In a recent Athena salon, Delida Costin—an accomplished legal executive, board member, leadership mentor, and thought leader—unpacked the nuances of imposter syndrome and offered a compelling call to action: don’t internalize the barriers, defy them.
Imposter syndrome often feels deeply personal, but Delida emphasized that it’s not always about internal doubt. “I don’t have a syndrome,” she explained. “I live in a system of checks and balances designed to stop people like me from moving forward. The trick is not to internalize it, but to defy it.”
Rather than seeing imposter syndrome as purely self-imposed, reframe it as a reflection of systemic obstacles. Recognizing these external structures allows individuals to shift from self-blame to proactive defiance.
Delida shared two pivotal moments that shaped her perspective on navigating systemic barriers:
These moments sparked Delida’s commitment to asking a vital question: “How do I turn red lights green?”
Delida introduced the concept of the “defiant imposter”—someone who recognizes systemic barriers but refuses to be confined by them. To embrace the defiant imposter…
To reclaim agency and advance despite systemic barriers, consider the following actionable strategies:
Delida closed with an empowering reminder: “Defying imposter syndrome is lifelong work. The system may not change overnight, but we have the power to navigate it—for ourselves and for the generations that follow.”
By embracing the role of a defiant imposter, you not only claim your place at the table, but you also help build a more inclusive and equitable system for those who come after you.
About Delida Costin: With over 30 years of experience as a Chief Legal Officer, corporate secretary, investor, and board member, Delida has guided businesses through IPOs, emerging technology strategies, and organizational transformation. Her work emphasizes valuing people as much as profits and creating systems of accountability and impact.
© Athena Alliance 2024