Fifteen years ago, I walked away from a 24-year career at the NHS, a place that felt safe and familiar. I had only ever known what it was like to be an employee. Now, I was a business owner. My inner critic, however, hadn’t gotten the memo. It was a constant companion, whispering doubts about my ability to succeed.
Shortly after I started, a huge opportunity came knocking: a chance to pitch for a leadership programme at Sainsbury’s. My mind immediately went into overdrive. I spent hours wrestling with imposter syndrome, trying to decide what to prepare. Did I need a flashy presentation? A slick brochure? I told myself that to compete with established businesses, I had to look the part.
But I finally decided to trust myself. I went to the pitch with no big presentation, just me. I spoke honestly about my experience, what I could offer, and openly admitted that I had no retail background. To my surprise, the feedback was that my honesty was a refreshing change. I won the work.
The Imposter Shows Up at the Most Inconvenient Times
That victory felt incredible, and I thought I had finally silenced the voice. But as I prepared to meet my new clients—two high-flying leaders in Sainsbury’s talent programme—it came back with a vengeance.
Who did I think I was to coach them? They’re top performers! They’ll see right through me.
I drove to the first meeting with that familiar anxiety. But a surprising thing happened: both of the leaders I was working with had imposter syndrome too. One confessed to a fear of failure, while the other was a perfectionist. They had reached their senior positions by overcompensating and pushing themselves relentlessly.
It was in that moment that I saw it: imposter syndrome doesn’t just cling to those starting out. It can follow you to the top. The tools they had used to climb the ladder were the very things holding them back from true confidence. I was able to help them make small, unconscious changes that led to a massive shift in their self-perception.
You Are Not Alone
Imposter syndrome is a powerful force, but it’s one you can understand and manage. Many of the habits associated with it—working hard, striving for independence, and wanting to be an expert—are not inherently bad. They only become a problem when they are disabling and paralysing. When the inner voice of “you can’t do that” or “I’m not good enough” takes over, it stops us in our tracks.
These negative beliefs often stem from childhood, from messages we received that we carry with us into adulthood. But here’s the good news: we are not stuck with them. My story and the stories of my clients prove that you can challenge these patterns, take control of your inner narrative, and step into your full potential.
Have you ever felt like a fraud, even when you were succeeding?