Feeling Like A Fraud? You’re Not Alone

Let’s start with a story about Izzy, a voice many of us might recognise. Izzy, as I’ve come to call her, I recently gave a TEDx talk where I shared my own journey with this inner critic, whom I affectionately call Izzy. She shows up just as you’re about to step outside your comfort zone.

Izzy doesn’t just belong to me; she’s a frequent visitor for 75 per cent of female executives (KPMG) and 58 per cent of seasoned tech professionals, (Gitnux 2024). Entrepreneurs, perhaps more than anyone, know Izzy well, with 87 per cent reporting feeling like they’re faking it at times (Gitnux, 2024).

This feeling, termed Impostor Syndrome by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, isn’t just a momentary lapse in confidence. It’s a persistent sense that our achievements aren’t real, that somehow, we’re ‘faking it’ and bound to be exposed. If you’ve ever felt like this, then you, too, have joined an unspoken club – one that includes the likes of Tom Hanks, Michelle Pfeiffer, and even Albert Einstein. Even Einstein reportedly once said he felt like an “involuntary swindler.”

For me, Izzy pops up most often in situations where I’m stepping into new territory. There was a moment during a critical client meeting where I was truly in the zone – plans mapped out, confidence high. And just as I was about to celebrate my momentum, Izzy arrived. She didn’t knock politely; she stormed in, echoing all my doubts at once: What if I’m not good enough? What if they realise I’m just winging it?

I reminded myself of the hard work and preparation that had brought me to that point. And while Izzy didn’t vanish entirely, her voice faded, and I carried on.

Over time, I’ve realised that Izzy isn’t an enemy but a friend. She shows up most when I’m stepping into uncharted territory – when I’m growing. Recognizing her presence has helped me reframe the narrative. Here’s what I’ve learned about managing the inner critic:

Recognise and acknowledge the feeling: Remember, Impostor Syndrome is common, even among the high achievers we look up to. Recognise the feeling without judgment. It’s often just a sign you’re challenging yourself.

Celebrate wins – big or small: Keep a journal of accomplishments. Seeing tangible evidence of what you’ve achieved can help silence those doubts.

Open up: Sharing these feelings with friends or colleagues helps weaken their grip. Talking about it often reveals that others feel the same way.

Impostor Syndrome may never fully disappear, but it doesn’t have to define you. By recognising it, reframing it and leaning into the discomfort of growth, you can turn self-doubt into a signal of progress.

Impostor Syndrome doesn’t have to hold you back. Next time self-doubt sneaks in, recognise it, reframe it and step forward anyway. Remember, you’re not alone – and you’re certainly not a fraud.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by Impostor Syndrome and seeking guidance, reach out for support, whether through coaching, mentorship or simply sharing your feelings with a trusted colleague, can help you gain perspective and build confidence.

Sometimes, a fresh outlook and practical tools are all it takes to quiet the inner critic and step into your full potential. You’ve worked hard to get where you are – don’t let self-doubt stand in the way of your continued growth and success.

By Sandra Da Silva