Mindful Leadership
with Maya

Imposter Syndrome: Friend, Foe, or Fuel?

The first time I heard the term imposter syndrome, I thought, Oh, so it has a name?

Because up until then, I just assumed that the gnawing voice in my head—the one whispering, You don’t belong here… they’re going to figure you out—was my own personal flaw. It turns out, it’s a pretty common experience. Especially for emerging leaders like me.

The meeting that shook me

One moment stands out vividly. I was in a strategy meeting with senior leaders, listening as they dissected complex problems with ease. When the conversation turned to me, I hesitated, then shared an observation about a process gap I’d noticed.

I immediately regretted it. That was obvious, I thought. They’re all going to think I’m wasting their time.

But then the COO leaned forward and said, “That’s an excellent point. We should explore that further.”

My cheeks burned. Not from embarrassment, but from surprise. The comment I’d almost swallowed—the one I’d convinced myself was “too simple”—had just changed the direction of the conversation.

That day, I realised something powerful: imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re out of your depth. It often means you’re growing into new depths.

Why imposter syndrome feels so heavy

For me, imposter syndrome shows up in small, sneaky ways:

• Double-checking every email for fear of sounding unprofessional.

• Sitting on ideas because I assume someone smarter will say it better.

• Feeling like achievements were “luck” rather than skill.

Sound familiar?

Psychologists say imposter syndrome thrives when you’re stepping into new territory—because your brain is wired to flag unfamiliar situations as risky. In other words, it’s not proof you don’t belong. It’s proof you’re stretching.

Reframing the inner critic

Over time, I’ve learned a few ways to quiet that inner critic—and sometimes even use it as fuel.

1. Name it.
   When I catch myself spiraling, I literally say, “Oh hey, imposter syndrome. Thanks for stopping by.” Giving it a label separates it from my identity.

2.  

3. Flip the script.
   Instead of, “I don’t know enough to be here,” I try, “I’m learning, and that’s why I’m here.”

4.  

5. Look for evidence.
   When my brain says, “You’re not qualified,” I pull out actual proof—projects I’ve delivered, feedback I’ve received, skills I’ve built. Facts dismantle feelings.

6.  

7. Share it.
   The wildest thing I discovered? Even senior leaders admit to imposter syndrome. When they shared their stories with me, it normalised the feeling.

8.  

The bad roommate analogy

Here’s the metaphor that helps me most: imposter syndrome is like a bad roommate.

It criticises you when you’re just trying to do your thing. It hogs the mental space with negativity. But as annoying as it is, you can’t always kick it out—you just learn not to give it the remote control.

The voice might stay, but it doesn’t get to run the show.

Imposter syndrome as a signal, not a stop sign

These days, when imposter syndrome pops up, I try to see it as a signal: I’m in a space where I’m growing. If I never felt it, I’d probably be stuck in my comfort zone, coasting instead of stretching.

It’s like stage fright. The nerves don’t mean you shouldn’t be on stage—they mean what you’re about to do matters.

What leaders can do about it

If you’re leading a team, chances are some of your people feel imposter syndrome too (even if they’d never admit it). A few things that help:

• Celebrate effort and progress, not just perfect outcomes.

• Share your own “I felt out of my depth” stories—it gives others permission to be human.

• Create space for questions and ideas without judgment.

Leadership isn’t about eliminating imposter syndrome; it’s about building environments where people can thrive despite it.

Looking back

Imposter syndrome still shows up in my life. Sometimes it whispers before a big presentation. Sometimes it creeps in when I’m surrounded by people with more experience. Sometimes it sneaks into quiet moments when I’m alone with my thoughts.

But here’s the difference now: I don’t let it define me.

Because imposter syndrome isn’t a verdict—it’s a signpost. It tells me I’m in new territory, stretching beyond what I knew yesterday. And isn’t that the whole point of leadership?

So, if you’ve been feeling like a fraud, let me remind you: you’re not alone. That doubt you feel isn’t weakness—it’s growth in disguise.

And one day, like me, you might just look back and realise: the very thing you thought would hold you back was actually the proof that you were moving forward.

Because imposter syndrome doesn’t define us. What we choose to do despite it does.