The Imposter’s Gift: How Feeling Like a Fraud Can Be Fuel (Introduction to the 4-Part "Imposter's Gift" Series)

Whether you’re an Olympian, executive, or rising leader, you’ve likely felt like an imposter. I know I have! It’s not only normal, it can mean that you are pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. That makes you extraordinary!

World-class performers are comfortable in this discomfort, knowing that the only way to their next level is through.

Imposter syndrome, imposter phenomenon, or whatever it’s currently being called has received a bad rap. By trying to diminish it or get rid of it, we are attempting to banish thousands of years of cultural, social, religious, cultural, and even generational indoctrinations.

Maybe it’s time to stop fighting this enormous battle and instead, with compassion, look for the wisdom in the feeling.

If you feel like you don’t belong in the room you’ve worked so hard to be in, don’t worry. You have an ally.

Here’s something that I’ve learned from researching and working with world-class athletes, Olympians, and some of the most prolific female executives in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and across the world:

Feeling like an imposter is not a syndrome. It’s a gift.

Over the past two decades, I’ve developed a proven process to help high performers—especially women—turn imposter feelings into rocket fuel for what’s next.

I’d love to hear your perspective. Have you ever felt like an imposter and taken a big leap anyway? When did imposter syndrome show up most loudly for you, and what did you learn from it?

There is so much uncertainty, but you have more agency than you think. Your imposter foe may actually be your friend that catapults you into the power you were meant to have, the power that the world needs from you now more than ever.

🎥 Watch the intro video and share your perspective. This is a 4-part series, so be on the lookout for additional posts in the week to come.

Cheering you on, always!
--Sheryl