EP 2: The Being Yourself in Business Podcast

Episode 2: Understanding Imposter Syndrome (Part 1): Naming the Beast

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In this episode, Understanding Imposter Syndrome (Part 1): Naming the Beast, I explore:

• How I define imposter syndrome and why it’s so common for heart-centered, service-based entrepreneurs.

• How it often sneaks into our daily lives as self-doubt, hesitation, or feelings of unworthiness.

• My personal experience with imposter syndrome and what it’s taught me about showing up authentically.

• Transcript

  "Hey friends! Welcome back to Being Yourself in Business, the podcast where we explore how success can come when we stay true to who you are. Last week, we kicked things off by exploring authenticity and how embracing our unique selves is the key to thriving as entrepreneurs and as humans. And today, we’re diving into a topic that so many of us can relate to— the topic of imposter syndrome."

  Personal Story: My Journey with Imposter Syndrome
  I wanted to start by sharing my own journey with imposter syndrome.  A journey that – well, it's been a journey – And I would say there are three main areas where imposter syndrome really showed up for me. It was actually really interesting exploring this and seeing what those three areas had in common. So the first time I started experiencing imposter syndrome intensely was in my work as a graphic designer. What's interesting is I didn't start my career in graphic design with this imposter syndrome. It was something that I noticed developed the further into my career I got.  

  When I started graphic designing as a job, I left university and I had been trained in that field. And then I got my first job for quite a large corporate company in Canada.  

  And I felt pretty confident going into that role. My very first role I started as a junior designer. And I look back at myself then, and I'm quite astounded with the amount of confidence and security that I had in myself.  

  The tasks that I would get were quite clear to me.  And what's interesting is that as I progressed, and as I was promoted throughout my career, from place to place. The next job or, I think the next promotion I got was within the same company and eventually I moved out of that company.  And I worked for an agency and I still felt pretty confident from what I remember.  And it wasn't until I started working as, what's titled as an art director, that imposter syndrome started showing up. And that really was where I was starting to flex more and more creativity. And I don't think that's a coincidence. So as I got into art direction and was working more conceptually and strategically, rather than just tactically. I really started to doubt myself and I started to experience a lot more anxiety. In my role and a lot more doubt that I belonged there.  

  The second place where I have struggled a lot and still struggle a lot with imposter syndrome is as a yoga instructor.  

  In my mid twenties, I had been practicing yoga for quite some time. I started practicing when I was 16. And then in my twenties, mid twenties, I had a bit of a health crisis that had me lean towards yoga in a more intentional way.  

  And it was so transformative for me. And it had such a big impact on my life that I decided I wanted to become a yoga teacher. And so I entered my first teacher training. And imposter syndrome showed up so heavily through this experience.  And I would say has continued to, it's been something I have battled against and worked with so much throughout my journey as a yoga instructor. And I still have moments where it really takes over.  

  And again,  I would consider my role as a yoga instructor one in which I'm flexing my creative creativity, quite a lot.  

  And lastly, there's my role as a coach. No, I haven't experienced a ton of imposter syndrome when it comes to the practice of coaching. I feel quite confident in my abilities as a coach. I feel quite certain. That it is a modality that I am meant to be in. And really it's been such a joy to be a coach. But within my coaching practice, where I have experienced a ton of imposter syndrome is when I go to market myself. So through marketing and being visible as a business owner, that is where I find a lot of insecurity. A lot of self doubt.  Which is interesting. So me as a practicing coach, pretty confident.  But me as somebody's out there promoting my work. That's where I have struggled quite a bit. And again, it's where a lot of the creativity exists. So that was just a really interesting thread that I discovered as I was exploring this idea of imposter syndrome and how it's shown up for me throughout my journey as an entrepreneur and as a professional.  

  Segment 1: What is Imposter Syndrome?
  

  You’ve probably heard the term Imposter Syndrome before—it gets tossed around a lot these days. And when that happens, I think it’s important to take a step back and define it because it’s easy to overlook the real meaning behind the words.

  So, here’s how I see it: Imposter Syndrome is that nagging feeling that you’re not good enough or that you don’t really belong, no matter how much proof there is to the contrary. It’s like there’s this tiny—but mighty—voice in your head whispering, “Who do you think you are?” And let me tell you, that voice can get pretty loud, especially as an entrepreneur. No roadmap, no boss to say, “You’re doing great!”—it’s just you, trying to figure it all out.

  And to bring some history into the context, the term imposter syndrome was first coined by psychologists Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes back in the 1970s when they published “The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention”. It was through their studies of high-achieving women that they discovered that  Despite outstanding academic and professional accomplishments, women who experience the impostor phenomenon persist in believing that they are really not bright and have fooled anyone who thinks otherwise. 

  Which leads us to the Webster’s dictionary definition of imposter syndrome as ‘the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved through one’s own efforts or skills.’

  But here’s the thing: Imposter Syndrome isn’t a flaw or a disease. It’s universal. And it’s in my opinion that the more creative you’re being, the more likely you are to experience it.

  Even legends like Maya Angelou and Albert Einstein wrestled with it. Angelou once said, “I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.” And Einstein? He described himself as an ‘involuntary swindler.’

  So, if you’ve ever felt this way, take heart—you’re in very good company. As my friend Mark likes to remind me, “No narcissist has ever worried they weren’t good enough.”

  Segment 2: Why Heart-Centered Entrepreneurs Feel It So Deeply
  

  If you’re a heart-centered entrepreneur, you’ve probably felt Imposter Syndrome even more intensely. Why? Because those of us who lead with our hearts feel everything so deeply. Joy? Deep. Sadness? Deep. And yeah, insecurities? Also deep.

  That intensity of emotion is actually part of your superpower. But, it’s also why putting your whole self into your work—your values, your creativity, your passion—can feel so vulnerable. You’re not just offering a product or service; you’re offering you.

  And let’s be real—society hasn’t always been kind to those of us who wear our hearts on our sleeves, especially if you’ve faced exclusion due to your race, gender, or neurodiversity.

  On top of that, heart-centered entrepreneurs are incredible empathizers and listeners. You care about how your actions impact others, which is a beautiful thing—but it can also lead to second-guessing yourself. Add in the pressure to promote yourself, make bold decisions, and navigate uncharted waters, and it’s no wonder Imposter Syndrome creeps in.

  Segment 3: How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up
  

  Here’s something to keep in mind: Imposter Syndrome is just a blanket term. What really matters is getting familiar with the specific thoughts and feelings that signal it’s showing up for you.

  These thoughts are sneaky. They often sound like facts—like, “I don’t have enough experience,” or, “I’m not good at public speaking.” But here’s the thing: they’re not facts. They’re opinions you hold about yourself. If you’d need a mountain of evidence to prove them in court, they’re probably not true.

  For those of you who feel things more than you think them, Imposter Syndrome might show up as hesitation—like doubting whether to raise your prices or second-guessing every decision. It might look like procrastination—putting off launching your website or deleting that Instagram post five seconds after hitting publish.

  And here’s a surprising one: downplaying your own success. How often do you brush off a compliment with, “Oh, it was nothing,” or chalk up a win to luck? This is harmful because:

  1. You’re not giving yourself the credit you deserve.

  2. You’re feeding the Imposter Syndrome cycle by refusing to acknowledge your hard work and talent.

  Personal Story: My Journey with Imposter Syndrome
  

  Imposter Syndrome has popped up in so many areas of my life, but one that stands out is teaching yoga. When I first started, it felt completely debilitating.

  It’s taken years of practice, mistakes, and just showing up to feel comfortable in that role. And even now, those old doubts still make an appearance. But here’s what I’ve learned: those doubts come from a place of care. I care about my students, and I care about honoring the lineage of yoga.

  When I remind myself of that, I can shift from self-doubt to self-compassion. I don’t have to be perfect; I just have to show up authentically and share my gifts.

  Segment 4: Reflecting and Naming the Beast

  
  Here’s my three-step approach to working with Imposter Syndrome:

  1. Normalize it. It’s normal to doubt yourself. You’re human!

  2. Be with it. Get curious about where it shows up in your body or your thoughts.

  3. Name it. Picture it as a character. (Have you seen Inside Out?) What’s its name? The more familiar you get with it, the easier it is to spot when it shows up.

  Exercise:
  Write a letter from your inner critic and then write a compassionate response back.

  Closing and Call to Action
  Imposter Syndrome isn’t something you have to face alone. In fact, let’s tackle it together as a community. 

  Next week, we’re going to dive deeper into strategies for working through it and finding your way back to self-belief.

  In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you: What areas of your business bring up Imposter Syndrome for you? Send me a message or journal about it.

  And remember: every time you face that inner critic, you’re growing—not just as an entrepreneur, but as a person.

  Thanks for tuning in, friends. See you next week!