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Writer's pictureJoslyn F.

Navigating Imposter Syndrome as a Businesswoman

Updated: Sep 10

women in marketing

Imposter syndrome is a behavioral pattern and psychological phenomenon that can cause someone to feel undeserving of their success.  It is often characterized by feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and anxiety, and may result in procrastination, avoidance, and burnout.  Some characteristics that may lead to imposter syndrome are perfectionism, fear of failure, fear of success, or undervaluing contributions.  Let’s discuss these characteristics in more detail, how they may affect our effectiveness in our careers, and ultimately how we can overcome them.


Am I An Imposter?

I am of the opinion that in order to solve a problem, it is sometimes helpful to figure out the root or source of the problem.  So we must ask ourselves where the self-doubt and inferiority complex came from.  Research suggests that it could stem from internal pressures or even social comparisons.  Internal pressures are the benchmarks we put in place as an attempt to avoid failure and harsh judgment.  Social comparisons may stem from academic and professional competition, not to mention social media.  Comparison is an enemy that forces us to pull out the measuring stick and create unrealistic expectations for ourselves and sometimes others. Let’s dig a little deeper into what some of the characteristics look like.


10 out of 10: Perfectionism

Psychology Today said it best “Perfectionism is a trait that makes life an endless report card on accomplishments or looks.”  Healthy perfectionism is self-motivating and drives us to overcome adversity and achieve success.  However, it is unhealthy when we become hyper-focused on avoiding failure.  Though the desire is to be successful, when the focus is simply not to fail this is a blueprint for disaster and puts us on the fast track to disappointment and unhappiness.  Perfectionists also have a reputation for “never being satisfied,” understandably so.  This can also cause one to be overly critical of themselves and others.  At work, this may look like a supervisor who stands for nothing less than perfection and is hard on their staff, potentially stifling the creativity and production of others.


But What If?: Fear of Failure

The levels at which the fear of failure contributes to imposter syndrome is not a basic or reasonable fear.  It is profound and often leads to procrastination or avoidance.  It is fear on steroids.  It makes one say to themselves “If I don’t try or do it then it’s not failure.”  In this game, avoiding failure is the only objective.  In this level of fear exists the consideration of the opinions of others, fear of being ridiculed or criticized by others.  This could also suggest that the opinions of others have unrealistic value.


Did I Earn It?: Fear of Success

This may sound a bit twisted, but there are people with a genuine fear of success.  Being afraid to lose sounds a bit normal if you will but being afraid of success may sound a bit outlandish.  However, those that think this way are still strongly considering what others may think.  The actual term for fear of success is achievemephobia. The fear is that succeeding may lead to more attention and higher expectations.  After all, “to whom much is given, much is required.”  For those with imposter syndrome, the thought is terrifying.  Imagine being successful at something and not allowing that success to sink in, always wondering if you actually earned or deserved it, or if it was as a result of external factors.  When it comes to entrepreneurship, women of color may fear leveling up their businesses for fear they won’t be able to keep up with expectations that may exist around quality, productivity, timeliness, etc.


Undervaluing Contributions

When we undervalue our contributions this refers to the feelings of inadequacy despite being fully equipped and qualified.  Have you ever been told that you have everything it takes…and still not felt secure or good enough?  If there’s ever been a time where you played a key role in your success and still had a hard time taking a compliment or downplayed the part you played, then you may have experienced one of the symptoms of imposter syndrome.


What About Us?

As entrepreneurial women of color, we are in a unique position that may make us more susceptible to imposter syndrome.  We stand at the intersection of racial, gender, and cultural dynamics.  For this reason, we may be impacted by several factors such as self-doubt and undervaluing achievements, overworking to compensate, reduced visibility and self-advocacy, internalizing stereotypes, isolation, the impact on mental health, limiting career growth, and cultural and familial expectations to name a few.


All of these factors can be stifling in the worst way as we attempt to build brands that are purposeful, stand out among the rest, and ultimately make us proud to be thriving women of color in business.  Now that we know what could be holding us back from showing up as our best selves, let’s discover how to overcome and press toward becoming the best version of ourselves.


Beating Imposter Syndrome

If we succumb to ideologies that do not serve us or our businesses we run the risk of failure.  While failure has its place, we are more interested in overcoming imposter syndrome and taking strides toward acknowledging the truth of who we are, successful women of color in busienss.  Let’s begin by doing the opposite of all the things that got us here in the first place.


Big Up Yourself: Pat Yourself On the Back

Instead of doubting ourselves and undervaluing our achievements, we will believe in ourselves and overestimate our abilities.  We must have a positive self-image that should include acknowledging our successes and failures, strengths and weaknesses.  We have to trust in our abilities enough to stand alone and not need constant validation from others.  Be assertive, take the fear of judgment or rejection out of the picture, and speak clearly and confidently about yourself and your business.


Work Smart Not Hard

As women of color, we tend to overwork and overcompensate, but no more.  We will now set healthy boundaries and embrace balance.  Prioritizing tasks may be helpful and can be done by making lists, setting reminders, and even by delegating.  Be kind to yourself; give yourself grace.  The goal here is work-life balance.  It’s ok to be ambitious but it’s also ok to enjoy the fruits of your labor.  Say it with me, “healthy boundaries.”


You’re Gonna Love Me: All of Me

Imposter syndrome can cause us to shrink down or reduce visibility and self advocacy, but we know within ourselves that something just isn’t quite right with that.  Therefore we will speak up for ourselves and often.  We are becoming women that are aware of the value we bring to any table that is lucky enough to have us.  As a result we should sell ourselves often, promoting our brand unapologetically.  Networking and nurturing professional relationships, and seeking leadership roles are other helpful tips for remaining on track and dismantling imposter syndrome.


Narrate Your Story

When we allow others to tell our stories they inevitably come up short.  It is not our responsibility to internalize stereotypes in media, advertising, and marketing.  It is however our responsibility to tell our own stories and to give representation the way we see fit.  The way that best showcases our brand or business.  Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to challenge the stereotypes.


Flying Solo: Fitting In Is Not a Requirement but Having Community Helps

It’s ok to stand out from the crowd. What sets us apart from the rest is often what people are drawn to.  In business, this is known as our niche, the thing we do well and want to be known for.  It’s not always a bad thing to stand out, but know that you don’t have to do it alone. Combat feelings of isolation and lack of belonging by connecting with other like-minded women of color.  Building supportive networks and mentorship are the way to go.


A Clutter-Free Mind

We know that imposter syndrome can have a negative mental health impact on women of color who are running businesses.  Because we are now focused on overcoming our aim is resilience and well-being.   We can achieve this through mental wellness programs, such as stress management workshops.  Also, it can be helpful to prioritize self-care as it can reduce the risk of burnout.  These practices help build resilience which can in turn assist women of color navigate the stresses of their industry in a manner that is effective and conducive to personal growth and growth in business.


Take the Limits Off

The negative thoughts and feelings that accompany imposter syndrome are limiting not only to self but to one’s performance, and even one’s business.  Casting the negativity aside creates an environment that encourages professional development.  This can be done through a culture of continuous learning via training and workshops.  Career mapping may also provide a clear vision for the future, a progression that outlines skills, experiences, and milestones.  When you know where you’ve been it’s easier to see where you are going.


Uncharted Territory

Cultural and familial expectations can be a lot to navigate and can be directly correlated to imposter syndrome.  The expectations put on us my family and culture could manifest as perfectionism or overachievement. Also because we love our families and are proud of our cultures we can easily become prey to pleasing people.  With that being said, personal autonomy is what we are after. We should embrace the freedom to chart our own paths and write our own stories.  Set your goals, define what success looks like for you, and how you will get there.  


Now that we have identified the problem and found some action items, we can implement and take steps toward becoming a better version of ourselves.  The opposite of imposter syndrome is staying true to the real you, the you that is confident and self-assured.  Imposter syndrome is not an accurate depiction of you when you are at your best.  Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that instead of spiraling, second-guessing yourself, or becoming paralyzed that you take time for yourself, pursue balance, and stand firm in knowing that there is a seat at the table for you and a place setting with your name on it.  Let us at Jali Creatives help you find your seat at the table.



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