Stories of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Learning from one another is what BoldJourney is all about. Below, we’ve shared stories and insights from phenomenal artists, creatives and entrepreneurs who’ve successfully managed to overcome imposter syndrome.

Carly Cox

I think we should do away with the phrase “imposter syndrome”. It brings people down in a time where they are trying to do something bigger than themselves, chase a dream, be successful. It is the negative talk in your mind that tells you that you can’t do something that you put your mind to. Read more>>

Kris Dew

Imposter syndrome was and still is one my biggest enemies when it comes to self doubt. I often times find myself in rooms or in opportunities I never thought I would ever see. In those moments I have to remind myself this is what I dreamed of and worked so hard for.  Read more>>

Brandon Johnson

This is a tough topic. It’s definitely a journey, and it’s actually something I coach people around in my business. I think a lot of people struggle with inner challenges like imposter syndrome, or fear of failure, or whatever else, and they wind up holding themselves back because they don’t know how to overcome it.  Read more>>

Brandi.jae Hooks

I feel like we all experience imposter syndrome at some point. It can happen with jobs, talents, even just being in certain spaces. I have definitely experienced this as a photographer, and what I always think to myself is: I belong here. I am talented. I am right where I am supposed to be. Read more>>

Vy Wynn

My name is Vy Wynn. Inspired by the Creator, I channel my creativity and passion toward my goals and dreams. I believe in the spiritual realm, where all creation begins—in the imagination of our minds. My core image is my source of strength, resilience, persistence, faith, perseverance, and peace. I am bold and courageous. Read more>>

Allie Sarnataro

Interesting topic. I was taking an Executive leadership class and we were talking about this. I actually didnt even know what it was. I guess I never felt like an imposter within therapeutic riding because I knew so much about the industry. Did I think I was cut out to be the Executive Director? No. But when I stepped into that role I did and am still doing everything I can to learn more about it and what to do in an ED role. Read more>>

Briana Pippen

I’ve suffered from imposter syndrome for awhile. Although I’ve accomplished so much, I’ve always felt like I haven’t done enough so I’ve never celebrated my wins. I would always focus on how hard it was to achieve a goal, rather than celebrating the fact I’ve accomplished it and never quit despite the opposition.  Read more>>

Steven Simmons

Change is the formula when you want more. Wanting more for self requires an self analyze of where you are now and where you want to be later in life. Imposter syndrome is another term, well to me at least, as a way of saying “ego”. As humans continue to live day by day change is the formula for self growth. Read more>>

Vahini Franklin

Through my journey, I have learned that imposter syndrome is a common experience, even among accomplished individuals. Recognizing that I am not alone in these feelings has been a crucial step in overcoming them. Additionally, I have developed strategies to combat imposter syndrome, such as celebrating my achievements and reminding myself of the hard work and dedication that led me to where I am today. Read more>>

Hira Ubaid

Dealing with imposter syndrome was quite a ride for me. I realized I was often setting the bar way too high for myself and constantly comparing my progress to others, which was a real confidence killer. So, I started celebrating even the small wins and asking for feedback from mentors and clients to get a clearer picture of my strengths. Read more>>

Sarah Jennings

Well first I had to really figure out where did it come from. Like why was I so nervous to start on something I was truly passionate about. And I realized it all boiled down to wanting everything to be perfect, plus I didn’t have the materials to start so I had no idea how I was going to make it happen. when in reality it didn’t have to be perfect, and all I needed was to use what I had by doing little by little everyday. while trusting God with the process. Read more>>

Brendan Buckley

I believe that a great deal of people go through periods in their lives asking the question, “Am I worthy?” As a musician, a father, a son, a husband, and a friend, I sometimes wonder if I can actually live up to the image that people have of me. But spending all of your precious hours worrying about others’ opinions can leave you feeling empty, insecure, and unproductive. I think it’s important to focus on the quality of your work and your relationships. Read more>>

Chealsea Wierbonski

Impostor syndrome is something that I struggled with for a very long time. I grew up in a small town in West Virginia in a very working class family. My father’s side of the family were Polish immigrants and my father, grandfather and great grandfather were all coal miners. My mother’s side of our family was equally working class. Read more>>

Raimele & ShaKeia Reese

When we first started our social media business we often thought, “Why would anyone listen to us?” We were, and still are, just everyday people who had a story to tell. We weren’t experts, we were just a couple of parents who loved to travel with our son, and we’d learned a lot about travel through trial and error. Read more>>

Rubén Guevara III

I feel like many of us creative types develop imposter syndrome simply because we believe that we must be perfect in everything we do. And this irrational fear of perfection often prevents us from pursuing goals or activities where failure is a possible outcome. But failure is not only inevitable—it’s a crucial building block for growth. If everything we wanted in life came easily, it would probably lose its value… Read more>>

Julie Taing

Imposter syndrome is a real struggle, no doubt about it. When I transitioned from the makeup world to the tattoo scene, I found myself knee-deep in self-doubt. Constantly comparing myself to the tattoo wizards I looked up to really messed with my head, and it even started affecting my work. Read more>>

Stacey Burge

I haven’t. I think that is the important thing to remember about these big struggles–they are not one and done battles. I get up every day and set my intentions for work, relationships, for everything. I try to achieve alignment with those intentions and with all the people, challenges, surprises that spring up around me. Read more>>

Sabine Posniak

Actually, I don’t think I have overcome imposter syndrome. But I have made it a habit of ignoring that feeling of inadequacy and soldier on. I have learnt to do it anyways and focus my energy on what I want to accomplish. Read more>>

Yilong Zhang

I think I’ve gotten better at overcoming imposter syndrome by facing the things that used to intimidate me. During the process I started to realize that certain things that I used to be intimidated by doesn’t matter as much as I think. Read more>>

Brittany Webb

Imposter syndrome is something most of us can relate to experiencing at some point in our life lives, and my journey with it has been a winding road full of self-discovery and growth. Let me take you through a story that paints the picture of how I overcame this pervasive feeling of inadequacy. For me, mine really showed at work. Read more>>

Kimberly Brown

I had to understand “my why!” That is what guides me. My goal for COCO XO expands further beyond the now, I’m on this journey to become the next greatest lifestyle brand! I have a purpose while I’m here, and I believe that things are placed on your path for a reason. When I boldly take risks and walk through doors that open for me, I will empower those with me to walk through those doors as well. Read more>>

Jill Galloway

I once heard an art critic say if an artist isn’t making money off their work, they’re art is “just” a hobby. (eyes rolling) First of all, there’s nothing wrong with art being a hobby. And second, it’s that kind of thinking that makes artists question their abilities and business potential. The fact of the matter is the road to “success” is long and very winding. Read more>>

Amy Pierquet

I overcame imposter syndrome when I started working on myself. I stopped being a victim and realized that I co-create my life. When I stopped blaming others, took responsibility for my life, and started self-love, my imposter syndrome melted away naturally. Read more>>

Zachary Neeley

Being a young business owner is very difficult, especially because you lack the substantial work and life experience that older entrepreneurs have. I think what has validated my sense of belonging in the tutoring industry as a business owner is the feedback I get from my students–high test scores, As in their classes, catching onto a difficult concept.  Read more>>

Keon Hill

This is a great question, and to be honest, it wasn’t until recently that I believe I overcame imposter syndrome. A few weeks ago, I had the honor of being the keynote speaker at my high school’s graduation ceremony. When I first received the call inviting me to give the speech, I was extremely excited.  Read more>>

Christina Conway

When it comes to imposter syndrome, I would not say that I’ve overcome those thoughts and feelings, but I’ve learned how to live with them and move forward in spite of them. Most artists have felt like an imposter as some point in their career, if not continually. There is not a clear definition of what an artist even is, so it’s easy to see someone else’s work, compare your work, then feel like you are not a “real” or true artist. Read more>>

Halie West

Imposter syndrome is a funny thing. When you start of a business, you think you have it all down. You’ve read the books, watched the You Tube videos, and you have a plan. In my experience, plans don’t go the way you hope and you learn a ton of lessons on the way.  Read more>>

Isa Condo-Olvera

Oof. I don’t think I’m anywhere close to overcoming it entirely, but there are definitely days where I get a lot closer. There’s several things that are helpful to me. One of the experiences that triggers imposter syndrome for me is feeling like I am not as skilled as the people around me, or I don’t know as much.  Read more>>

Nick Ryan

I would say I overcame imposter syndrome with time. When I first started out as a artist, I didn’t feel like one. Over time, when I released music on iTunes and Spotify, attended GRAMMY events, and started performing, I really started feeling like a true artist. The more things I did and the more things I accomplished helped me feel more of a real artist and songwriter.  Read more>>

Effie Spence

I dealt with imposter syndrome a lot throughout my career, especially being interested in multiple mediums of expression, the thought of, “what gives me the right to,” comes up a lot. As I kept observing my peers I realized something profound; none of us really know what we’re doing or who we are. Read more>>

Neusha Taherian

I don’t think anyone really overcomes imposter syndrome. I think what helps ground me from when I feel the imposter syndrome rising is remembering that some of the biggest names in my field also experience it. Even some of my colleagues that I look up to, that I am relatively lose to, have bouts of imposter syndrome. Read more>>

Jonathan Thompson

Imposter syndrome is something most people deal with, I have dealt with it several times when big deals have fallen through. Was it me? What did I do wrong? Am I good enough for this? The self doubt and self questions just keep on and on. It can be very hard and it makes you want to give up. Read more>>

Megan Stewart

Imposter syndrome is something many people face when just starting out, and I was one of them. When I first launched Design the Conversation, I knew I had a certain set of skills that would serve me well in the digital marketing space, but I didn’t know what it would actually look like, what I wanted to do, and who I wanted to serve. Read more>>

Thomas Ma

I overcame imposter syndrome by consistently showing up. Throughout grade school, I always felt different. My parents wanted me to pursue medicine, but I struggled with grades and was never a straight-A student. I wasn’t involved in any organizations in high school or college. Read more>>

Marcel Benson

I started on my journey of creating watches in a round about way I spent a good portion of my life in traditional environments like college and corporate. I went to school graduated with honors and got a job that which was considered success in a lot of people’s eyes. It was at this point in my life where I felt the most like and imposter.  Read more>>