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Did you say Imposter syndrome?
Maybe this is the best thing that could happen
stephanie laurent
July 27, 2025
Did you say imposter syndrome?
We’ve all felt it at least once. (If you haven’t, maybe you just call it something else!)
I’ll raise my hand straight away here, because I’ve felt it more than once- and back then, I didn’t even know that’s what it was.
The time I didn’t apply for a dream job because I thought, “Why would they pick me? I’m not the right person for this.”
The time I was a manager in a company and thought I didn’t deserve my salary — like someone would eventually find me out.
The time I launched my own coaching company and was afraid to call myself a ‘coach’ because I didn’t think I was “legit” enough.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Did you know that according to studies, 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their life? Even celebrities we admire (like Michelle Obama or Tom Hanks!) have admitted they’ve felt like frauds despite their success.
Why we don’t talk about it
Imposter syndrome isn’t something people easily share because it feels like admitting a weakness, or worse, a flaw.
I think we’re just afraid to be judged. We fear saying out loud, “I don’t think I’m good enough,” because we expect someone to agree with us!
But keeping it silent only makes it ….grow.
The 3 risks I’m seeing, especially for your career:
You hold back opportunities. You stop applying for roles, promotions, because you think you’re not ready.
You overcompensate with perfectionism. You spend 10x more energy to “prove” yourself, burning out in the process.
For expats: It can intensify your feeling of being an “outsider,” making it harder to adapt or build a new network.
But I’m going to say something completely counterintuitive but:
Feeling like an imposter often means you’re actually GROWING
Why? Because when you step into new territory ( a job you’ve never done before, a challenge you’re not fully prepared for ) your brain screams “You don’t belong here!” But that discomfort is actually a sign that you are learning, stretching, and expanding your skills.
If you stayed in your comfort zone, you’d never feel like an imposter, but you’d never grow either.
What you can do today, right after reading this article!
WRITE DOWN YOUR ‘WINS”
Every time you doubt yourself (or NOW!), take 5 minutes and list 3 things you have achieved this week (no matter how small!).
Another exercise that works well with my clients: Ask 2 close friends or colleagues you trust, to name 3 strengths they see in you. You’ll be surprised! It’s very powerful
Trust yourself
Stephanie Laurent
Certified Career Coach
If this resonates with you and you feel ready for the next step, let’s have a conversation about how coaching can help you move forward
I told you last week! You’ll leave each session feeling lighter, more energized, and ready to take action — and that mindset shift is already 50% of your success
I’ve opened 10 career coaching spots for a post-summer reset this September / 4 are already gone
DM me now to secure your spot.
To book your intro session, it’s this way (and it’s free!) :
