WORKING THROUGH IMPOSTER SYNDROME WITHOUT LOSING YOURSELF By Jodi O’Connell
There are moments in leadership when everything externally looks strong, yet internally
something quietly whispers, “You do not belong here.”
Imposter syndrome does not only visit the inexperienced. It often visits the capable. The
thoughtful. The expanding. The ones who care deeply about doing meaningful work.
It tends to appear at the edge of growth.
The art is not eliminating it.
The art is learning how to walk through it without abandoning yourself.
So, what is Imposter Syndrome?
It is rarely about competence, and more so about identity. Showing up when you step into a
bigger room, raise your prices, speak on stage, take on a new level of responsibility, or outgrow
an old version of yourself.
Your nervous system reads expansion as risk. Your mind tries to protect you by questioning
your legitimacy.
The voice might sound like:
● “Someone is going to find me out.”
● “I am not ready.”
● “I do not know enough.”
● “Everyone else seems more confident.”
This voice feels convincing. But it is not truth. It is simply protection.
For me, when imposter syndrome hits, the temptation is to prove myself.
I overwork, overdeliver, overexplain and have a tendency to shrink myself
None of these create grounded confidence. They create exhaustion.
I have a three step process when I find myself in the depths of an Imposter Syndrome episode.
Firstly, I acknowledge that Imposter syndrome is a nervous system response.
Before making any big decisions or sending reactive emails I:
● Breathe deeply
● Step away from the screen
● Move my body
● Write my fears down rather than acting on them
Your body needs safety before your mind can access perspective.
From regulation comes wisdom….
Secondly, I purposefully reframe my thoughts.
When the voice says, “You are not enough,” I respond with, “I am learning.”
When it says, “You will fail,” I respond with, “I am supported.”
When it says, “You do not belong,” I respond with, “I am here because I care.”
Imposter syndrome loses power when it is acknowledged without being obeyed….
Lastly, I realign with my values. Your values are your anchor.
Instead of asking, “Am I good enough?”
It often helps to shift the question to, “Am I aligned?”
Some reflective questions that help:
● What do I know I stand for?
● What do I believe about leadership?
● How do I want people to feel in my presence?
When you return to your values, you shift from performance to integrity….
The most important thing to remember is that Imposter syndrome is not a signal to stop.
Often, it is a signal that you are stepping into the next version of your leadership.
And that version is not an imposter.
It is simply emerging….
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