Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move forward on your journey towards reaching your full potential. We hope the stories and lessons below will help you overcome self-doubt.

Sharon Brunhofer

Imposter syndrome….do you mean like when your nominated for an interview with Bold Journey and you spend a couple weeks contemplating what do I have to share that would make a difference?… Then this morning as I was going about taking care of my horse and donkey …. God sent me this message … “Sometimes you just don’t know how you just being yourself or doing YOUR ordinary things … blesses others”… Read more>>

Josefina H

You know, truthfully, I still get it from time to time. However, it’s not as bad as it used to be. When I was starting out with photography, for example, I was still a kid. I started shooting portraiture and nature work at 15 years old. I went to my first fashion workshop when I was just 18. Most of the models were older than me, much less the other photographers. Read more>>

Stéphane Lo Jacomo

Realizing that impostor syndrome is very common has been crucial in overcoming it. It often arises when I’m working outside of my comfort zone, and I’ve learned to take it as a sign that I am challenging myself and reaching for my goals. This perspective helps me view impostor syndrome as a natural byproduct of growth and pushing my limits. Read more>>

Crystal Speier

Hahaha imposter syndrome is something I think I still suffer from and had serious issues with as my online presence skyrocketed very quickly. I originally began my Instagram page as a sort of online book of shadows. I kept my personal information from it and shared things I enjoyed and ways I practiced. It gained traction very quickly and soon the page had thousands and then tens of thousands followers and the fear set in. Read more>>

Hannah Graham

Imposter Syndrome is a difficult thing to overcome, especially as an artist. When you are surrounded by extremely talented, kind, creative humans, and are on a journey of self discovery it was easy for me to get lost, questioning my abilities and if I was truly good enough to be in that space.  Read more>>

Amanda DeLaura

This is a good one! Especially for a private chef, who typically works all alone all day, every day. Being a private chef is one of the most intimate jobs in my industry. You are in someone else’s home. You know when they wake up, when they leave the house, when and where they’d like to eat. You know what they like to eat, what they hate and I joke, you even know when they poop. It’s true; it’s intimate. Read more>>

Scott Harben

As a commercial director/photographer/artist it has been one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome. I think it was just a time thing. As you do the work you need to find the value in it and not worry about how others see you. Read more>>

Jordan Brady

Don’t you really mean “How did I overcome imposter syndrome last month?” Short of becoming a full-blown narcissist, I think that monkey brain starts yapping every now and again, no matter the level of success one reaches. Personally when self-doubt creeps in, I remind myself I’ve gotten this far. Someone will hire me again and opportunities will come. Read more>>

Soheila Agwuh

Imposter syndrome has been one of my toughest challenges. With so many successful brands saturating the skincare market, it’s easy to feel like starting your own company is a waste of time and resources. However, I choose to focus on what makes us different. Most companies are using at least one ingredient that is completely artificial in order to preserve their product.  Read more>>

Kelly Urtiaga

Imposter syndrome was something that took me a long time to overcome, and something I still struggle with from time to time. I have always been someone who has battled with anxiety and self-doubt, so it was no surprise that I was constantly comparing myself to other acupuncturists and medical professionals when I first became licensed. Read more>>

Kenzie Schrock

Overcoming imposter syndrome happened for me when I realized that everyone has their own style & my unique style was a strength rather than a weakness. For a long time, I was always looking at everyone else’s work, comparing and not feeling good enough because my images didn’t exactly match what I was seeing or what was trending at the time. Read more>>

Jill King

Imposter syndrome is such a reality when it comes to making any creation that people end up loving and trusting! After I developed some of my products, when I started getting orders I felt so unworthy of people using something that I developed, knowing there are so many big skincare brands out there they could use instead. Read more>>

Hails Joseph

Imposter syndrome isn’t real. It’s something that society tells you is real so it halts your growth. How do I overcome it? I remind myself of these things: Stop worrying about the other person. Put on a certain type of blinders. Accept critique. Allow growth. But be unforgivably you along the way. Don’t stop being you. Read more>>

Megan Urmann

This may be a cop-out, but to be completely honest with you, I haven’t. I feel imposter syndrome all the time. So often I find myself in rooms with countless people whom I admire deeply. Though I am standing alongside them as a peer, I can’t help but try to convince myself that I am undeserving. Somehow I feel as though I am not as talented, as experienced, or as respected in the industry. Read more>>

Laury Verdoux

Even after over four years as a music publicist, I sometimes still struggle with imposter syndrome. The music industry is incredibly competitive (not only for artists but also for the people behind the scenes), and there are always artists who may question my efforts/work if they don’t secure the high-profile press they desire. Early in my career, this criticism could be quite disheartening and made me doubt my abilities. Read more>>

Ashley Jones

Being the most authentic version of myself as much as possible, everywhere possible, is the key for me, and I love it here! I learned early in life that people will talk about you no matter what you do, good or bad. I’m not perfect. No one is. Read more>>

Kate Rooney

Imposter syndrome is so insidious, particularly for women in male-dominated fields. For me, the realization that I truly belonged came over time, with a combination of experience and preparation. But perhaps the most important piece of it was realizing that I don’t have to be like everyone else–in fact, what makes me special and makes me belong is the fact that I’m not like everyone else.  Read more>>

Kinesis Theory

Well we don’t think it’s something that we’ve completely overcome, just something we work through as a band. It’s difficult enough trying to make a name for yourself, but what we are doing is trying to make a name for ourselves in a genre of music where we don’t typically see people that look like us. Read more>>

Parisa Tsanas

I struggled with imposter syndrome forever! It sometimes still rears its ugly head when I’m building out an important course or take on new clients. But what helped me overcome this was really simple! I just looked up the word imposter to get really clear on what I was calling myself. The word imposter implies someone who is sneaky, manipulative, a thief, and deceptive. Read more>>

Sierra M. Clark

I wrote a book Finding Sierra in the process of this I realized that I even had imposter syndrome. In the book the chapter is titled Identity crisis I haven’t at that point heard of imposter syndrome. Finding Sierra a journey to a better me the only way out is in. Was about finding who I was… Listening to my internal self and discovering my art of self communication. Read more>>

Lilton Stewart III

I feel like a true creative never overcomes imposter syndrome. Instead, I believe you only learn to accept and use it effectively. Imposter syndrome keeps you grounded and level-headed. Knowing that there will always be someone better, more suited, or skilled at doing what you do and understanding that it is okay is how you find true happiness and acceptance of yourself and your abilities.  Read more>>

Kristi Lauria

I don’t think you ever get completely over imposter syndrome. As a makeup and hair artist who also surrounds themselves with other incredible artists in the same field and mainly follows others on social media, I’m constantly exposed to insane talent 24/7.  Read more>>

Alexander Kaufmann

I don’t think anyone ever fully overcomes imposter syndrome. It comes and goes, I personally use it as motivation sometimes. Every time it hits I do kind of feel motivated to improve my skills to I guess prove to myself that I am not terrible at what I do, and those few moments have led me to create some of my best work.  Read more>>

Eli Stepp

I overcame imposter syndrome by consistently showing up and moving forward. Moving forward even when business revenues are down or sporadic. Moving forward when supposed business contacts ghosted me. Moving forward when others in the marketplace have written me off. Moving forward when multiple business entities are still in the the “seed” stage waiting to germinate at the right time. While successes may be delayed, I am a successful business person in my own rite. Read more>>

Julie Fuller

This is a tricky question and a little hard to answer. I would like to think that I am over impostor syndrome but it seems to creep back in whenever it wants. It’s hard not to get totally bogged down by social media and thinking you could be doing more, producing more, doing all of the things. However what has really helped me is to just think of it differently. Read more>>

Candy Schibli

I don’t know if I’ll ever overcome imposter syndrome. I think I am more accepting of myself, my strengths and my limitations the more I learn. This means also accepting that we all have our strengths and weaknesses and so we do our best to as prepared as we can and knowledgeable as we can in our fields still recognizing that there is always something to learn.  Read more>>

Tony Santoro

Time can help gain confidence. Time can help gain wisdom. But I won’t lie here… Im not sure there is such a thing as overcoming imposter syndrome. Every day for the last 12 years of business I have felt inadequate (and 40 years of inadequacy in my personal life). I get better at things, but as we go on new problems arise. I then have to lean into something that I feel ill-equipped to handle. Read more>>

Sydney Williams

We’ve all been there: that voice in your head whispering doubt even after a win. I’m no exception! Sometimes, when I achieve a goal, I downplay it instead of celebrating. It might be helping a client achieve amazing results, and I just shrug it off. Read more>>

Kim Miranda

I had to definitely do some inner work to discover who I am and what inspires me. I also had to stand up for my moral compass, learn to back up my convictions with actions, and learn the discernment when necessary. Read more>>

Michelle B Griffin

We are constantly evolving, or should be, as humans, so putting ourselves out there is a normal process that comes with the feeling of “imposter syndrome.” You can never control it, but we can contain it. I also think we need to “rebrand” the term. We are not imposters; it’s just our internal wiring warning us, much like a light on our cars that detects something is off. And what’s off is you want more, and your wiring system wants you to remain the same. Read more>>

Michael Ahn

I didn’t! I’m surrounded by truly exceptional people which keeps me humble and hungry. I lean into the imposter syndrome and let it fuel my passion. With all the great business owners and competitors around me I’ll always feel like I don’t belong, and I’ll keep working like I don’t belong. I don’t ever see that feeling going away and I use it as motivation. Read more>>

Will Williams

With imposter syndrome I had to slow down and reflect on everything that i’ve been through up until now. Often times I believe we overthink or convince ourselves that we don’t deserve to be doing things or in certain rooms but when it comes down to it we do. It’s you that’s persevered to hone your talents and achieve all that you have, it’s you that’s survived 100% of those days where you may not have thought you’d make it.  Read more>>

Bre Russell

Ha! I feel like this is kinda a hard question to answer, because I don’t think we overcome imposter syndrome just one time. I see it as more of a consistent choice to challenge it as it comes up.
I can actually pinpoint the very first time I experienced imposter syndrome… in Kindergarten. I am Native Hawaiian, you wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at me because my father’s white genes really pulled through!  Read more>>

Kristen Mason

When I first started doula work, I kept thinking “How am I allowed to be here, in this space? Am I ready for this?” I think a lot of it came from how little training you need to do to become a doula in the first place and the fact that my certification came from an online group, so there was no hands-on training.  Read more>>

Jasmine Wesley

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been one of my biggest challenges as a singer/songwriter. When I first started, I was paralyzed by fear and self-doubt, terrified of singing in front of people, and constantly feeling inadequate. My friends, family, and fans believed in me, but I struggled to see myself the way they did.  Read more>>

Shiri Phillips

When beginning to sell your art, imposter syndrome can be a significant challenge. It’s the nagging feeling of self-doubt, asking whether your work is truly good enough or if it will resonate with others. Overcoming this fear becomes an ongoing battle. For me, I approach it in phases. I try to isolate my experiences and concentrate on the present. Read more>>

Roxanne Yvonne

Experiencing imposter syndrome can be incredibly demoralizing. There are times when you doubt your own abilities and question whether the opportunities presented to you are genuine or deserved. Overcoming this feeling can be a daunting task, and I can attest to this firsthand as I have grappled with it on numerous occasions. Read more>>

Kelsey Barnes

Imposter Syndrome is such a great topic. I wouldn’t say I have completely overcome the feeling of being out of place in my profession 100%. As a hair stylist, building your clientele is one of the hardest parts. You are putting yourself out there for brutally honest feedback.  Read more>>

Monifa Angle Angle

Overcoming imposter syndrome begins with recognizing that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Even the most accomplished individuals sometimes doubt their abilities. Embrace your achievements and understand that they are the result of your hard work and dedication, not luck or chance. Start by acknowledging your feelings without letting them define you. Read more>>

Alexander Heller

I don’t think there’s ever overcoming imposter syndrome. And I don’t know if that’s necessarily a bad thing. You should always be looking to improve and keep pace with the people around you and the people nipping at your heels. If you want to be making things that are relevant and (ideally) commercially successful…you should be worried about what people are going to think about it!  Read more>>

Stephanie Ayler

Imposter syndrome has been a significant challenge for me throughout my life, both personally and professionally. It became particularly evident during my journey into entrepreneurship. As a solo entrepreneur, I take on all tasks related to growing and running my business while also being a mother of two young children. This dual responsibility adds a layer of complexity to my challenges. Read more>>

Jessie McCall

The truth is I’m constantly overcoming it, but I do find that the more I lean in, and the more things I try, the less I feel like an imposter. But let’s start with music photography. I felt like a real newb when I first started. I look back at some of those photos, and while they have merit, they were not that good. Read more>>

Jane Holland

I think we all start out as little imposters in the very beginning of our business journeys. We’re winging it a little, really focusing on looking the part and “passing” as the real deal. Fake it till you make it is real. Because how else does anything start? Read more>>

Jerry Allison

I’m not sure anyone truely “overcomes” Imposter Syndrome”. Recognizing that it exists was the first step to managing and living with it for me. Let me explain. I grew up in what might be described, not as a broken family, but a shattered one. I was raised in the South by my grandparents after the death of my single mother. Read more>>

Todd Waites

Imposter syndrome can be overwhelming. Throughout the early part of my career, I would listen to my peer’s audiobooks, see their accomplishments, and think “they are so much better than me.” It would really bring me down at times.  Read more>>