Advice from a FTSE 100 VP you don't want to miss
A life lesson from an incredible woman who describes herself as a 'recovering imposter'.
I delivered a workshop to a FTSE 100 company this week and I had the opportunity to interview the Executive Vice-President. An incredible woman.
We discussed how imposter syndrome is misunderstood and how it unnecessarily holds people back.
The VP said something which I think everyone should hear.
“I’ve been recognised for fellowships at three royal institutions, led an organisation of 5000 people, been responsible for 30bn projects, have an honorary title of Professor and I am a non-executive director for a FTSE 250 company… and I still experience imposter syndrome”.
Despite all those incredible accolades, she still experiences imposter syndrome.
She described how she sometimes still feels like a fraud and questions what she is doing.
In fact, she calls herself a recovering imposter.
In other words, she no longer suffers from imposter syndrome, she uses it.
A recovering imposter because she’s understood it will always live within her and has recognised that’s a helpful thing.
Why?
Because she wouldn’t have achieved those things in her career without imposter feelings. She’s accepted the partnership with it and now nurtures that relationship to thrive together.
Being at war with something that’s part of you is not only a waste of energy, it’s a cause of stress, and burnout and holds you back from reaching your potential.
Imposter syndrome has enabled her to work hard, build empathy, craft incredible communications skills and figure out what’s really important to her.
We shouldn’t be ashamed of these things. We should celebrate them.
She has learnt to rethink imposter syndrome as a super-strength. You can do the same too.
My new imposter syndrome book does a deep dive into how you can learn to harness imposter syndrome as your number 1 ally.
A very small investment might just be the nudge you need to change the way you see yourself.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to deliver talks and workshops to small and large companies. If you think your company would benefit from rethinking imposter syndrome, please feel free to get in touch by replying to this email.
These are some of my example talks:
How leaders can build emotional fitness to thrive in workplace stress, uncertainty, and constant disruption.
What we can learn from elite sports to build trust, belonging, and empathy as key pillars for a healthy performance culture.
How to turn imposter syndrome into courage, confidence, and career success.
Enjoy your Thursday.
Dean