Even when you’ve poured time, energy, and intention into your next chapter, transition can still feel uncertain. What happens when you finally emerge from your cocoon—only to question whether you’ve earned your wings?

You’ve hit your goals. You’ve made it to the boardroom, the C-suite, or built something of your own. And yet—do you still catch yourself feeling unworthy? Do you hesitate to ask for support, fearing it signals failure? Do you glance around the room and wonder if you truly belong?

If so, you’re not alone. These are the hallmarks of imposter syndrome—and it’s more common than you think. At Athena, we’ve walked alongside thousands of women as they’ve ascended into powerful leadership roles. Across countless coaching sessions and candid member conversations, one truth has emerged: even the most accomplished leaders wrestle with self-doubt.

The good news? Imposter syndrome is not a reflection of your capabilities—it’s a challenge you can overcome. Below, explore what imposter syndrome really is, how to quiet the inner critic, and how to lead with confidence and clarity.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?   

Imposter syndrome is surprisingly common among high-achievers. First identified by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, it’s defined as the persistent belief that your accomplishments aren’t the result of your own skill or intelligence, but rather luck, timing, or help from others.

Rooted in a mix of internal beliefs, early experiences, and societal messages, imposter syndrome is a powerful form of self-doubt. Left unchallenged, it can undermine your confidence, distort your sense of worth, and hold you back from owning your success.

How Is Imposter Syndrome Connected to Gender and Race?

The Imposter Syndrome thought pattern can manifest in people of all genders and is especially prevalent among high-achieving academics or career-focused individuals. Though it can affect leaders of all gender identities, imposter syndrome is especially prevalent among high-achieving women. Women are often subject to societal pressure to “do it all”—managing a social life, career, and family life without any help (and we are expected to look flawless while doing it!) This focus on perfectionism and the impossibly high standards set for women can lead to feelings of shame when you can’t pull everything off single-handedly. 

Imposter Syndrome can also show up more prevalently in other marginalized communities, like People of Color. Despite imposter syndrome being defined by a set of internal feelings and thoughts, it’s important to note the external and societal factors that can create an environment where feelings of “otherness” can thrive. When you look around the room and don’t see anyone else who looks like you or who grew up like you, it may reinforce the feeling that you don’t belong. Everyday interactions and environments do play a role in shaping our Imposter Syndrome. 

Our internal landscape can also have an effect on how imposter syndrome impacts the thoughts of successful women. If you already have symptoms of anxiety or depression, it may reinforce the thoughts that you lack the talent or drive to succeed. The pattern of doubt in your achievements can be rewritten to accepting and learning from mistakes when they inevitably happen. 

How Does Imposter Syndrome Manifest?

Valerie Young, one of the leading experts on imposter syndrome, breaks down the most common ways you might be experiencing these feelings into five categories.

• The Perfectionist: You may feel focused on how your work is done, and how it turns out. If there is one minor flaw in your performance, you are overcome with feelings of shame. You may also have difficulty accepting praise.
• The Expert: You are focused on how much you know about a topic or project. If there is something you don’t know or feel totally adept in, you feel like a fraud. You may undermine your own performance despite high achievement.
• The Soloist: Needing any coaching, help, or peer support brings about feelings of failure and doubt in your own abilities. You may undermine your expertise.
• The Superhuman: You believe that you should be able to tackle every role in your life with ease and without any mistakes. If you fall short in one category, it feels like you are a failure all around. You may put impossibly high expectations on yourself.
• The Natural Genius: You feel like you should master every subject perfectly, the first time you try. Competence for you is measured in ease and speed. You may feel intense pressure to meet social expectations.

How to Boost Your Confidence 

Take one step today to follow the threads of self-confidence, and begin to wipe away the web of self-doubt that imposter syndrome spins. 

• Make a list of things that show you are fully qualified: This could look like a folder in your inbox or a list in your planner for “compliments and praise”, where you file emails with positive feedback from leadership and people you admire. If there’s a specific skill you feel you need to advance your knowledge, like the top skills you need to reach C-Suite, Athena is the perfect place to fill in the gaps and grow your skillset.
• Say your name aloud: Coco—Athena Founder and CEO—likes to do a power pose in the sun when she needs a confidence boost! Bonus points if you work your name into positive affirmations with your morning coffee.
• Own your accomplishments: Next time someone gives you a compliment, try responding with “thank you, I know!” as a way to integrate the positive message to your inner voice.
• Visualize success: You may find yourself ruminating on stressful “what-ifs” or negative situations. Spend some intentional time-shifting that story by picturing a successful presentation, or calmly asking your boss for a raise. You are more likely to succeed if you have envisioned the best-case scenario over the worst.

How to Defy Imposter Syndrome 

Reflect on the goals that you have for yourself. When you stop comparing your journey to others, you can embrace and own your potential. When you need a boost of support, reach for your network. Call a colleague or friend (or hop in an Athena Peer Group). Practice pitching your ideas, ask for feedback in a low-pressure situation, and embrace their positivity. This is a great way to use the Athena community on your journey! 

If feelings of unworthiness or fraud creep in take a moment to make sure you aren’t confusing doubt with imposter syndrome. If you are tackling something you haven’t done before, it’s normal to feel unsure at first. Don’t hold yourself back from growth or new opportunities because you feel afraid to take a risk. Your confidence will only grow with new success! A new model of leadership will help support you as you take on new job duties. 

When you take that new leap, be sure to remind yourself that you are good at what you do. Break the cycle of dismissing positive feedback or success by really taking a moment to reward yourself for a job well done. Practicing this will help you to step away from perfectionism, and forgive yourself for any mistakes or growing pains. 

If you are spiraling in self-doubt or negative self-talk, fight through by separating feelings from facts. Consider asking yourself “Where is the proof that I am unable to do this?” or “Where is the proof I don’t deserve this?” When you have the courage to look towards the root of your insecurity, you find the ways you can be the most brave. 

Maya Angelou, who spoke very openly about her experiences with imposter syndrome, helped fight these feelings by reminding herself “I believe what I have to say is important, and I believe the people coming to hear me are important.” Honor your feelings, but keep the big picture in mind. Stop comparing your journey, there are so many ways to define success for yourself. Connect with Athena to empower yourself to overcome imposter syndrome, and reach your personal and professional goals.