How to Recognise and Overcome Imposter Syndrome

I have been in many meetings, surrounded by talented and experienced colleagues. I've worked hard to get into the room, but instead of feeling proud, I’ve been bothered by a single thought: “What if I’m not as capable as they think I am?”.

It’s happened to me in coaching sessions, mentoring calls and even 1:1’s. “What if this is the day that I get found out”. My experience? A fluke. My past success? Overrated. 

I’ve been convinced that it’s only a matter of time before someone exposes me as a fraud. 

Sound familiar? 

This is the voice of imposter syndrome—a persistent feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite clear evidence of competence and success. It’s an insidious phenomenon that affects people across all industries, from students to CEOs. The good news? You’re not alone, and there are ways to silence that inner critic for good.

I’ve encountered Imposter Syndrome in others, through management and coaching, and have found some practical steps that have helped. 

Let’s dive into what imposter syndrome is, how to identify it, and some practical strategies to overcome it.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Coined in 1978 by psychologists Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes, imposter syndrome refers to the internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. It is not a clinical diagnosis but a psychological pattern, often linked to perfectionism, fear of failure, or comparisons with others.