When Imposter Syndrome Isn't a Joke

And 3 Coaching Tips That Can Help You Move Through It

Clients often tell me, half-laughing, half-serious, "I think I’ve got Imposter Syndrome."

It’s become a kind of shorthand. A way to acknowledge the inner doubt without digging too deep. But for many, Imposter Syndrome isn’t just a passing insecurity. It can be the silent driver behind burnout, chronic stress, and stalled potential.

I know what it’s like to desperately want something to change in your work or career. To feel the pull so strongly that you convince yourself, "I’ve got to make this move." "I'm going to get that promotion" I’ve been there, more than once.

I still feel the energy around the time I was headhunted to join a competing company as a Senior Account Manager. I felt excited… and proud. What I didn’t know was that several internal applicants had been passed over. When I started in the role I felt the unspoken resentment held by those who were unsuccessful. Whether it was real or projected makes no difference, it felt liek it was directed at me and that was hard. And when you have a driven personality like mine, what do you do? Drive on, armour up, prove your worth.

Within months I was promoted again, this time to Head of Account Management, overseeing a team of 45 across Account Management and Customer Service. On paper, it was a dream trajectory. Inside, my inner critic had set up camp.

I looked like a swan, gliding calmly across the surface. But under the water, I was paddling furiously trying to stay afloat, trying not to be found out.

A Board reshuffle resulted with another quick promotion into Sales Director. Another enforced mantra of "Drive on, armour up, prove your worth".

Imposter Syndrome was not commonly known as a thing, or at least not to me. Imposter Syndrome is the internal experience of believing that you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be. Despite external evidence of success—promotions, qualifications, praise, you might feel like a fraud, attributing your achievements to luck or timing rather than skill or effort.

It often shows up as:

• Overworking to compensate for perceived inadequacy

• Downplaying successes (“It was nothing”)

• Fear of being ‘found out’

• Difficulty accepting praise

• Setting impossibly high standards and feeling crushed if you don’t meet them

  
  

While it isn’t a formal mental health diagnosis, Imposter Syndrome is common—especially among high-achievers, perfectionists, and those in new or high-pressure environments.

Left unchecked, it can lead to burnout, anxiety, and missed opportunities. But with awareness and support, like coaching,it can be transformed. It becomes a doorway to deeper confidence, self-compassion, and alignment with your true strengths and values.

What I Wish I’d Known Then

In my years of coaching and training, I’ve learned a few truths that would have helped the younger me and that now support the clients I work with:

1. Thoughts are not facts.That nagging voice that says, “You’re not up to the job” isn’t evidence, it’s a fear. The mind can be creative, but not always truthful.

   
   

2. There are hidden benefits... and hidden costs.People who feel like imposters often work harder, care deeply, and are beautifully empathetic. But they also hold back. Play small. Say no when they want to say yes and say yes when they should say no. And over time, that can stunt career growth and drain wellbeing.

   
   

3. Reframing is powerful.Try this: instead of asking, “What didn’t go well?” and allowing yoru inner critic to beat you up, ask, “What did I learn?” or “What strengths did I show?” A growth mindset doesn’t ignore the hard stuff, it adds perspective.

   
   

How Coaching Can Help

Coaching provides a space where these thoughts don’t get dismissed but gently unpacked and understood. If as you read my expereince you recocgnised your self then here’s what we might work on together:

• Inner Parts Work: We explore the inner critic with curiosity, not judgement. Often it’s just trying to protect you—even if it’s using unhelpful methods.

• Strengths Mapping: We identify what you’re naturally good at, so you can lead from a place of confidence and integrity.

• Values Connection: We reconnect to what matters most to you, grounding your decisions in meaning—not fear.

• Grounding Tools: Leadership isn't about being unshakeable. It’s about knowing how to return to centre—again and again. We will look at ways that you can do that in the moment.

  
  

Imposter Syndrome can make you feel alone, but it’s often a signal that you’re growing, stretching, reaching for something new.

If you’d like support navigating that stretch, I’m here.