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.
Aasha Lewis-Redway
I used to battle imposter syndrome quietly, both in my personal life and while building Geneus R US. For a long time, I felt like I had to prove I belonged in every room, every project, every opportunity. What changed things for me was finally recognizing that the work I do isn’t an accident. Read More>>
Dana Salisbury Duarte, NP
What a great question! Fortunately, imposter syndrome has not been much of a challenge for me but I do know that it can be a plague! The few times it has come up in my career it’s been an unpleasant feeling that that I am not doing a good job – as if I were falsely in a place of leadership. Read More>>
Jack Lajoie
I never did. I just realized that everyone else in my field is suffering from the same condition. Those that seem not to are covering it with layers of faux-personality that, in my opinion, ultimately serves to distort and warp their authenticity. Read More>>
Keyonna Taylor
For me, overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t about pretending to be fearless. It was about becoming so rooted in my purpose, so aligned with the value I deliver, that fear never holds the mic anymore. I don’t wait to feel ready. I prepare. I study my craft. I speak with clarity. I choose professionalism over perception. And I walk in knowing: I earned my seat. Read More>>
Mary Kendall
Wait…people can overcome imposter syndrome? (wink) Read More>>
Jina Morgese
Imposter syndrome showed up pretty strongly when I decided to leave my corporate studio job and start Ember and Earth Photography here in Sarasota, Florida. Even though I had gone to college for photography and had been taking pictures for as long as I can remember, stepping out on my own as a family photography with my own business felt huge. Read More>>
Katie Smith
I’m not sure I ever called it that. When I experienced this, it was more about being and building confidence. Confidence is something you develop through experience and by creating an internal framework that allows you to work with your mindset and behavior. For me, that began early in my twenties. Read More>>
Lindsey Miller
Overcoming imposter syndrome is an essential part of any business owner or creatives journey. After about a year of the mental battle within my business, I recognized that I wouldn’t have this dream or idea, if I wasn’t able to achieve it. Read More>>
Kimi Ceridon
I haven’t. Perhaps I don’t totally understand imposter syndrome, but to me, if I believe I’ve deserved and earned all my success, it would make me entitled. I am grateful for all the wins in my life. I know I worked hard to achieve many of them. Read More>>
Nailah Queen
Honestly? I didn’t even know it was imposter syndrome at first. It showed up as overthinking, constantly second-guessing myself, and downplaying my own wins. I’d do all the work—build the brand, plan the event, support the community—and still feel like maybe I wasn’t “qualified” enough to be the face of it. Read More>>
Jen Fontanilla
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve overcome it. I think it’s just this ever-evolving level of trust in yourself. You go through situations, prove to yourself that you actually know what you’re doing, and then boom – it shows up again at the next level. The most recent time it hit me hard was when I was applying to speak at Cre8tive Con. Read More>>
Bernardo Olmos
I think it started when I stopped setting unrealistically high standards and goals; where the “unrealistic” part was usually the deadlines, not the goals themselves. I just began giving myself more time to achieve what I truly want. Read More>>
Damon Thomas
My 90s Dixie County, Florida high school had no college prep courses. But there was little thought of college back then. Most were just headed to the sawmill. Those looking to move on did Dual Enrollment. With a 70 mile trip to Lake City Community College. An English course there helped me a lot. Read More>>
