Ep 165: Imposter Syndrome

We’ve all felt some version of it at some moment in our lives; some more than others. Often, the people who experience it most intensely are the people you would least expect.

Imposter syndrome can come for leaders. Founders. Experts. High-achievers who are objectively doing incredible work.

And yet privately they’re thinking things like:

• I don’t belong here.
• They might see through me.
• I don’t know enough.
• I’m not at the caliber of the people around me.
• I’m not okay with this, but I can’t say it out loud. 

In this episode, I share a different way of understanding imposter syndrome based on both psychological research and years of coaching leaders and entrepreneurs.

Because over time I began noticing something fascinating: almost every time someone experiences imposter syndrome, something is being hidden.

Not because they’re a fraud—but because there’s a thought, doubt, disagreement, lack of preparation, or truth they don’t feel safe expressing.

When we understand that, imposter syndrome stops being something to “fix” and becomes a signal we can listen to.

In this episode, I share a personal story of experiencing imposter syndrome while leading a company-wide meeting, moments where I stepped into new roles I hadn’t fully embodied yet, and what I’ve learned from supporting clients through this same experience.

We explore how imposter syndrome works psychologically, why it shows up so often in high-achieving people, and how to work with it in a way that leads to more authenticity, confidence, and growth.

What you’ll learn in this episode: 

• What imposter syndrome actually is and why it often shows up in high achievers
 • The common thoughts that create the feeling of being an imposter
 • My core observation: imposter syndrome often appears when we’re hiding something or being inauthentic
 • How the brain’s threat detection system contributes to these feelings
 • Why stepping into new roles or identities can trigger imposter syndrome
 • How environments and power dynamics can amplify imposter feelings
 • The difference between self-doubt that needs coaching and signals that something in your environment needs to change
 • Why authenticity is one of the most powerful antidotes to imposter syndrome

We’ll close with three ways to work through imposter syndrome, so that you can own your own voice, your space, your ideas, and sometimes- ask for backup to help you do that. Because imposter syndrome isn’t proof that you don’t belong.

Often it’s a sign that:

• You’re growing into something new
 • Something in the environment needs to shift
 • Or there’s a truth inside you that wants to be expressed

The antidote isn’t perfection. It’s authenticity.

Showing up honestly, owning what you know, owning what you’re still learning, and saying the unseen out loud when it doesn’t feel quite right, allows us to step through impostor syndrome and keep stepping forward with all of our moxie. 

How to connect with Marie:

• On the Web | The Local Bloom
• Instagram: @the.bloom.coach
• All Things Marie on LinkTree

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