No Imposters Here!
By Marianne Schofield 30th Sept 2025
I met someone recently who said they absolutely DO NOT suffer from imposter syndrome and never have. Every room, meeting and boardroom they are in, they know they are meant to be there and have a lot of value to offer. My initial reaction was: “Seriously? Never?” I thought we all suffered from imposter syndrome at some point? In my line of work, it’s always coming up, people feeling overwhelmed, out of their depth, and like they don’t belong. Most of the time, once we’ve talked it through, they get to the point where they do feel like they belong but to get there without any help is pretty inspiring!
Why imposter syndrome is so common
Imposter syndrome isn’t just insecurity or a lack of confidence, it’s a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their achievements and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud,” even when evidence suggests otherwise. Psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes first identified it in 1978, and their research found that it affects people across all industries, genders, and levels of seniority (Clance & Imes, 1978).
What struck me in my conversation with that confident individual is how rare it is to meet someone who genuinely never experiences self-doubt. Most of us: high performers, creatives, leaders… face it, often silently. That’s partly because imposter feelings are tied to growth: we tend to feel like we don’t belong when we’re pushing ourselves into new challenges, roles, or responsibilities. Feeling out of depth can actually be a sign that we are stretching ourselves in meaningful ways.
Talking about it changes everything
One of the most powerful things I’ve seen as a coach is how transformative talking about imposter syndrome can be. Simply naming the feeling can reduce its intensity. When clients articulate, “I feel like I don’t belong here” or “I’m afraid people will find out I’m not as competent as they think,” we can unpack those fears and see them in context. Often, the reality is the exact opposite: they are prepared, capable, and deserving of their role.
Research supports this approach. A 2020 study in the International Journal of Behavioral Science found that social support and open conversations about imposter feelings significantly reduce anxiety and increase self-efficacy (Al Lawati & Al Harthy, 2025). Just realizing that others share these doubts can be enormously relieving, suddenly, the pressure of thinking you’re the only one who feels inadequate is lifted.
Practical steps to start the conversation
- Name it: Start by acknowledging your feelings privately or in a journal. Putting them into words is the first step to externalizing them.
- Share with a trusted peer or mentor: You’ll often find they’ve felt the same way, which normalizes the experience.
- Reflect on evidence: List concrete achievements and contributions. Imposter syndrome thrives on perception, not facts.
- Reframe growth as learning: Feeling out of depth doesn’t mean you don’t belong it usually means you’re expanding your skills.
Even leaders and highly successful individuals—CEOs, entrepreneurs, creatives—report struggling with imposter syndrome at times. Michelle Obama once spoke publicly about feeling “inadequate” despite her accomplishments, and Sheryl Sandberg has described moments of self-doubt despite her role as COO of Facebook. The takeaway? Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one.
The bigger picture
Imposter syndrome doesn’t have to be a career killer or a constant source of stress. Talking about it, framing it correctly, and seeking support can turn what feels like a personal flaw into a normal part of professional and personal growth. The next time you feel like you don’t belong in a meeting or a role, remember: this isn’t a sign that you’re failing. It’s a sign you’re pushing your boundaries, and sometimes, boundaries are where the magic happens.
By opening up conversations at work, with friends, or with a coach, we not only relieve our own anxiety but create environments where others feel safe doing the same. And that, in turn, strengthens teams, workplaces, and communities.
So, if you’re feeling like an imposter today, know this: you’re not alone. Talking about it might just be the first step toward finally feeling like you do belong. And if, like the person I met recently, you genuinely never feel like an imposter well, good for you! Keep shining, and maybe give the rest of us hope that it’s possible.
References:
- Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention. PDF link
- Al Lawati, A., & Al Harthy, M. (2025). The Prevalence of Imposter Syndrome and Its Association with Psychological Distress: A Cross-Sectional Study. PMC link