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.
CiAndre Johnson-Lollar
This was something that impacted me a great deal in the beginning. What I did to overcome that were two things. One I told myself that everyone started as a beginner, and I wouldn’t get over this feeling if I never start. Second I faked the funk. I acted as if I wasn’t a beginner, and my first few clients treated me as if I wasn’t a beginner. Read more>>
Marquis Glisson
So with imposters syndrome it is important to know that we all go through it as creatives, even the greats. I over came imposter syndrome by recognizing and acknowledging my feelings. By veining aware of my issue and acknowledging the self doubts that arise. Understand that this is a journey all high-achieving individuals have to take. Read more>>
Mariana Macias Executive Performance Coach
To be really honest with all of you, I think this is something that you don’t overcome entirely, but that you learn how to use in your favor, and that for me, is always such a powerful reminder of how much love and significance I need to give to myself. Read more>>
Mallory Musante
To be honest, I don’t think you ever completely overcoming imposter syndrome. As I’ve grow and expanded into new levels, both personally and professionally, there’s always that voice and those thoughts that creep in so I personally look at it more like managing your imposter syndrome instead of overcoming it. Read more>>
Marlana Semenza
I don’t know too many creatives that can’t look back on their early work and cringe a little. But, I think the key to growing is putting yourself in uncomfortable situations that force you to grow and to challenge yourself constantly. Surround yourself with people that are better than you so you can learn. Read more>>
Brady Gilliam
Short answer: I didn’t. Next question… lol. Read more>>
Natalie Rodeniser
When I start feeling imposter syndrome, when I feel I am not cut out for my work or that I am not “doing enough” I remind myself of all I have accomplished and why I am continuing to strive for success in my business. Additionally, when I surround myself with a great community, they help me to put things in perspective when I get caught up in my own thoughts. Read more>>
Erika Ware
The truth is, I am not sure if I have overcome imposter syndrome; I am an imposter in this field. The field was created by and for white America, not Black and Brown people. Being a Black woman in a white male dominated field is hard. I have to take information that is written for and presented by the dominant culture, learn it, and reframe it to fit the population of people I want to serve. Read more>>
Tally Bandz
I’ve always known I wanted to be in the entertainment industry. I’ve wanted to be a model since I was 4-years old. However, over the years that dream was molded into me wanting to not only be a model, but an artist and actress as well. I achieved great success in all three fields, but the most success I’ve achieved so far has been in music. Read more>>
Melissa LoPiccolo
I used to compare myself to friends who devote their whole existence to becoming the BEST at music, or writing, or filmmaking, or being a businessperson, or a sport. I saw myself as someone who did everything half assed. Imposter syndrome has affected me in pretty much every aspect of my career and creative endeavors. Read more>>
Nyjah Monique
Imposter syndrome has been something I’ve grappled with in various ways. It’s that nagging feeling that no matter what I achieve or how much I know, I’m not good enough and a fraud. It’s like an internal battle between my accomplishments and my self-doubt. But I’ve been actively working on overcoming it and shifting my mindset. Read more>>
Mark Campbell
For me, overcoming imposter syndrome didn’t come quickly or even easily. Read more>>
Markesha Thomas AKA @piyo.keesh
I overcame imposter syndrome by being still. Did I choose to be still, no, it was out of my control, but necessary for growth. During my moment of stillness, I reflected on what got me into practicing yoga, Pilates, and why I thought sharing the practice with others would be beneficial. Read more>>
Robert Ancill
I think I was always confident in my ability to learn, so I never let the fact that others had more experience discourage me. Instead, I embraced every challenge with the mindset that I will just figure it out, no matter what. Read more>>
Quinn Xavier Hernandez
I don’t know that I’ve completely overcome imposter syndrome–I think that’s something my generation will always struggle against because it’s the default. The world wasn’t designed for us or to support us, so any time we open a new door or climb to the next rung on the ladder there’s this overwhelming feeling of “I’m a fraud and soon everyone will find out.” Two things come to me when I find myself caught in the echo chamber that is imposter syndrome: Read more>>
CJ Johnson
I haven’t fully overcome imposter syndrome, but I’ve learned how to manage it effectively. In today’s interconnected world, we’re constantly exposed to others’ achievements and endeavors, making it a challenge not to compare ourselves and feel inadequate at times. However, I’ve developed strategies to keep imposter syndrome in check. Here’s what I remind myself to gain a clearer perspective: Read more>>
Bobby Taylor
It took me a long time to accept my failures and to see them as lessons versus strikes against my record. I think time played a big part in my mental development and maturity as well as me building my own family. I’m not as hard on myself as I used to be. I still like to do things as perfect as I can so that I don’t slip back into laziness. Read more>>
Arden Coutts
Imposter syndrome is more common than you would think. A lot of people think that they are the only ones who experience that sinking feeling of wondering if others can tell that you’re just faking it until you make it. I’ve had anxiety and imposter syndrome for as long as I can remember, and I still have it. I’m just a little better at managing it now than I was when I was younger. Read more>>
Jessica LaMontagne
Imposter syndrome is something that a lot of people battle with. I think my IS developed from a young age. My childhood experiences definitely shaped a lot of who I am today. Read more>>
Daniel Wright
It can be difficult at times, especially the further along you go and the greater the opportunities that get presented to you. But you just have to remind yourself that you got this far by doing the work. And when you take away all the pomp and circumstance of any situation or status, all that’s left is the work. So you just got to get to it. Read more>>
Kenyelle Ash
This is an important topic to discuss. It was March 2018 and I had just started a position as a Director overseeing Southern California at an International nonprofit, the task I had at hand was huge. I remember sitting in my car crying because I felt like I had to work twice as hard to be seen as good enough, at this time the term ‘imposter syndrome’ didn’t even exist. Read more>>
Caitlin Hart
Imposter syndrome is a common experience when embracing new challenges. I have felt it many times in my 14 year career. I can be debilitation and sometimes even prevent you from moving forward. But I finally realized 1 key thing: imposter syndrome only started to show up when I was in periods of intense growth. Read more>>
Martryce Roach
So many of us creatives struggle with feelings of inadequacy. As a believer, I look at it like this. God is THE creator, and of all the gifts we could have been blessed with, we were given the gift to create. That’s so powerful! Read more>>
Travis Japan
Imposter syndrome is probably not something anyone ever really overcomes, especially for those in the entertainment industry. When we watch the performances of other artists, and especially those of our own seniors and juniors, we always see things that make us think “oh, we should have done that,” or “I wish I could to that better,” which can sometimes deflate the elation we have about our own accomplishments and put a lot of pressure on topping our own and others’ expectations for the next time. Read more>>
Natalie Jackowski
Instead of focusing on shortcomings, as a visionary and entrepreneur you need to know what it is you do really well and keep doing those things. Slowly chip away at your weaknesses and improve them over time. Read more>>
Hillary Kunzi
Before meeting my initial client, I was sitting nervously in the waiting area, trying to keep myself from running out the door, and then I spotted a poster across the room that stated: Read more>>
100 Proof
s a local band in an already saturated market, 100-Proof has worked really hard to develop a signature sound when playing songs that everyone knows and loves. While we have spent plenty of time writing our own songs, we take pride in how we approach, reimagine, and arrange covers from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Read more>>
Alvina Pruitt
Imposter syndrome tells us that we do not belong and that we are a fraud in a place despite evidence of strong competence and ability. Imposter syndrome caused me to doubt myself in the workplace. I would not talk much during meetings or assume that I did not know enough to speak up on topics. I was anxious and felt underserving of my role. Read more>>
Rachel D Greenwell
This is a funny question to answer because I feel like imposter syndrom comes in levels. At each new level of your business and mission there will come a new level of imposter syndrom that you have to overcome. At first I felt like an imposter just being on YouTube giving people advice for free. I had anxiety attacks about speaking publicly on the internet like that. But then I overcame that imposter syndrome. Read more>>
