As business owners and leaders, we’re often our harshest critics. Despite our achievements, many of us feel like frauds, waiting for the moment someone will call us out. This is imposter syndrome—a persistent fear that we’re not as capable as others believe. It’s surprisingly common, but if left unchecked, it can hold us back from making confident decisions, pursuing opportunities, and fully embracing our roles.
Imposter syndrome often starts with self-doubt. We may question whether we’re skilled enough to lead, especially when we compare ourselves to others. We see their successes but rarely their struggles. This can make our own challenges feel like proof that we’re not cut out for leadership, even when the evidence says otherwise. It’s important to recognise that everyone faces setbacks and doubts at times; they’re not signs of failure, but part of growth.
A key sign of imposter syndrome is believing your success is due to luck or outside factors, not your own skills. We may downplay our achievements, thinking they happened because of timing or help from others. While it’s true that collaboration and circumstances play a role, they don’t erase the work and skill we bring to the table. Acknowledging our contributions doesn’t make us arrogant; it helps us own the value we provide.
Perfectionism is often tied to imposter syndrome. We set unrealistically high standards for ourselves and feel like we’ve failed if we don’t meet them. This mindset can lead to overworking, procrastination, or even avoiding tasks altogether. The pursuit of perfection isn’t sustainable, and it can drain our confidence instead of boosting it. When we focus on progress rather than perfection, we create space to grow and learn without fear of falling short.
Let’s take Maria, a small business owner who felt like an imposter after expanding her company. Despite tripling her revenue and hiring a strong team, she couldn’t shake the fear that she wasn’t truly capable. Maria constantly second-guessed her decisions, avoided high-stakes opportunities, and felt paralysed by the thought of failure. She reached out to a counsellor to address these feelings, unsure of where to start.
Through counselling, Maria explored the roots of her imposter syndrome. She realised that much of her self-doubt came from comparing herself to others and holding onto outdated beliefs about what a “real leader” should be. The counsellor helped her reframe her thinking, focusing on her strengths and accomplishments instead of perceived shortcomings. Maria also worked on setting realistic expectations for herself, learning to celebrate progress rather than striving for unattainable perfection.
Over time, Maria began to see her role differently. She became more confident in her decisions, took on new challenges, and stopped letting fear of failure dictate her choices. By addressing her imposter syndrome, Maria not only improved her performance but also found greater satisfaction in her work and leadership.
If we’re struggling with imposter syndrome, a good first step is to challenge our inner critic. Instead of accepting every doubt as fact, we can ask ourselves if there’s real evidence to support it. For example, if we think we’re unqualified, we can list our achievements, skills, and positive feedback from others. This practice reminds us of what we’ve earned and how far we’ve come.
Talking openly about imposter syndrome can also be powerful. Many of our peers and mentors have experienced similar feelings, even if they don’t talk about them often. Sharing our struggles can help us feel less isolated and create a support network of people who understand what we’re going through. They can also offer perspective and encouragement when self-doubt creeps in.
It’s also helpful to reframe failure as a learning opportunity. Instead of seeing mistakes as proof of incompetence, we can view them as steps on the path to growth. Every leader faces setbacks—it’s how we respond to them that shapes our success. When we embrace a mindset of learning, we free ourselves from the need to be perfect and focus on continuous improvement.
Lastly, investing in personal development can strengthen our confidence. Whether it’s through counselling, mentorship, or skill-building, taking steps to grow as leaders helps us feel more prepared and capable. The more we invest in ourselves, the easier it becomes to silence the voice of imposter syndrome and step into our roles with confidence. Imposter syndrome doesn’t have to define us. By recognising it, challenging it, and taking steps to address it, we can move forward with clarity and confidence. Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about learning, adapting, and showing up even when we feel uncertain. When we let go of the fear of being “found out,” we can lead with authenticity and fully embrace the impact we’re capable of making.
Struggling with stress? Your mental health matters. Take the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself—both personally and professionally. Connect with Jonathan Riley at My Practice Counselling and start your journey to clarity, resilience, and growth. Book your session today at https://mypracticecounselling.com.au/ and lead with confidence by prioritising your well-being.