Growth & Complexity: The Imposter Within

Over the years, I have had the privilege of stepping into roles and situations that required me to adapt quickly, learn new skills, and grow beyond what I thought I was capable of. Along the way, remarkable people have crossed my path, shaped my perspective and contributed to who I have become. Many would be surprised to know that confidence did not come naturally. There was a time when silence felt safer than speaking up. I often ‘knew the answer’ but questioned whether my voice would add value. Internally, there was uncertainty; externally, there was the appearance of confidence. It became a well-practiced balancing act. Achievement helped. Success reinforced capability. Taking on responsibilities within my comfort zone provided reassurance, but it was stepping beyond what I believed I could do—embracing challenges that stretched me—that built genuine confidence. Through growth, experience, faith, and a relentless desire to develop, the quiet observer gradually became someone willing to create and occupy space.

Today, I know who I am far more clearly than I once did. I have experienced the fulfilment that comes from living with purpose, contributing meaningfully, and hearing someone say, “I really needed that.” I understand that I have something valuable to offer and that I belong in the rooms I occupy. Yet there are still moments when doubt quietly reappears. Moments when, despite the evidence of growth, achievement, and impact, a small voice asks whether I truly belong here at all.  Confidence has been built, competence has been proven, and growth is undeniable, why do feelings of being an imposter still linger? This question lies at the heart of what psychologists call the imposter phenomenon—a surprisingly common experience shared by high-achieving people across industries, professions, and stages of life.

The feelings of self-doubt and high levels of confidence aren’t mutually exclusive, and it has been a misnomer that people who experience the imposter phenomenon must have issues with their confidence, but research has shown otherwise.

The concept was first researched by two women, Clance and Imes in 1978. Their key findings showed that the phenomena frequently occurred in highly successful and capable people. That sense of belonging in the spaces you occupy often eludes and the question isn’t, ‘Do I belong?’ it’s why does the overwhelming evidence that you do, not register. You chalk down successes to luck, timing and hard work and not your ability. You don’t know what you’re doing; it all just came together. You are guilty of raising the bar at the point of every success so that it doesn’t mean as much as it should. Never taking the time to acknowledge the achievement and to enjoy the sense of accomplishment. You lead with confidence, you speak eloquently and you’re respected by your peers but there’s this internal conversation of self-doubt and second guessing your right to belong. The coexistence of the external and internal fuels the doubt but these feelings are not opposites but rather exists as contemporaries.

Most of us do not spend our days questioning whether we belong. We show up, do the work, solve the problems in front of us, and carry on. For many high-achieving individuals, feelings of impostorism are not a constant companion but an occasional visitor. There’s usually a trigger and they tend to appear at the edge of growth. Research has shown that taking on new and unfamiliar responsibilities like stepping into a promotion, stepping into a new leadership role or functioning in a more visible arena can trigger feelings of fraudulence despite being objectively capable. When you are a person who values self-development and you look out for opportunities of growth and expansion you will undoubtedly come face to face with feelings of inadequacy.

I put to you today; what if you feeling like an imposter and like you don’t belong are evidence of you growing into spaces you’ve never occupied before and while that might be daunting your growth has made it possible. It also means that you’re capable of growing more and eventually even outgrowing the new. Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one.

The goal is then not to entirely eliminate situations where you feel out of your depth – growth requires change and being placed in situations where you will need to learn and stretch beyond your current capabilities. You can’t fake growth either and faking it till you make it will not suffice. There’s no hiding. You either going to embrace the transition or you’re going to succumb to it. Think of it this way, “It doesn’t mean you don’t belong it just means you haven’t been here before.” Remembering that shy young girl doesn’t mean I need to be her forever. Development means we have the privilege to update our identity – you’re not inexperienced anymore, you’re not the newbie any longer. Growth means you’re developing into someone new every day. Growth will always feel unfamiliar. Acknowledge that there will be a delay at times between being capable and feeling capable. Feelings are often not the best litmus test of reality as there will always be a period of uncertainty. Remember belonging doesn’t come from feelings – you belong because you have a seat.

Ironically, the ‘higher’ you go the less certain you feel. Growth in skill often comes with better metacognition and it’s easier to recognise what you don’t know. You have a greater understanding of what it takes and it’s easier to compare yourself with others. The more skilled you become the more you realise that there’s so much you still don’t know as you become aware of the intricacies of how things operate. Whereas a novice will believe they know enough you know that that is an impossibility. Decisions can only be made from your perspective and once your perspective grows responsibility grows. The misguided perception that everyone else around the table ‘knows what they’re doing’ that is what brings on the feeling of ‘I do not belong here’. The truth is many a decision is made on ambiguity, incomplete information and there’s a lot of give and take in the process. We can’t foresee every consequence of every decision but as leaders we become very aware of the inevitability of consequences and that can stop us in our tracks. Uncertainty doesn’t mean inability and as you move higher you will need to get comfortable with it.

All the years of sacrifice and learning at every level has not come to naught. You aren’t the same person as what you were back then. You know more. You’re stronger and wiser. You have come a long way, and you not only deserve a seat at the table, but the table was made for you. Embrace the journey and take every opportunity that comes along. So, what if you feel out of your depth – that’s exactly where you want to be.