Rethinking Imposter Syndrome
Have you ever walked into a room, sat at a table, or stepped into a new role and thought, “I don’t belong here”? That’s imposter syndrome at work — the feeling that you’re not qualified, even when your skills and experience say otherwise.
Someone once told me: If you know more than someone else, even just a step or two ahead, you have something valuable to teach. That reminder stuck with me. Because so often, we downplay what we know, waiting until we feel “fully ready,” while forgetting that our perspective, lived experience, and voice already carry weight.
But if we’re being honest, imposter syndrome doesn’t just come from within. For Black women and women of color, it’s reinforced by systems that were built to make us doubt ourselves. When you’re one of the few — or the only — in the room, the pressure to prove yourself multiplies.
In fact, studies show imposter syndrome is common across fields, but the prevalence tends to be higher among black professionals and women — not because of ability, but because of the environments we’re navigating.
Imposter syndrome shows up in the everyday moments: holding back an idea in a meeting, dismissing a compliment, or second-guessing whether you were chosen for your expertise or as a token. These aren’t just insecurities — they’re the ripple effects of exclusion.
Yet, there are ways to quiet that voice. Community matters. Surround yourself with people who see you fully and remind you of your worth. Keep receipts — write down your wins, save affirming feedback, track your impact. On the days when self-doubt is loud, you’ll have proof that you belong.
Just as importantly, we can all play a role by creating spaces that affirm, uplift, and make it clear that everyone’s knowledge and presence truly belongs.