Rising Above Doubt: Overcoming Impostor Syndrome in the Corporate World

A KPMG survey conducted in 2023 found that 75% of female executives across industries have experienced impostor syndrome at some point in their careers, with 85% believing it to be a common phenomenon in corporate settings

Source: https://associationofbusinessmentors.org/navigating-imposter-syndrome/

According to a June 2024 Korn Ferry report, 71% of CEOs and 65% of senior executives in the U.S. report symptoms of impostor syndrome in their roles, demonstrating that self-doubt affects leaders of both genders

Source: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/executives-playbook-to-beat-impostor-syndrome/

Reading these articles, you might have got the idea of the topic which I want to talk about in this article, so lets dive deep into it, first thing first, what is this all about?

It’s a Monday morning, you enter the boardroom prepared and confident on the outside, yet inside, you question whether you really belong at the table. This mental tug-of-war is known as
Impostor Syndrome; a feeling of fraudulence experienced by professionals across industries.

Let's see the definition of Impostor Syndrome?

Coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, impostor syndrome refers to the internal experience of believing that you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be. It thrives on self-doubt, attributing success to luck rather than ability. For mid to senior-level professionals, this can be especially crippling.

Impostor Syndrome is the persistent internal experience of doubting your skills, talents, and accomplishments despite evident success. Often accompanied by fear of being exposed as a "fraud." So how to make this out, let's explore some common symptoms

Common Symptoms:

• Attributing success to luck or timing
• Fear of failure or being exposed as incompetent
• Overworking to “prove” worth
• Discounting praise and accomplishments

Broader studies find that up to 70–82% of professionals experience impostor syndrome at some point in their professional journey.. (A quick read:  https://www.netwomen.co/navigating-imposter-syndrome/ )

These figures highlight that impostor syndrome is not a sign of weakness—it’s a shared experience across all levels.

A Widespread Phenomenon—Even at the Top

The recent researches quoted above shows that In the corporate environment—especially in high-pressure industries like finance, consulting, and tech—the expectation to “have it all together” amplifies these feelings. This isn’t limited to the young or inexperienced, many CEOs, VPs, and department heads silently grapple with the fear of being "found out."

Why It Hits Harder at  Mid- to Senior Levels:

At this stage, expectations are higher, stakes are larger, and the visibility is sharper. You’re often expected to mentor, lead, and innovate—all while navigating complex interpersonal and organizational dynamics. When mistakes happen (and they do), they tend to feel much bigger.

Consider a seasoned marketing director, Sarah, who just landed a major promotion. She's excelled for years, but now, leading a global campaign, she's constantly battling an internal voice whispering, "This is too big for you. You'll miss something critical." Despite her proven track record, the increased scrutiny and the sheer scale of her new responsibilities make her feel like a novice again.

Promotions, board meetings, and leading cross-functional teams may fuel thoughts like:

“Am I really qualified for this?”
“Everyone seems more confident than I am.”
“I got lucky. I just happened to be in the right place.”

Now, knowing all this, how can we find a way to protect ourselves from this mental stigma.

Practical Strategies to Overcome Impostor Syndrome

1. Normalize Talking About It

Open conversations about 'doubt' are powerful. Leaders who share vulnerabilities break down isolation and foster psychological safety. There are forums and communities where you can initiate the discussions and encourage people to talk and share their experiences which can in turn help others. Your experience can be a learning for others.  Build a Peer Support System

Join leadership groups, mastermind circles, or internal ERGs

2. Make a “Wins Log” for yourself

 Self-Awareness Exercises: Keep track of your achievements these could be minor appreciation to major achievement, project outcomes, positive feedback, revenue growth etc.

Reviewing concrete proof of your impact can counter internal self-doubt.

3. Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate Small Wins

• Break large projects into milestones
• Focus on growth, not perfection
• Reflect and celebrate each step completed

  

4. Reframe Negative Self-Talk to a Positive Self-Motivation

Turn “I don’t deserve this” into “I earned this opportunity.” Use journaling or affirmations to shift your internal narrative. 

A good blog to explore more ideas for Self-Motivation: https://blog.ilsperformance.com/how-the-growth-mindset-can-improve-innovation-in-the-workplace/

5. Adopt a Growth Mindset

Every misstep is a chance to evolve, not to fail. Accept failure gracefully, make habit of acknowledging defeats and downfalls. Training your mind to move on signals can be a crucial step. Embrace feedback as development, not judgment

6. Seek Feedback and Achievable Goals

Request balanced feedback and set small milestones to reinforce progress—transforming anxiety into action. Share your doubts and hear others' stories to normalize the experience

7. Invest in Mentorship or Coaching

Senior professionals benefit from mentorship and executive coaching. These trusted voices offer perspective, validation, and strategic guidance. 

Organizational Role: What Companies Can Do?

Companies can significantly reduce impostor syndrome by:

• Encouraging transparent leadership storytelling where leaders share their doubts and learnings.
• Creating safe spaces for peer mentorship, group reflection, and failure discussions. 
• Train managers to spot signs and offer support
• Embedding vulnerability and emotional intelligence into leadership training and performance reviews.
•  Encourage Mindful Leadership: Promote psychological safety in your teams

Cultural Shifts to Promote:

• From performance obsession to progress focus
• From perfectionism to learning culture
• From comparison to collaboration

Own Your Story

Impostor Syndrome doesn’t vanish overnight, it evolves with new challenges. But the more you face it with honest reflection, targeted strategies, and community support, the more you reclaim your confidence.

 Prompts to Reflect on:

• What are three moments in your career you’ve discounted unfairly?
• Who are the mentors or colleagues who validate your competence?
• What narrative are you telling yourself today—and is it based on truth?
• What would your 5-year-younger self say about where you are now?

Here's a free Canva link for Reflection Checklist:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGtc4rqjH0/MP5hXaarDbVip2C2OslBfw/edit utm_content=DAGtc4rqjH0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Let's connect to discuss further, reach me at hr@suficonsulting.com