My Five Lessons to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a dangerous thing; it can easily hold people back from achieving their dreams. In fact, it can stop people having those dreams at all. How many potential leaders never reach or even aspire to take a seat at the top table due to under-representation of communities – be that gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disabilities or social-economic status? Alarmingly, half of businesses in the FTSE All Companies list have all male executive teams and only 16% of board chairs in the UK are women.

Those brave few that find themselves in these senior positions will often encounter another big barrier – imposter syndrome. The contradiction with imposter syndrome, however, is that if it can be harnessed, it can be an effective tool; a force within that stops us resting on our laurels, and instead drives us to learn and grow. It can help us make sure we are at the top of our game and deserving of any opportunities we earn.

My own journey has involved overcoming no small amount of imposter syndrome. Which is why I feel the responsibility as a leader to shine a light on that path, and to be an ally for those willing to walk it now. To be clear, pushing yourself is not easy, but meeting and exceeding your own expectations can be a source of enormous self-fulfillment. So here are my tips for anyone wanting to break the mould and find their inner confidence. Your journey will be different, but I hope my own can be instructive.

1. Seek out allies and mentors

After 25 years of climbing the ladder, I wouldn’t have the career I have today without the support and guidance of the mentors and allies that I’ve been fortunate enough to work with along the way. People that have pushed me to strive for my best, to dig-in when needed, and to demand a seat at the table. I believe that mentorship isn’t about teaching you to climb the ladder, but rather showing you where the ladder can take you; shining a big, bright light on what ‘could be’.

I recommend seeking out the leaders who can inspire and guide you - whether that be to take that next big leap or simply feel confident to stand up and speak out. You will be surprised how even the busiest people will find time for a coffee and will take an interest if you appear interested and interesting!

2. Develop your personal brand

Clarity is everything, particularly in business, and that goes double if you are from a diverse background. If we don’t set our own narrative, others will set it for us. How people see you will depend hugely on how you see yourself. What do you want to be known for? When you’re not in the room, what do you want your colleagues to say about you? Are you diligent, prepared, curious, confident, or maybe all of the above? Will you speak your mind; are you ready to be challenged; can you learn to lead? Push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Keep getting in the room, keep having an opinion and keep making sure your opinion is heard. As long as you stick to your authentic self, you can’t go far wrong.

3. Understand your audience

Your career is a collaboration – you will succeed because you help those around you succeed. Look at those you want to influence, whether that’s colleagues, clients, or the public; what motivates them? Where do your ambitions intersect? If you can communicate to them that your goals align, and that you are working to help them be realised, you become an ally, and that has great power. Allies are on the inside, on the journey. When your colleagues level up, they will want to be surrounded by allies, so they will help you to level up too. Make sure it is in their interest to be invested in your success.

4. Build trust

It is not enough to simply tell someone you have the same goal. Trust is developed by showing them that not only is that the case, but that you can be depended on to help them realise that goal. If people know you will deliver on what you say, that you accept and embrace responsibility, that you will speak up and ask the important questions, even when it is difficult to do so, that is the path to influence.

5. Aim high, aim to lead

I left school at 16 with no formal qualifications, so it would have been easy for my expectations to be set low. Instead, I have a career that fulfils and challenges me, that allows me to provide a good life for my family, and in which I am empowered. And yes, leading a team of over 1,000 people at one of the world’s largest software companies.

I know for certain that I could not have got here without the mentors who helped me on this journey. So, my advice to you all is: find those mentors, learn from them, develop yourself… but more than that – know that to truly succeed you will have to inspire others. Carry yourself today with the expectation that you will be the mentor in the future, and you will be on the right path.