Imposter syndrome crept into my life unexpectedly. For the longest time, I felt secure, supported, and empowered in my role, thanks to my partnership with my previous leader. He knew my strengths, my ebb and flow, and even my shortcomings. He hired me with full knowledge of my identity, creating a sense of safety. But when that leadership changed, I suddenly felt exposed.
Not because I wasn’t capable but because I had relied on that understanding and support. I found myself in a place where I didn’t know how to articulate my gaps to my new leader, and that’s when the tables turned. The familiar feeling of confidence faded, and I started to feel like a fraud. I was afraid to let him see the areas where I lacked understanding. In that fear, I created a persona – a version of me that masked my vulnerability. The authentic me retreated, and I was in the spotlight, unprepared and unsure.
I began questioning everything: my abilities, decisions, and place in the team. I was afraid of how I would be perceived. The expectations weighed heavily on me, and I tried to glide by, hoping to avoid detection until I ran out of steam. I feared that the learning curve was too steep and that I didn’t know as much as I should.
When you feel your top cover—that source of support and understanding—disappear, you find yourself alone in an exposed dilemma. I realized I had two choices: continue to hide behind my fear or come clean.
The Freedom of Coming Clean
It wasn’t easy, but I chose honesty. I decided to speak up about my struggles, fears, and needs. I asked myself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Maybe they’d find a different role for me—but does that make me a failure? No. It meant recognizing my limits and taking the first steps toward getting the support I needed.
I learned to interview my new manager and be upfront about my needs and the gaps I felt. I used to struggle with being “inherited” by new leadership. I lacked the skills to pivot and navigate the new political landscape. But this time, I chose a different path. I faced my fear, addressed my anxiety, and decided to turn the unknowns into a learning opportunity rather than a source of dread.
Building Alliances and Crafting a Success Plan
I reached out to those who had worked with me, seeking their perspective and support. Complaining wouldn’t solve my challenges, but building alliances would. I realized that the people who were genuinely for me would become my anchors, my sources of strength. And I knew that I needed to reciprocate that support when it was my turn to cover for them.
I worked with my new leader to develop a plan for success. I recognized that if I loved what I did and wanted to learn, I had to disconnect from the negativity around me and focus on creating a pathway forward. Otherwise, I’d be writing my own failure story – one I might regret later.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
I learned to find strength within myself, to acknowledge that despite my doubts, I was still a capable leader. Even if I was unfamiliar with the ins and outs of this new territory, I could still be effective. Perhaps this new area wasn’t the right fit, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t a valuable asset.
I embraced the growth, allowing myself to learn from mistakes and love myself through the change. I discovered that what had been a blind spot was now a source of freedom. By acknowledging my vulnerabilities and turning them into opportunities for growth, I was paving the way for others to do the same.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Today, I want to help others who feel trapped by imposter syndrome. It’s not about pretending to be perfect; it’s about realizing that our imperfections are where the true growth happens. By coming clean, seeking support, and embracing vulnerability, we can transform our blind spots into breakthroughs. And in doing so, we find the freedom to be our true selves, both in and out of the workplace.
If you find yourself in a similar position, know that you’re not alone. Embrace the opportunity to grow, to learn, and to help others find their way through the fog of uncertainty. Because sometimes, our greatest challenges are just the beginning of our most significant breakthroughs.