Raquel Gomes, Founder & CEO — Stafi.
You might have 100 awards and still feel like a newbie in your field. Maybe you have a long list of accolades to your name and brush them off as if they’re nothing. That’s not uncommon, especially among women. I believe one reason for this is that when women are held to such high standards of perfection, even when we achieve greatness, it feels unimportant.
When working as a C-suite-level executive, I didn’t feel like one. It seemed as if my peers were required to do less to be respected. I fed onto the external biases and noise and felt like an “imposter.”
"Imposter phenomenon" was first described in 1978 by psychologists Suzanne Imes and Pauline Rose Clance as an observation among successful women. Their research found, "Despite outstanding academic and professional accomplishments, women who experience the imposter phenomenon persist in believing that they are really not bright and have fooled anyone who thinks otherwise."
It’s interesting to think decades have passed since then and many women, women of color and other marginalized groups still experience this imposter phenomenon.
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Why do some women experience self-doubt?
Something I've learned firsthand is that, from a young age, many women are culturally programmed with limiting beliefs about what they can or should be. These expectations can create a narrow definition of success you constantly strive to meet. Growing up in a Latin American, religious and conservative family in Brazil, I got a good taste of what was expected from me as a woman. As I broke through barriers, the disparity between my achievements and internalized self-image fostered feelings of being an imposter.
There are also elements in the workplace that can affect women business owners or executives. As an Entrepreneur article explained, "For women, the biases and stereotypes in the workplace can foster and exacerbate those feelings of not belonging." In 2023, only 11.8% of C-suite level positions in the S&P Global Total Market Index were occupied by women, which is less than in 2022, when women held 12.2% of C-suite roles, Bloomberg reported. I believe this gap can make it harder for working women to reach higher positions and create insecurity in those who get there. When I worked in corporate America, I remember some women who suggested an organization only hired certain women to meet diversity requirements, not for their talent.
Before deep introspection, this was frustrating and demoralizing for me, too. But once I realized all of this could change, I was relieved. It motivated me to start a business where I can support women in two directions: other business owners who are stuck and struggling and Latin American women who struggle to find a decent job.
What are common signs of imposter phenomenon?
Imposter syndrome, as we know it, is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but, as the American Psychological Association said, psychologists understand these are real feelings.
An article published in the National Library of Medicine described six common traits in people with imposter phenomenon.
• Imposter cycle: This involves individuals either over-preparing or procrastinating when faced with achievement-related tasks. Upon completion, they might have temporary feelings of success but fail to internalize that success.
• Perfectionism: This involves a "hyper-competitive" need to achieve unattainable standards.
• Super-heroism: Individuals experiencing this tend to over-prepare for tasks to meet unattainable self-imposed standards.
• Fear of failure: Anxiety and the fear of being shamed or humiliated if they perform worse than peers is common in people struggling with feeling like an imposter.
• Denial of competence: This involves discounting one's intelligence, experience and skills. A person attributes their success to external factors or chance.
• Fear of success: Someone experiencing this struggles to recognize their success because success could lead to increased workloads and higher expectations.
How can you overcome feeling like an imposter at work?
I prefer to call this phenomenon "imposter feeling" instead of "imposter syndrome." A syndrome would entail medical diagnosis and ongoing treatment. Words carry power. From my perspective, "feeling" has an easier perception; feelings aren’t permanent.
It has been quite a ride to reduce how often I experience feelings of being an imposter in my personal and professional life. However, it’s not impossible. You can live a life where you appreciate your accomplishments and feel joy. Overcoming imposter feelings involves a combination of self-reflection, seeking support and practical strategies.
1. Acknowledge and name your feelings. Recognition can help you understand what triggers you. Something I like to do in moments of self-doubt is to recite an affirmation that counteracts those thoughts of being a fraud. For example, "I’m worthy of my achievements,” or, “I’m exactly where I need to be.”
2. Redefine success. Write down what success means to you without thinking about external validation and expectations. Live success by your means.
3. Seek supportive networks. Coaches, mentors, therapy and a strong support system can be helpful. Work with your coach or mentor to help you gain clarity and confidence. Therapy may be a valuable resource to understand why you're feeling the way you are and how to handle those feelings appropriately. With your support system, don’t forget to reach out whenever the belittling feelings are triggered, and always stay honest and open-minded to praise or feedback. In my experience, consistent actions can take you out of your head and into reality.
4. Celebrate achievements. Big, small or mid achievements deserve celebration. Mel Robbins, author of The High 5 Habit: Take Control of Your Life with One Simple Habit, suggests doing high fives to yourself can be simple and effective. You might feel silly doing it, but you might also find it helps reprogram your mind.
You are not born with imposter feelings. I believe women often learn them growing up and working in a world that has double standards and impossible expectations. We don’t need to live up to anybody’s vision of us; making ourselves proud is the goal. So, fellow businesswomen, take action today to counteract your imposter feelings. Let yourself rejoice in your amazing achievements.
The information provided here is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for advice concerning your specific situation.
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