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.
Josh Herren
I wouldn’t say I’ve completely overcome it, but i don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. I think there has to be a certain level of respect for the work you’re doing, and even the stakes involved, without it having to turn into thinking you don’t belong. In the process of making an album, I’m constantly bombarded with feelings of not being enough or not feeling worthy to even be pursuing something creatively. Read more>>
Shoni Alleyne
To be honest Imposter Syndrome is something I am still overcoming. What helps me when I am invited to events or get opportunities I was initially afraid to pursue is to remember one thing: “If I wasn’t meant to be in the room, I wouldn’t be invited.” I try my best to remember that. When I forget, my support system of friends and therapist reminds me that my dream has become my reality and I deserve it. All of us start our story somewhere and it doesn’t need to be perfect, we just need to get started. A person who is trying their best could never be an imposter in my opinion. Read more>>
Julie Haagenson
The primary way I have overcome imposter syndrome is by changing the way I think about it. I have experienced it at various stages in my life, but most strongly as I became an entrepreneur. After years of being an educator, it was a big identity shift to start my own business. When I discovered that 75% of women executives experience imposter syndrome, I went on a deep dive into the research on the topic and started to develop tools and strategies for myself which would later become the steps I use to teach others about the phenomenon. Read more>>
Molly Rose Hansen
I think most creatives would agree with me when I say that imposter syndrome never fully goes away. It is so easy to feel insecure about my talent and compare myself to everyone around me. That being said, I can’t let imposter syndrome get the best of me. When I start to feel my insecurities rise, I remind myself that there is no one exactly like me, and that’s what makes me valuable. Read more>>
Andy Brenits
Many of us grapple with imposter syndrome, and I’m not sure it’s something you ever fully overcome. However, one piece of advice has made a significant difference for me, and it can be summed up in two words: Don’t compare. It took me a long time to realize that constantly comparing myself to peers, competitors, or industry influencers—especially on social media—fueled my imposter syndrome. When you’re constantly measuring your success against someone else’s highlight reel, it’s easy to feel like you don’t measure up. Read more>>
Meihe Wu
Along my journey, there have been many teachers who are very giving and generously share knowledge. I never felt little because they know more than me. When I felt the imposter syndrome, I realize that I am in a “position” that my teachers were. They already showed me how to be a big person. So I try passing on the kindness I was given. To encourage someone, share, and help each other. Read more>>
Emily Phillips
Imposter syndrome creeps into my consciousness almost every time I enter a new stage or level of my craft. “You think you belong here?”, challenges the voice. It’s not something that I have to overcome once and then it never reappears. I have found that the best way to stay grounded and confident, to keep imposter syndrome from discouraging or damaging my work, is by staying connected to the floral community around me. Read more>>
Diane Rose-solomon
It took a while for me to learn how to cook plant-based. I had been vegan for over a year, but I finally took a cooking class which changed everything for me. Once I realized I could cook plant-based, I got excited about possibilities for other people. After all, if I could learn how to cook with those “weird” ingredients, so could others. Read more>>
Randy King
Overcome is a strong word! I think I’ve knocked a large chunk from my imposter syndrome bit by bit. The challenges of creating and building instruments can be a double edged sword. They can inspire confidence or welcome doubt.. Just after starting my company, I thought a musical influence that meant a lot to me. I set a goal to get one of my guitars into the hands of Chuck Ragan, a member of the band Hot Water Music. Read more>>
Bobby Scalisi
I overcame imposter syndrome by focusing on the facts and numbers that prove my sales production is exceptional. Seeing the data helped me realize that my hard work is truly paying off. Additionally, I’ve leveraged my natural social skills to build my business, using my ability to connect with people in any situation to convert conversations into client relationships. I’ve found that being true to yourself and genuinely caring about others makes people naturally gravitate towards you, which has been key to my success. Read more>>
Tynisha Reneè
This is such a relevant question because imposter syndrome has, unfortunately, been an uphill battle for me. The interesting thing about imposter syndrome is that we have a little voice in our heads telling us that we aren’t good enough – despite dozens of other voices telling us that we are. We refuse to accept that others believe in us because positive feedback isn’t believable. On the flip side, negative criticism sticks with us. Why? Because it aligns with the negative thoughts we already have about ourselves. Read more>>
Shreeyeh Rajan
When I quit my 9-5 job to become a full-time California travel blogger, I had major imposter syndrome. But to overcome it, I recognized my unique perspective as a local and embraced continuous learning. I started small, creating content while at my 9-5 job to build my confidence gradually. As I focused on writing and celebrating small wins, I eventually quit my job and began to see myself as a legitimate voice in the California travel space. Read more>>
Michael D. Lester
There is a mantra I stick to: “Circumstances don’t matter. Only my state of being matters. What state of being do I prefer?” When starting any new career, there’s always a lame-duck period of learning and gaining experience in that new field that could leave a person feeling like they are “faking it.” I knew I was going to be successful in the world or real estate, and I knew that if I kept my mental sharpness and focus on that energy, I would be unstoppable. Read more>>
Rebecca Gaines
Being the second oldest of 11 kids, I learned early on how to hold on to small things that made me unique, whether that was being interested in different activities or going to a different college than my siblings. Later, in my careers, this really helped me establish a sense of self and a deep understanding of who I am. I can’t emphasize enough how huge that is in a world where big corporations have a hold of so many talented people. Read more>>
Erin Phillips
Navigating imposter syndrome has been an ongoing journey, especially in the creative industry where your work is constantly under scrutiny. Having a supportive partner has been fundamental in this process. My husband has been an unwavering source of encouragement, rooting for me through every season. His belief in my abilities and his constant support provide a steady foundation that helps me face challenges with resilience. Read more>>
Rachel Soto
How have I overcome imposter syndrome? My answer is that: I haven’t! Imposter syndrome is a sense, either throughout our lives or within small pockets of it, that we’ve somehow tricked the algorith and are in places doing things that are above our paygrades. But what is life, if it isn’t a series of trying new things that we haven’t done before? Read more>>
Zia Bradley
When I encounter imposter syndrome, I approach it as an opportunity for growth rather than a roadblock. I’ve learned that it often arises when I’m stepping outside my comfort zone, which means I’m challenging myself and expanding my capabilities. To overcome it, I focus on a few key strategies. Read more>>
Abbey Vitou
Entering the flooded market of photography I had my doubts. Am I good enough? Will people like my work? Will I get many clients? All these questions with no certain answers. There are many talented photographers in my area so I was very intimidated. I was too timid to put myself out there so I only did sessions for friends and family. Then one day I got an inquiry from a complete stranger and it made me excited and nervous at the exact same time. Read more>>
Sarai Darbandi
As a therapist, coach, & breathwork facilitator helping clients with overcoming imposter syndrome comes up quite a bit. I notice it comes up especially with those who are seeking their deepest desires and dreams through their careers or other passions like various entrepreneurship. The way I have experience imposter syndrome is in the form of fear. Fear of failure, fear of something not being worth it, thinking I am not worthy enough, not feeling equipped in some sort of way to pursue the next level in my life, ect. I think answering the question how does one overcome imposter syndrome can turn into several conversations. Read more>>
Bernard Scahill
My journey from performer to business owner has been an incredible learning experience, especially in overcoming imposter syndrome. I started as a singer, performing in choirs, operas, and musical theatre through high school. My passion for singing & music led me to go to school for musical theatre performance and went on to work on National Tours & regional productions like Les Misérables, CATS, Jesus Christ Superstar, Beauty & the Beast, West Side Story and others. Read more>>
Natalie Wong
In the early stages of my career as a chiropractic practitioner, I struggled significantly with imposter syndrome, questioning my skills, experience, and the adequacy of my training. I often doubted whether I was truly equipped for the challenges of the field. To address these feelings, I recognized that every professional journey involves a steep learning curve. I actively sought opportunities to shadow experienced practitioners, which provided valuable insights into different office management styles and treatment approaches. Read more>>
Kimberly Daniele-shapiro
For me, it was a journey of embracing the reality that our field is constantly evolving, and there’s always more to learn. I’ve come to realize that I’ll never know it all – and that’s okay! Every child I work with presents unique challenges and opportunities, pushing me to grow and adapt my skills. By acknowledging that I don’t have all the answers, I’ve become a more confident and effective therapist. I’m empowered to ask questions, explore new approaches, and trust my instincts. Read more>>
Aron Meinhardt
That’s the secret, nobody overcomes imposter syndrome. It’s a mountain that you have to keep climbing. I’ve listened to a lot of interviews with other cinematographers. Famous, award winning cinematographers. They all still have imposter syndrome. Despite winning Academy Awards, they feel like it’s all been a fluke, and the next movie will expose them as a fraud. It may seem ridiculous to hear the people you look up to speak like this, but it shows that nothing really changes as you become more successful. Read more>>
Brittany Barnwell
There are so many talented people in the world – how could I ever compete? When I began my creative journey, I felt defeated and hopeless as an undergraduate learning the ins-and-outs of 3D animation and new media. Then I landed my first job at a web design and marketing agency. “Finally, I’m in!”, I thought to myself. “I have what it takes”. Wanting to prove myself and learn as much as I could from the seniors above me, I took on assignments and volunteered for any extra work I could get. Read more>>
Joyce Medeiros
Feeling like an imposter can be tough. For me, it pushed me to keep moving forward. Being a first-generation immigrant woman and diving into the competitive world of finance was a whole new challenge. Securing a spot on the trading floor at Goldman Sachs felt like a life achievement, but as soon as I set foot there, imposter syndrome hit me hard. Read more>>
Carly Souza
I work in a field where almost everyone is highly educated. I grew up in a private school but never went to college. Not because I wasn’t smart or didn’t have the resources, I just didn’t have the desire. When I finished high school, I was already working in a customer service field that I loved, and a degree wouldn’t have been beneficial to my current line of work. I decided that if I ever wanted to pursue a career change, I would evaluate if going to college at that point would make sense. Read more>>
