Managing Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling that you don't deserve your success and will eventually be exposed as a fraud. Managing it is a distinct professional skill that involves reframing discomfort as growth, practicing vulnerability, and recognizing that these feelings often coincide with the fastest career growth periods.
The Guide
3 key steps synthesized from 1 experts.
Reframe discomfort as a growth signal
When you feel like an imposter, recognize it as evidence that you're in a stretch role - which is where growth happens fastest. The discomfort isn't a sign you're in the wrong place; it's a sign you're exactly where you need to be to develop new capabilities. Lean into it rather than away from it.
Featured guest perspectives
"Being in an uncomfortable situation... coincides with the fastest and most intense periods of growth in one's career."— Julie Zhuo
Practice vulnerability about your doubts
Rather than hiding imposter feelings, selectively share them with trusted colleagues or mentors. You'll often discover they feel the same way. This vulnerability builds connection and normalizes the experience. The people who seem most confident usually just hide their doubts better.
Featured guest perspectives
"Being in an uncomfortable situation... coincides with the fastest and most intense periods of growth in one's career."— Julie Zhuo
Expect it to last longer than you think
Imposter syndrome isn't something you solve once and move past. Even highly successful leaders experience it for years - Julie Zhuo experienced it for eight years while rising to VP at Facebook. Knowing this is normal makes it easier to manage the ongoing feelings rather than expecting them to disappear.
Featured guest perspectives
"Being in an uncomfortable situation... coincides with the fastest and most intense periods of growth in one's career."— Julie Zhuo
Common Mistakes
- Interpreting imposter feelings as evidence you're actually unqualified
- Waiting for the feelings to go away before taking on stretch opportunities
- Hiding your doubts and projecting false confidence that isolates you
- Thinking successful people don't experience imposter syndrome
Signs You're Doing It Well
- You take on stretch roles despite feeling unprepared
- You can share your doubts with others without it undermining your credibility
- Imposter feelings don't prevent you from contributing in meetings or making decisions
- You recognize the feeling as a growth signal rather than a warning sign
All Guest Perspectives
Deep dive into what all 1 guests shared about managing imposter syndrome.
Julie Zhuo
"Being in an uncomfortable situation... coincides with the fastest and most intense periods of growth in one's career."
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