By Dr. Michele D’Amico 

There is a silent saboteur that whispers to even the most accomplished women, a voice  that tells them they are not really qualified, not really ready, not really enough. It shows up  in boardrooms, classrooms, conference stages, and quiet corners of our lives. Its name is  imposter syndrome and it’s time we stopped calling it truth. 

Imposter syndrome is not a lack of competence. It is a crisis of confidence. It’s the  internalized belief that despite our achievements, we are somehow faking it, that someone  else is more deserving, that it’s only a matter of time before we are exposed. 

Where It Begins 

Imposter syndrome is not a flaw in our personality. It’s a reflection of the world we’ve been  shaped by. It begins with the messages we are sent as girls, be humble, stay likable, don’t  brag. It is reinforced when our ideas are overlooked in meetings, when our success is  attributed to luck, when we are told we are too young, too loud, too emotional, too  ambitious. 

Women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women in male-dominated industries experience  this at an even deeper level. The further we are from the traditional image of “leadership,”  the more likely we are to doubt that we belong. 

The irony is that imposter syndrome often affects those who are the most capable. The  ones who are striving, learning, growing. Instead of recognizing that self-doubt is a  byproduct of expansion, we internalize it as failure. 

This Is Not Just a Confidence Issue 

We often treat imposter syndrome like a personal weakness to overcome. But the truth is,  it’s not just an internal mindset issue, it’s also a systemic one. 

When women consistently face microaggressions, exclusion, and invisibility, it’s no wonder  we begin to question ourselves. When there are fewer role models who look like us, fewer  mentors who sponsor us, and fewer seats at the table, it’s no surprise that we feel like  outsiders. 

This is not about fixing women. It is about fixing environments that fail to affirm, recognize,  and elevate women. 

The Cost of Staying Silent 

Imposter syndrome keeps us small. It stops us from negotiating, from applying for the  promotion, from raising our hands, from sharing our ideas. It creates a fear of being “found  out” that silences our brilliance and potential.

When women silence themselves, organizations lose innovation. Teams lose diverse  perspectives. Communities lose leaders. 

And when we fake confidence instead of building real confidence, we continue to perform,  not lead. 

Reframing the Narrative 

Here’s what we must remember: doubt is not proof that we don’t belong. It is often a sign  that we are stretching into new territory. Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the  decision to move forward despite it. 

Instead of asking “Who am I to do this?” we must learn to ask “Who am I not to?” 

Your voice, your presence, your ideas, they matter. Not because they are perfect. But  because they are yours. 

We must learn to separate our worth from our performance. To anchor our value not in  flawless execution but in the fact that we show up, contribute, and lead with integrity. 

What Helps 

1. Say It Out Loud 

Imposter syndrome thrives in silence. The moment we name it, we begin to take its  power away. Talking to mentors, coaches, or trusted peers who understand the  experience can help us see that we’re not alone and that our fear is not a reflection  of our capability. 

2. Collect the Evidence 

Keep a “confidence file”— emails, feedback, accomplishments, small and big wins.  On the days you feel like you’re faking it, revisit the proof that you have done hard  things before and can do them again. 

3. Shift From Perfection to Progress 

Imposter syndrome often shows up alongside perfectionism. Let go of the idea that  you have to have it all figured out. Leaders are learners. And progress is more  powerful than perfection. 

4. Mentor and Be Mentored 

Seeing ourselves through the eyes of those we mentor can be a powerful reminder  of how far we’ve come. And seeking mentorship from those who’ve been there  reminds us that every leader has faced doubts and kept going. 

5. Redefine What Leadership Looks Like 

Leadership is not a single style or voice. It is not about being the loudest or the most  confident in the room. It is about authenticity, vision, and impact. When we redefine  leadership in our own image, we create space to show up fully as ourselves. 

The Invitation

If you’ve ever doubted your right to be in the room, if you’ve questioned your seat at the  table, you’re not alone and you’re not an imposter. You are a woman navigating systems  that weren’t built with you in mind and still showing up anyway. That is not fraudulence.  That is power. 

The truth is, you don’t have to feel ready to be ready. You don’t have to be fearless to be  effective. And you don’t need permission to take up space. 

Imposter syndrome is not who you are. It’s a lie you were told. 

And you don’t have to believe it anymore.