Are you holding yourself back at work? Maybe you hesitate to speak up in meetings, avoid going for that promotion, or convince yourself you’re not ready for the next big step in your career. You’re not alone. 

One of the biggest barriers for women in corporate roles is imposter syndrome—the feeling that you’re not truly qualified for your role despite all the evidence to the contrary.

As a business and executive coach with over 25 years of real-world business experience, I’ve seen how imposter syndrome can stop brilliant, capable women from reaching their full potential. But here’s the good news: overcoming it is possible, and it can have a profound impact on every area of your life.

How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up at Work

Imposter syndrome at work can be subtle yet powerful. You may downplay your achievements or feel uncomfortable when others recognise your hard work. You might push yourself to the brink, overworking to “prove” you deserve your position. 

Or perhaps you avoid opportunities for growth because deep down, you fear you’ll be “found out” as a fraud. These behaviours hold you back from stepping into leadership roles, pitching ideas, or negotiating for what you deserve.

What Imposter Syndrome Holds You Back From

So, what is it really costing you? When imposter syndrome takes over, it holds you back from making key decisions and reaching your full potential. Here are a few ways this shows up:

• Promotions and New Projects: Imposter syndrome can make you believe that you’re not ready for the next step, even when you’ve proven yourself over and over again.
• Speaking Up: In meetings, you might shy away from sharing your ideas because you fear they’re not as valuable as others’ contributions.
• Negotiating Salaries: When you don’t feel you’re worthy of the position you’re in, it becomes difficult to ask for a raise or advocate for better pay.
• Switching Jobs or Careers: Even if you’re unhappy or ready for a change, imposter syndrome can make you question whether you’re really capable of succeeding in a new role or industry.
• Pride and Self-Confidence: It prevents you from truly celebrating your wins, causing you to downplay your accomplishments or brush them off as luck.

Solving this one issue—recognising and overcoming imposter syndrome—can have a positive ripple effect across your professional life. Imagine the confidence to pitch a game-changing idea, the clarity to negotiate a better salary, or the boldness to make a major career shift. 

All of these are possible when you begin to challenge the belief that you’re not enough.

Moving Past Imposter Syndrome

The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is recognising it. I encourage my clients to write down every achievement they’ve ever had, starting from childhood. Whether it’s medals from sports, awards, promotions, or personal accomplishments, this exercise serves as a reminder of all the reasons you deserve to be where you are today.

Set aside 8 minutes and jot down everything you’re proud of, then read it aloud. Let yourself feel that pride—it’s a powerful antidote to imposter syndrome.

Next, you can take it a step further by doing a SWOT analysis, which helps identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This not only helps you see your value clearly but also encourages you to stop undervaluing your contributions.

Addressing Limiting Beliefs

Imposter syndrome is often rooted in limiting beliefs. You might feel that you don’t deserve your success or that you need to be perfect to progress. 

These beliefs can be reframed. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not ready for this promotion,” try saying, “I’ve earned this promotion through my hard work and skills.”

As a certified coach, I guide clients through identifying and challenging these limiting beliefs, helping them reframe their mindset and step into their full potential.

The Domino Effect of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Once you begin to conquer imposter syndrome, it creates a domino effect. You start speaking up in meetings, taking on bigger projects, and even negotiating for that raise you’ve always deserved. Your career starts to flourish, and your newfound confidence spills over into your personal life.

Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back any longer. Start by reflecting on your achievements, then challenge the beliefs that are limiting you. And if you need support, I’m here to help you through 1:1 coaching.