding this careful balance between confidence and humility. Read more>>
Erica Manning
Imposter syndrome is real, and I am definitely not immune to it! I often have thoughts that make me question my worth. But to combat these thoughts, I continually pursue a path of being a better version of me. I have fallen in love with that process, rather than the results of that process. It is in the process that I am fulfilling my God given purpose. Read more>>
Catherine Chooljian
In all honesty, I don’t think this is something that ever truly goes away. Veterans in the industry still talk about struggling with impostor syndrome, despite sometimes decade long careers and a slew of accomplishments. I wouldn’t quite say that I’ve “overcome” impostor syndrome – more like I’m living with my diagnosis. Read more>>
Julie Gile
I recognize there will always be someone more talented than me, more technical than me, and have a more seasoned skillset. However when I am feeling imposter syndrome creep in I ask myself who has the trust of this person, these people in front of my camera right now? Trust is everything, and if I have an opportunity to work with someone who trusts me I’ll deliver authentic images, genuine emotions every single time. Read more>>
Bart Harvey
On the issue of imposter syndrome… I have had much discussion with my daughter regarding this topic. I only recently heard the term, and was immediately put off. There are several factors at play. Some stem from guilt. 1. Did the artist steal the identity of the work? I described to my daughter as such… ” There is a voice in the darkness. The voice speaks softly at first. It is a language only you can understand, but are not fully fluent… Read more>>
Nicole Daacke
Unfortunately, I can’t say that I’ve fully overcome imposter syndrome, however I don’t know if I believe that it’s something that one is fully able to overcome. I’ve definitely learned to manage imposter syndrome and “ride the wave”, but I also think that it can be a good thing too. Read more>>
Amanda Everson
As a business owner who has built my company from the ground up, imposter syndrome was almost suffocating at the beginning. But very quickly I realized that I was going to be miserable in my endeavors if I didn’t approach things with an abundance mindset. When I took a step back, I not only recognized that there was plenty of business to go around, I also was washed with a wave of comfort knowing that I had a foundation of experience, grit, Read more>>
Avneet Singh
As a first-generation immigrant, experiencing imposter syndrome is quite common. It’s crucial to pause occasionally and reflect on why you’re tackling a particular problem and why you were invited to a particular setting. For anyone grappling with imposter syndrome, making these connections can be challenging and might even feel unnatural. Read more>>
Kimberly Belle
Imposter syndrome is a real thing in the writing world. Every author I know struggles with it, even the best, most successful ones. Every time I sit down to write, the old doubts bubble up. Is this a good story? Can I execute it well? Am I even any good at this? It helps to hear from readers that have connected with one of my stories–and we all know to ride the wave when you catch one–but even then, it’s hard not to wonder if it’s luck or talent that brought you there. It’s a constant struggle to bat the negative voices away. Read more>>
Tara Langella
You don’t overcome it. You don’t need to! Feelings of self doubt, not belonging, or not being good enough doesn’t make us “imposters.” They make us human! It’s big business to perpetuate this as something that has to be overcome or “fixed.” Read more>>
Jessye Finch
Imposter syndrome is something that I think no one ever fully lives without, especially when you’re working in a field that is high stakes for success vs failure and you’re living your dream. It feels like a lot is at stake. Ultimately It’s less about overcoming it and more about how to work alongside the imposter syndrome. Read more>>
Monica Cruz
Imposter Syndrome is one of those things I feel like I’m never going to truly overcome but I have definitely learned how to work around and persist despite feeling like “I’m not good enough.” Comparing myself to others is a reflex my brain has developed on it’s own and I don’t even realize I’m partaking in it until I start tearing myself down as I’m admiring the work of other artists or as I’m critiquing my own work. Read more>>
Eloïse Descleves
While I’m not convinced that the feeling of imposter syndrome ever fully disappears, my experiences have illuminated that it’s not a personal shortcoming but a universal challenge. It’s easy to get caught up in the stories of youthful triumphs in our society, where success seems instantaneous and effortless. Read more>>
Beni Rouge
I conquered imposter syndrome by recognizing that every individual excels in their craft with confidence, irrespective of appearance or demeanor. Witnessing others dedicatedly refining their unique skills inspired me to embrace my own authenticity without striving to please everyone. Read more>>
Mara Magyarosi-Laytner
Imposter syndrome is a frequent friend for me. I often joke that baby Mara lives inside me and is consistently screaming about the course that my life has taken these days. For me, it’s less about beating imposter syndrome – I honestly don’t think it can truly be overcome all the way. I simply choose to acknowledge my feelings of inadequacy and then move anyway. Read more>>
Darryl Scotti
This is a great question because as songwriters, story tellers and creators we all wear it on our sleeves, products of those that came before and influenced us. Pretty much every song has been written already in one way or another and throughout time many great stories have been told in different ways. Read more>>
Sara Ontaneda
Imposter syndrome is very common amongst creatives. But you have to remember that you have worked hard to attain the skills you have, you are talented, and you are unique. Theres isn’t anyone else who will do things exactly like you, so follow your voice, your ideas, and embrace your creativity. Being true to yourself opens doors and people need what you have to offer. Read more>>
Fred Aemmer, Jr.
I am a carpenter/joiner by trade. My journey to become an expert within the field of historic preservation millwork came organically, beginning with my first job as a trim carpenter’s helper. I began working in the area of historic preservation when there were few people in the industry. Read more>>
