FountainBlue's March 13 When She Speaks event was on the topic of 'Overcoming Imposter Syndrome'. Our panelists loosely defined 'Imposter Syndrome' as the delta between what you think you've done and how it matches with the expectations of yourself and others, and the resultant anxiety associated with any mis-match.
The panelists brought up that many people experience Imposter Syndrome, that many women do, even accomplished women, but it's also not just a woman's thing, and it's not just also for tech professionals as wives or husbands and athletes might experience it too.
Our amazing panelists had experienced imposter syndrome at various points in their very impressive careers, especially as they were just starting out in a new field, role or industry.
Below are some of their suggestions and advice for how to navigate imposter syndrome.
Be data-based rather than emotive.
Know the facts, be prepared, do the things you need to do to succeed.
Recruit and nurture advocates, sponsors and mentors. Ask people to be sounding boards. Build teams and communities.
Say yes to opportunities, even when they stretch your abilities and make you feel uncomfortable.
Be confident enough to try something new, open enough to seek input and guidance in that new role, and persistent and hard working enough to perform well in that new capacity.
Own your plan for success. If you'd like to be promoted, make sure that you backfill for your position, and can prove that you're ready for that next position.
Be positive and supportive to others. Support them in their challenges and ask for help with your own.
Don't expect to know it all, but do ask relevant questions that make people think.
Select a manager who is supportive and has your best interest in mind.
Tell a story to communicate your point: the message, the data, the conclusion.
Remember that you are not alone. Even people you think are very accomplished may not be as confident as you think.
Adopt an ecosystem view to understand complex issues. There are many layers of people and issues involved in any one decision.
Adopt a thinking rather than an emotional approach to a career question or issue.
When you need to, fake it until you make it. Be confident.
Be curious.
Be encouraging and positive about what you do, and supportive even when things don't go as planned. Proactively and positively manage that voice in your head.
Please join me in thanking our panelists for FountainBlue's March 13 When She Speaks event was on the topic of 'Overcoming Imposter Syndrome'.
Facilitator Linda Holroyd, CEO, FountainBlue
Panelist Jane Divinski, serial entrepreneur and engineering leader
Panelist Joyce Eng, Senior Director, Strategy, Program Management, User Experience, Roche
Panelist Krista Pavlakos, Senior Director, Marketing Communications & Demand Creation, Renesas Electronics
Panelist Lori Kate Smith, former Director, Marketing Programs, Machine Learning (ML), ARM