Imposter Syndrome
Let’s be real:
Feeling like a fraud is way more common than we like to admit.
Especially when you’re new to leadership.
Maybe you’ve just landed your first team lead role. Maybe you’ve been promoted ahead of your peers. Or maybe you’re still figuring out how to “own the room” in meetings where everyone else seems older, more experienced, or more confident.
Whatever your situation, you might hear that little voice whispering:
“Who am I to lead this team?”
“What if they realize I don’t know what I’m doing?”
“I’m too young / too green / too new to be in charge.”
If you’ve been there, I get it.
In fact, every single leader I’ve worked with has been there at some point.
The Truth About That “Fraud” Feeling
Here’s what I want you to know:
That impostor feeling? It’s not a sign that you’re failing.
It’s actually a sign that you care.
You care about doing the job well.
You care about your team.
You’re not leading with ego or entitlement.
You’re self-aware, that’s a strength.
But here’s the catch:
If you let impostor syndrome run the show, it will hold you back.
It’ll stop you from:
Giving honest, helpful feedback
Making bold decisions
Leading with clarity, energy, and vision
So What Do You Do With Impostor Syndrome?
You don’t “solve” it. You work with it.
Here are three mindset shifts I coach leaders through when impostor syndrome creeps in:
1. Normalize It
You’re not broken. You’re not alone.
Every high-performing leader I’ve met has had moments of doubt. Especially when stepping into a new level of responsibility. It’s a natural part of growth. Let it be there, but don’t let it lead.
2. Focus on Service, Not Self
Instead of asking, “Am I good enough?”
Try asking, “How can I help this team succeed today?”
Shifting the focus away from yourself and onto the people you serve helps cut through the noise of self-doubt. Leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being useful.
3. Keep a “Wins” List
Start tracking the moments where you do get it right.
Every time someone thanks you, praises your impact, or your team gets a win — write it down.
Over time, you’ll build a growing bank of evidence that says:
“I am a capable, effective leader, and here’s the proof.”
Growth Feels Like Impostor Syndrome
Here’s the final reframe I’ll leave you with:
Impostor syndrome often shows up when you’re growing.
When you’re stretched beyond your comfort zone. When you’re doing something hard and unfamiliar.
And that’s exactly where the magic happens.
So if you’re feeling like a bit of an impostor right now…
It might just mean you’re on the right path.
Keep Going
Whether this is day 1 of leading a team, or day 10,000, the work is the same:
Show up.
Learn fast.
Commit to growth.
And if you’re doing that? You’re already doing better than you think.
