Turning Imposter Syndrome Into a Competitive Advantage

Welcome to The Clear-Eyed View: A weekly newsletter providing immediately actionable career tips for mid-to senior-level professionals. Want fresh career insights every week? Subscribe here.

Have you ever sat in a meeting, looked around, and thought:

"I have no business being here."

People are looking to you for answers. You have no idea why.

Instead of feeling accomplished for earning your seat at the table, you feel like you’re one question away from being exposed as a fraud.

You’re not alone. 70% of professionals experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. If you’re an ambitious professional, odds are imposter syndrome has pulled you into its spiral before.

I struggle with imposter syndrome every day.

Years ago, it was at its peak.

I was new to an HR Business Partner role at HubSpot, a high-growth, fast-paced software company. At first, I was rejected for the job because I didn’t have the “right experience.”

Eventually, when they couldn’t find anyone else, they gave me an offer. It was a dream job, but there was some validity to my self-doubt.

I was responsible for being the strategic people partner to five executive leaders - a job I had never done before.

Every day, I was convinced I didn’t belong.

Why would these senior leaders listen to me? I had less experience, made way less money (way, way less, btw), and assumed my advice was too obvious to be valuable.

I felt it in my body: cold sweats, heart pounding, headaches.

There were moments when I didn’t think I could keep going. Imposter syndrome was winning.

Over time, I learned something important.

Those feelings weren’t proof I wasn’t qualified. They were proof I was growing.

Growth never feels comfortable.

We often assume that confidence comes before taking action. If we wait long enough, we’ll eventually feel ready to take on bigger challenges.

But the reality is that confidence doesn’t come before action; it comes from action.

If you let imposter syndrome win, then you’re limiting yourself.

• If you never feel stretched, you’re probably playing it too safe.

• If you never question your readiness, you might not be pushing yourself enough.

• If you never feel like you’re surrounded by people smarter than you, you’re in the wrong room.

People who never experience imposter syndrome aren’t necessarily more skilled or qualified - they’re just more comfortable.

And comfort isn’t the goal. Growth is.

But how do you actually push through imposter syndrome when it’s at its worst?

How to turn imposter syndrome into a strength

1. Build a folder of accomplishments

Keep a running folder of wins, challenges you’ve overcome, and moments when you surprised yourself. We all have achievements we’re proud of, but unfortunately, we tend to remember failures more than successes.

Revisiting your accomplishments and positive feedback from others can remind you of your capabilities.

I have a folder where I store positive emails. I frequently return to it when I have a tough day or feel doubt.

2. Reframe doubt into learning

Whenever you think, “Why am I here?” ask, “What am I learning by being here?” instead.

It’s a simple reframe that can help you turn moments of doubt into opportunities. Some of the most successful people I’ve worked with turn challenges into learning opportunities.

So, remember that this, too, shall pass. Heightened imposter syndrome can be a competitive advantage if leveraged correctly.

3. Remind yourself: No one has it all figured out

About a year into my career as an HR Business Partner, I realized something freeing: No one knew what they were doing.

The more I got to know senior leaders, the clearer it became. They may be experts in one area but clueless in others. You can learn more than someone more senior or experienced than you if you focus and apply yourself.

Knowing this makes imposter syndrome lose it’s power. You’re not alone in figuring things out.

4. Act like you belong (even before you feel like it)

I recently asked a senior executive I know well when she finally stopped feeling imposter syndrome. She laughed and said, “I’ll let you know when it happens.”

The people who push through self-doubt aren’t magically more confident. They just keep going anyway.

Never stop taking action. Speak up in meetings. Take on a difficult project. Apply for the stretch role.

Yes, you may make mistakes, but faking (aka trying) is how you start believing.

Adam Grant helped me feel better about my imposter syndrome

Three years into my HubSpot experience, I was asked to interview Adam Grant in front of 5,000 people.

On the one hand, it confirmed that I was doing something right. On the other, I was terrified.

Ironically, one of biggest takeaways from our conversation was about imposter syndrome.

He shared a perspective similar to what I’m sharing today: imposter syndrome can be a good thing. It encourages you to work harder.

I almost blindly nodded along. But instead, I challenged him:

 "I hear you, but imposter syndrome is more likely to be experienced by underrepresented talent. They often have to work harder to feel confident in the workplace. What do you make of that?"

In my mind, I was sure I’d sound like an idiot. I was questioning someone who literally studies this topic for a living.

The result?

He told me it was a question he hadn’t received before - one he needed to dig deeper into. It enriched the conversation. And afterward, I heard from hundreds of people about how much they enjoyed it - specifically that moment.

You bet that’s in my folder of accomplishments!

I almost let imposter syndrome stop me.

In those early days at HubSpot, I was convinced I wasn’t good enough. I thought my ideas weren’t valuable, my experience wasn’t enough, and any success I had was just luck.

And if I had listened to that voice? If I had stayed quiet, played small, and let my self-doubt call the shots?

I never would have been promoted twice. I never would have grown into the leader I am today. I never would have been the one interviewing Adam Grant in front of 5,000 people.

Don’t let imposter syndrome win.

If you’re feeling imposter syndrome right now, I won’t tell you to ignore it. I won’t tell you it’ll go away. But I will tell you that it proves you’re pushing yourself.

Keep going. You belong where you are.

Until next time,

Winston

P.S. I feel a substantial amount of imposter syndrome writing this newsletter, but I’m trying to take my advice and keep pushing. Any honest feedback is welcome at the bottom of this post as I work to get better.

Want to connect?

• Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly, actionable career tips.

• Follow me on LinkedIn, where I post regular insights.

• Respond to this email (or contact me directly: [email protected]) if you’re looking for candid career advice. My only ask in return? You help promote the newsletter.

• I’m also available for a longer-term, paid coaching partnership with you or anyone in your network. If you’re interested in learning more, email me.