Reframing: imposter syndrome
Whilst this blog is for International Women’s Day, I think it is important to recognise, Imposter Syndrome is a universal term. It impacts everyone. Perhaps differently but I think there is a very small proportion of the population who would say they do not or have not suffered from the dreaded imposter syndrome.
Having spent a lot of my career working in events, membership forums and coordinating initiatives with senior leaders – I am often the most junior person in the room. It wasn’t until recently, I was having an informal conversation with a colleague about an event I had organised, where I’d worked with some of the most senior people in the financial services industry here in Scotland, I’d mentioned that I often get terrible ‘imposter syndrome.’
Their response? No matter what age or stage you are, you are in a room because they want you to be.
This has really shifted my perception on both age and on imposter syndrome. If you’re worried about speaking at an event and think ‘why would anyone want to hear from me?’ Remember that someone asked you. They want to hear from you.
If you’re asked to ‘step up’ or take on additional responsibilities and think: no can do. Remeber that someone has seen your potential and thinks you’re worth supporting.
If you said something wrong or felt that you didn’t put your best foot forward in a presentation, challenge yourself – says who? Or is it that sneaky imposter syndrome, creeping in again?
Let us talk about reframing the narrative here. I dislike the universal term that is ‘Imposter Syndrome’ and that again, feel it reaffirms the thought that we are indeed ‘imposters’ – I prefer the term ‘sweaty palm moments’ – which should both excite you and fill you with dread, in equal measure.
Funnily enough, a favourite quote that I’ve seen recently:
“What if before doing something scary, your heart beats fast and your palms sweat due to all the internal parts of your body clapping for you?”
I love this and can clearly envisage an anthropomorphic situation - my organs all standing clapping, my brain, my heart, my intestines… Perhaps the ‘internal speed up’ we feel, is our body clapping for us and telling us we are worthy?
So now that’s hopefully given you some food for thought over the horrid imposter syndrome, let me give you some tangible advice as someone who both suffers from - and tries to fight the fear:
Rationalise the thought:
I love to drop some tangible resources into anything I write. Firstly, I have to recommend the Mel Robbins – Let them theory:
Worried someone doesn’t like you? Let them.
Worried someone thought your presentation was boring? Let them.
The probability of someone actually thinking that is usually minimal so we can’t let our brains trick us into believing a different narrative.
Fictional not factual:
A lot of the time when we have imposter syndrome it’s because we’ve created fictitious situations in our head.
Your negative thoughts are not your friends!
We have approximately 6,000 ideas and 45,000 thoughts per day – let’s at least make some form of concerted effort to speak to ourselves and treat ourselves with kindness.
Try reaffirming in your head ‘I can do this’ or ‘I am brave’ or ‘I am good at what I do’ to give yourself that kindness.
Breathwork:
I find my mind is always running away with me. In fact, it is the only part of me ever doing any running…
Focus on breathing before anything that will spike your cortisol levels.
I find apps like Headspace are absolutely brilliant for this.
Find your tribe:
We all need a professional and personal sounding board.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt I am ‘recruiting’ for mine – I’ve just added people as and when I’ve thought they were a relevant fit.
To be able to drop someone a message to ask for constructive feedback or a quick ‘how do you think that went?’ in most instances, can do wonders to combat your imposter syndrome.
Comparison is the thief of joy:
I hate to say it but it’s true. We often (and especially as women) compare – we compare how we look, how we interact, how we present ourselves…
Focus on yourself. It is you versus you.
My biggest learning when it comes to Imposter Syndrome?
(Or sweaty-palm moments)
We all have ‘em!
I’ve had the privilege to sit down with some really senior people and when I ask them if they’ve had it, they most often say “I still have it.”
Something that has really helped me is listening to lived experience.
I listen to loads of podcasts and whilst most of them are specifically in relation to females (here is where I plug the one I co-host ‘What’s the GEN?’ (listen below), Ladies who launch, Working Hard, Dare to Lead with Brene Brown and Aspire with Emma Grede) all of these share real live examples of those who try to combat and / or cope with imposter syndrome – this will show you you’re not alone.
So this International Women’s Day, what do I encourage you to do?
Write a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) on yourself – this should show you what you’re capable of…
Those spreadsheets and docs you’ve been working on? Set up your own – document your wins, weekly.
Stop putting your self-development at the bottom of the pile.
Continue to collate feedback from those around you.
Share with other women – add constructive feedback to theirs.
Let’s not focus on what we think we can’t do and instead, focus on what we can do - and continue to do - when we build one another up.
🔔 coming up on The Work Edit:
This week we’re gearing up for International Women’s Day by re-framing a few key topics. Tomorrow, we’re reframing selfishness…
coming up on Cultural Calendar Club
12 Months of live, inspiring, entertaining talks events, made financially accessible for all organisations
Not yet a member of Cultural Calendar Club? Join today or Contact Us.
International women’s day
Redefining macho
Monday 9 March 2026
12:00 13:00
Not yet a member of Cultural Calendar Club? Join today or Contact Us.
Want to feel more confident talking about gender equality and other topics at work?
the 2026 Diversity Ambassador certification is now open for booking! 🎉
Six classes held via Teams | Every Thursday | from 12 - 1:30pm | From May 7th - June 11th
When are the Classes?
Thursday 7 May, 12-1:30 - Examining Beliefs - Foundations of EDI Thursday 14 May, 12-1:30 - Today's Sex & Equality Landscape
Thursday 21 May, 12-1:30 - Flags, Pronouns & Human Rights Thursday 28 May, 12-1:30 - Talkin' 'Bout my Generation
Thursday 4 Jun, 12-1:30 - Anti-ableist. Neuro inclusive. Access for all Thursday 11 Jun, 12-1:30 - Talking About Race Today
Click here to book your place! (please be aware the cohorts fill up quickly)
You can find out more here or Get in touch for a chat