, Still Feeling Like a Fraud?

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Hi !

In the last edition, we talked about the art of turning failure into fuel. And the stories I got from you *sheesh* some were shockingly candid.

Love it. Keep those confessions rolling.

Today, we’re confronting that nagging, itchy feeling you get when you’re leveling up, yet can’t shake the fear you’re an imposter.

You know, the frantic voice hissing: “They’ll find out you’re just winging it.” Hate to break it to you, but that voice might actually be the best thing that ever happened to you.

What’s In It For You:

• Mindset Flip: Transform imposter syndrome from a personal quirk into your new source of audacity.

• Practical Brain Jiu-Jitsu: Three innovative “hacks” so edgy you might think twice but trust me, they work.

• Case Study: A heavy-hitter who spun self-doubt into pure success.

Imposter Syndrome (And Why It’s Not Such a Bad Thing)

We’ve all been there, pacing around, sweating bullets, convinced we’d be “found out.”

But guess what? That inner chaos usually hits right when you’re about to push your limits. It’s like your psyche’s final attempt to keep you “safe.”

Newsflash: Safety is overrated if you crave growth. When imposter syndrome rears its head, it’s basically flashing a neon sign that you’re venturing into bigger territory.

The real question: will you buckle or lean in?

Hacks for the Bold

1. Own Your Ignorance (Publicly)
   Next time you feel clueless, say so! loud and clear. Post a “Hey, I’m new to this” disclaimer in a team Slack or LinkedIn. It’s a startling move, but it instantly dismantles that “fraud” vibe and lets you gather real support. People respect honesty more than forced confidence.

2. Throw Yourself into the Wolves’ Den
   Seek out a situation where you’re the least experienced person in the room on purpose. A high-level mastermind group, a technical forum, or a brainstorming session with experts. Being the “small fish” feels terrifying, but it forces you to learn rapidly and banishes the illusion that you’ve got to know it all.

3. Shadow Your Success Patterns
   Keep a quick “wins ledger.” Not a brag-fest. Just bullet points of times you nailed something you thought was out of your league. The next time the imposter jitters attack, open that ledger. Patterns don’t lie, and your brain can’t argue with the cold, hard evidence of your own triumphs.

Case Study: Sara Blakely (The Spanx Maven)

Before building her billion-dollar empire, Sara Blakely had zero fashion or retail experience.

She knocked on doors, pitched to men who didn’t “get it,” and definitely wrestled with “Why would anyone listen to me?” Yet she openly discussed her newbie status, invited every awkward lesson, and turned that naive energy into a consumer revolution.

Moral of the story: Shouting “I’m new, but watch me figure it out” can be more magnetic than any polished façade.

“The Confidence Code” by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

If you’re itching for a good read on how doubt and ambition tango in your mind, check out “The Confidence Code.” 

It’s a solid book on debunking why high performers (yes, that includes you) still feel like phonies. Perfect if you’re ready to dissect the science behind that insidious imposter chatter.

Quick Note: Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Clarity Call

Tired of feeling two steps away from being “exposed?” Good.

That fire in your belly can power the next phase of your leadership journey if you channel it right.

I’m all about turning self-doubt into unstoppable drive, minus the self-destruct button.

Ready to see how it’s done?

👉 Schedule your complimentary 30-minute clarity call here 

Let's Reflect:

1. When did you last feel like a phony, and what big leap were you trying to make?

2. Could that uneasy feeling be the price tag for real growth?

3. How would your world shift if you labeled imposter syndrome as “up-leveling syndrome” instead?

Fun Corner

Imposter Confession Circle

• At your next team huddle, everyone shares one moment they felt completely out of their depth.

• The “winner” is the story that sounds the most ridiculous in hindsight. They get to proudly wear an “I Survived My Own Doubt” sticker for the day.

It might be unorthodox (and a bit cringe) but it diffuses tension and proves we’re all winging it to some degree.

Thank you to everyone who responded last week!

A Personal Reflection

I recall stepping into a boardroom with executives from a major multinational.

I was convinced they’d see right through my “vetted approach.”

But once I admitted I didn’t have all the answers, just a killer strategy to find them, the room lit up. Honesty turned out to be my best flex, and they respected the raw drive behind it.

No bravado, no polished fakeness, just genuine hunger to solve problems. That’s when I realised: Imposter syndrome can push you to step up, not shrink back.

The Final Word

Imposter syndrome is like rocket fuel soaked in paranoia.

Use it, and you shoot forward at breakneck speed.

Let it spook you into hiding, and you’ll never see how close you were to a breakthrough.

My advice? Sit with the the jitters, double down on your curiosity, and let that strange energy be the catalyst that shoves you into uncharted success.

Share Your Thoughts

Got a crazy imposter tale where your insecurities actually helped you level up? I’m all ears.

Reply to this email with your raw story (I want the nitty-gritty details).

Let’s normalise the fact we’re all figuring it out on the fly.

How Else I Can Help

I also offer consulting services based on my senior leadership experience and am available for speaking engagements, including events, keynotes, podcasts, and course recordings.

For further details, contact me here or reply to this email.

Thanks for reading and see you next time!

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