Cracking the Imposter SyndromePanel discussion 11th June 2015

What is the Impostor Syndrome?

Feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evidence of

success, accompanied by chronic self-doubt and feelings of intellectual fraudulence

Some common thoughts

I must not failFear of being “found out”Success responsibility pressure

I feel like a fake

Don’t deserve my success/accoladesOthers think I’m more competent than I really am

It’s all down to luck

“I just got lucky”Success is due to external reasons

Success is no big deal

“It was an easy task”“Anyone could’ve done it”“I’m just winging it – I don’t know what I’m doing”

You’re more likely to fall for it if you’re…

• Younger• Female• Working in a knowledge-intensive

profession• Have progressed quickly in your

career• In a role that really challenges you

Our panel today Betty AdamouCEO & FounderResearch Through Gaming 

Rosie CampbellDirectorCampbell Keegan 

Sinead HassonManaging DirectorHasson Associates 

Phyllis MacfarlaneGlobal Training DirectorGfK 

Gemma StokesFounderPodengo

How to overcome the Imposter Syndrome

See it for what it really isAwareness is the first and most important step

Understand what the feelings are forAnxiety, fear of success/failure… they can motivate you

Talk about your feelings and seek supportDon’t keep it in – other people may be feeling the same way

Own your thoughts and successesDitch the negative self-talk and take credit where it’s due

Be kind to yourselfMistakes are OK – reframe them as a learning opportunity

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