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- Effectively an Impostor
Ever stepped into a new role and suddenly felt like you didn’t belong? You look around the room, everyone seems more confident, more qualified - and somehow, you feel like you're faking it, just waiting to be found out.
That feeling has a name: impostor syndrome. And contrary to what it might seem, it's not a weakness. It's a sign you're pushing your limits. You don’t feel like an impostor when you’re staying comfortable. It only shows up when you're doing something new, bold, and meaningful.
[Side note: Speaking of bold and meaningful moves reminds me of my recent Think Like Amazon podcast episode with Luis Caballero, former leader of Latinos at Amazon. You can catch it on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast app.]
Tip of the Week: Feeling like an impostor doesn’t mean you're failing, it means you’re leveling up. Impostor syndrome isn't something you should aim to "overcome," it's something you need to "embrace" as part of growth.
THE THEORY
Impostor syndrome began as a misunderstood confidence gap. Coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, the term originally described high-achieving women who felt like frauds despite external success. Over time, it’s become a broader concept, and a nearly universal one. The key insight: people experiencing impostor syndrome weren’t underperforming. They were exceeding expectations. But their self-image hadn’t caught up with their new reality. They didn’t feel successful, so they questioned their place. Sound familiar?
It appears most when you’re stretching into new territory. Impostor syndrome isn’t proof you’re unqualified. It’s often evidence that you’re growing. When we step into unfamiliar roles, our skills may be ahead of our confidence - creating what some call an “identity lag.” Interestingly, research like the Dunning-Kruger effect shows that those with the least ability often overestimate themselves. Meanwhile, capable, conscientious professionals (like you reading this) tend to second-guess. If you're feeling unsure, it's likely because you're paying attention. That’s not a flaw... that’s emotional intelligence at work.
Survivor bias and perfectionism fuel the illusion. We rarely see the messy middle of others' growth stories. We see highlight reels in the form of LinkedIn wins, polished presentations, perfect answers in meetings. That’s survivor bias. We're comparing our behind-the-scenes to everyone else's final cut. Add a perfectionist streak, and it’s easy to believe you’re not measuring up. But real confidence doesn’t come from always knowing what you’re doing. It comes from doing, learning, and adapting - especially when you don’t feel ready.
MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS
True impostors don’t feel impostor syndrome. Seriously. The most dangerous performers are the ones who don't question themselves at all. If you’re reflecting, worrying, or even doubting yourself - it’s usually because you care. You’re invested. You’re showing up with humility, and that’s powerful. Impostor syndrome doesn’t mean you’re out of place. It means you’re in the process of becoming.
I’ve felt it countless times. Starting new roles. Speaking at big events. Leading teams outside my comfort zone. Every time someone refers to me as a "productivity guru." Every time I’ve leveled up, the voice of doubt has followed. But I’ve learned that feeling doesn’t need to stop me. It just needs a seat on the bus. When I treat impostor syndrome as a passenger on my growth ride (not the driver), I can still move forward. And so can you.
HOW TO PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE
Embrace, don't Erase. Here’s how to work with impostor syndrome (not against it):
Name the Feeling: When that voice says, “I don’t belong here,” pause and label it: “This is impostor syndrome.” Naming it creates distance, and power.
Gather the Receipts: Write down three moments you tackled something unfamiliar and came out stronger. Evidence beats emotion when doubt creeps in.
Reframe the Narrative: Instead of thinking “I’m not ready,” say “I’m growing into this.” It’s not about being perfect, it’s about becoming.
Make Discomfort Your Signal: That nervous energy? It means you’re stretching. Treat discomfort as proof that you’re in the right room.
Lean on Someone You Trust: Share your thoughts with someone you trust...or simply journal them. Processing fear out loud or on paper makes it far less intimidating.
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