Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Own Their Success
Are You Holding Yourself Back?
Imposter syndrome holds many people back from reaching their full potential. Research shows that 82% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives, making it a major barrier to success. Particularly, among women in leadership and entrepreneurship, self-doubt is even more common. Many highly accomplished women struggle with persistent feelings of inadequacy, believing their achievements are undeserved or a result of external factors such as luck or timing rather than their own abilities. These feelings can undermine confidence, stall progress, and create unnecessary stress. Thus, limiting their ability to fully embrace their success and leadership potential.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes first introduced the Imposter Phenomenon in 1978. They defined it as an internal experience of intellectual phoniness despite external evidence of success. Individuals experiencing the imposter phenomenon often feel like frauds, attributing their accomplishments to luck, timing, or deception rather than their own competence. They live in constant fear of being "exposed" as unqualified, even when others recognize their achievements.
Imposter syndrome can manifest in different ways:
• Perfectionism – Setting impossibly high standards and feeling inadequate when they aren’t met.
• Overworking – Trying to "prove" worth through excessive effort.
• Attributing success to external factors – Believing achievements are due to luck rather than skill.
• Fear of failure – Avoiding risks due to anxiety about being exposed as a fraud.
Why Do Entrepreneurs Face Imposter Syndrome?
Entrepreneurs, specifically female entrepreneurs, experience imposter syndrome due to a variety of factors:
• Societal expectations have long dictated traditional gender roles, making it harder for women to embrace leadership.
• Lack of diverse representation in leadership roles reinforces feelings of not belonging.
• Perfectionism plagues many women and leads them to feel that anything less than perfection is unacceptable.
• Fear of judgment creates hesitation in taking risks or promoting their businesses.
Shifting Your Mindset & Overcome Imposter Syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome requires intentional strategies to embrace your success and ultimately increase your confidence. Three key strategies to overcoming imposter syndrome are to reframe your thinking, build a support system, and acknowledge your wins.
Reframe Your Thinking
• Recognize that self-doubt is normal and does not reflect your actual abilities.
• View challenges as opportunities for growth, not as proof of inadequacy.
• Shift from a perfectionist mindset to a progress-focused approach.
• Adopt a growth mindset by embracing learning opportunities and resilience.
• Work on uncovering blind spots by seeking feedback and self-reflection.
• Understand your values and your value, ensuring your decisions align with your strengths and principles.
Build a Support System
• Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and advisors who uplift and encourage you.
• Develop a "personal board of directors" for guidance and honest feedback
Acknowledge Your Wins
• Keep a success journal to track accomplishments, no matter how small.
• Regularly review past achievements to reinforce your capabilities.
• Accept praise and own your success without downplaying it.
Simple Ways to Incorporate These Changes into Your Daily Life.
• Challenge Your Fraud Thinking – When self-doubt creeps in, ask yourself: "What if that’s not true?" Repeat it until you break the cycle of negative thoughts.
• Shift Off Autopilot – Be mindful of your thoughts and habits. Notice when imposter feelings arise and consciously redirect them.
• Stop the Comparison Trap – Your journey is unique. Focus on your own growth rather than measuring yourself against others.
• Reframe Negative Self-Talk – Swap "I’m not good enough" for "I am learning and improving every day."
• Use the Feedback Coat Rule – Picture feedback as a coat. Try it on—if it fits, keep it. If it doesn’t, let it go without taking it personally.
• Set Realistic Goals – Aim for progress, not perfection. Small, consistent steps lead to lasting growth.
• Celebrate Small Wins – Every achievement matters. Acknowledge and appreciate your efforts daily.
Own Your Success.
Imposter syndrome may be common, but it does not have to define your journey. By shifting your mindset, surrounding yourself with support, and actively acknowledging your worth, you can step into your power and own your success.
You belong at the table—it’s time to own it.
More about Teresa
Teresa Sande is the CEO and Founder of Mirror Mirror Strategies, a Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach, and Organizational Strategy & Talent Development Consultant dedicated to building high-performing, inclusive workplaces. She is also the author of Find Your Fierce: Interrupt Imposter Syndrome and Own Your Success, a transformative guide to conquering self-doubt and stepping into authentic leadership.
Before launching her firm and publishing her book, Teresa had a successful 25-year career as a corporate executive at companies like Intel, Capital One, Cargill, and UnitedHealth Group. Throughout her career, she has helped organizations identify, develop, and elevate top talent, using a holistic approach that enables leaders to see themselves and their strengths with clarity. Her expertise spans leadership development, culture transformation, and executive growth, backed by a master’s degree in organizational effectiveness and communication, as well as certifications in diversity, change management, and executive coaching.
A sought-after speaker, Teresa delivers dynamic, thought-provoking sessions on imposter syndrome, diversity and belonging, success mindset, and transformational leadership.
Committed to unlocking potential at every level, Teresa partners with organizations to implement impactful, people-centered strategies that fuel innovation, engagement, and long-term success.