Let’s talk about imposter syndrome!
If you ever worry that people around you are going to realize you’re not legit, you’re not qualified, or that you’re not as skilled and knowledgeable as they originally thought, you’re not alone.
That anxious little voice whispering “you’re not good enough” is more than just self-doubt.
It’s a form of anxiety.
This week on the Talk About Talk podcast, I had a powerful conversation with leadership coach and TEDx Speaker Kim Meninger about imposter syndrome: what it is, why it happens (especially in moments of transition), and how we can manage it.
Kim shared so many incredible insights and tools. Here are my top three takeaways for you:
1️⃣ Reframe anxiety by taking risks
Meninger suggests redefining imposter syndrome as anxiety that keeps us small. It stops us from speaking up, from going after big opportunities, from taking bold action.
Sound familiar? I wrote about transforming pre-presentation jitters into positive motivation, and I think Meninger’s advice is the perfect complement to it.
Her antidote: Get used to doing scary things.
No, not skydiving. Although good for you if that’s on your bucket list! For the record, skydiving was on my bucket list, and yes, I did go skydiving, just once. Anyway, I digress.
We’re talking scary things like trying a new sport. Or a new recipe. It could also be something communication-related, like a hard conversation, putting your hand up in a meeting, or saying yes (or no!) to something that makes your heart race a little.
Have you ever heard the mantra: “Every day, do something that scares you?” I think I read this first on a Lululemon bag. Turns out doing something scary every day can also help you get over imposter syndrome.
The more risks you take, the more you prove to yourself: You can handle it. You are not an imposter.
2️⃣ Leaders: Manage meetings with imposter syndrome in mind
If you lead a team, Meninger wants you to assume this: Most of your people are struggling with imposter syndrome, but no one’s saying it out loud.
So what can you do? Focus on the structure of your meetings:
- Before: Send out a clear agenda. Let people know how they can contribute.
- During: Watch who’s talking (and who’s not). Track the ratio, and create space for quieter voices.
- After: Follow up. Debrief. Ask for feedback, especially from those who didn’t speak up.
Meetings are where voices can get lost. But with intention, they can also be where voices are heard, ideas are shared, and confidence is built.
3️⃣ Self-promotion = an act of service
This one might blow your mind. Ready?
“Self-promotion is a service.”
Meninger explains: You weren’t hired to just fill a seat. You were hired because of your unique strengths, skills, and experiences. If you don’t talk about what you bring to the table, how can others benefit from it?
Reframe self-promotion as:
- Here’s how I can help the team.
- Here’s what I know.
- Let me teach you something.
It’s not about bragging. It’s about helping your team and your organization succeed.
If you only remember one thing…
We all suffer from imposter syndrome, not just junior folks, not just women. Even successful folks (like Tina Fey, Bill Gates, Natalie Portman) suffer from imposter syndrome.
In other words, it’s completely normal.
Importantly, you can overcome imposter syndrome. Practice these tactics to feel more confident and be perceived as credible. It takes practice—practice trying scary things and practice speaking up.
You got this!
Of course, there’s so much more to explore on the topic of imposter syndrome. But these three strategies (taking risks, structuring meetings intentionally, and promoting your strengths as a form of service) stood out for me.
Which one resonates with you most? Hit reply and let me know.
And if you haven’t already, listen to the full Talk About Talk podcast with Kim Meninger, ep.190, on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Or you can watch Kim and me on YouTube: New Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome with Kim Meninger.
Trust me, you’ll walk away feeling more confident and more empowered to talk about your value. Not hide from it.
Talk soon,
Dr. Andrea Wojnicki
executive communication coach