#75: Navigating Imposter Syndrome
We all have it, and we'll continue to have it every time we make a change
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Hey friends,
Welcome to the 75th edition of the “Level Up Ladder” newsletter.
Autumn is finally here in Bucharest, and while I’m not a big fan of cloudy days, I can enjoy my walks without getting all sweaty.
As I’ve also felt better and got some good nights of sleep, I could begin training more seriously. I am going to the Hyrox Pro event in Valencia at the end of November, and I don’t feel prepared at all. Hopefully, I still get two more months to get back in shape.
On the other hand, I’ve started my second MBA year. I can’t believe I’m halfway there, with 10 courses finished and 8 to go (plus the final paper).
Until then, I have had the privilege of taking the Corporate Responsibility and Ethics course with Steven van Groningen, who was CEO of Raiffeisen Bank Romania for 20 years.
This is one of the best parts about this MBA, most of the teachers are more than academic lecturers, they are people with extensive business experience.
In the end, that’s what you want from an MBA, right?
Navigating Imposter Syndrome as a Tech Leader
This week, we're diving into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: imposter syndrome.
When I first became a team leader, I couldn’t sleep because of this.
I thought I was a fraud.
There I was, surrounded by seasoned professionals, expected to lead and make decisions. And all I could think was, "Why should these people listen to me?"
Sound familiar?
If you're nodding along, you're not alone. Imposter syndrome is incredibly common, especially among new tech leaders.
When I first became a Project Manager, 5 years later, did I feel the same?
Well, pretty much.
How about when I joined Deloitte as a Technology Director?
More than ever!
Let’s try to tame this beast, though.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is that nagging feeling that you're a fraud, that you don't deserve your position, and that any moment now, someone's going to figure out you have no idea what you're doing.
It's like being Steve Ballmer when the iPhone launched, except instead of confidently (and mistakenly) dismissing a groundbreaking innovation, you're dismissing your own capabilities.
Why It Hits Tech Leaders Hard
In tech, things move fast. Really fast.
One day you're debugging code, and the next you're leading a team. It's no wonder many of us feel like we're constantly playing catch-up.
Add to that the pressure of leading a team of highly skilled individuals, each with their own expertise, and it's the perfect recipe for self-doubt.
You might be surprised to learn that some of the most successful people in tech and beyond have grappled with imposter syndrome.
Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook Despite her immense success, Sandberg has openly admitted to feeling like a fraud. In her book "Lean In," she writes, "Every time I was called on in class, I was sure that I was about to embarrass myself. Every time I took a test, I was sure that it had gone badly. And every time I didn't embarrass myself—or even exceled—I believed that I had fooled everyone yet again." Her approach? Fake it til you make it.
Neil Gaiman, Award-winning Author Gaiman once attended a gathering of distinguished individuals and felt he didn't belong. He shares, "I felt that at any moment they would realize that I didn't qualify to be there, among these people who had really done things." His realization? Everyone feels that way sometimes.
Mike Cannon-Brookes, Co-founder of Atlassian In a candid interview, Cannon-Brookes admitted, "Have you ever thought about the fact that one day, they're going to realize that you're not as good as they think you are? I feel that way all the time." His approach? Embrace the feeling and use it as motivation to keep learning and improving.
Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Be humble and willing to learn
Satya Nadella transformed Microsoft's culture by shifting from a "know it all" to a "learn it all" mindset.
Adopt this approach.
You don't need to have all the answers; you just need to be willing to learn.
Be honest with your team
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made when I got into a leadership position was trying to exert my authority. It was a way of letting them now “who’s the boss”.
It was wrong. I only got them to resent me.
Be transparent about what you bring to the table and what you need help with.
Document Your Achievements
Keep a "win journal." Every time you accomplish something, no matter how small, write it down.
On tough days, review this journal. It's concrete proof of your capabilities.
Seek Feedback Regularly
Regular feedback helps you understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
It also provides external validation of your skills.
Look for 360 feedback, not only from your boss.
Own Your Mistakes
We talked about Steve Ballmer's iPhone blunder.
The lesson? Everyone makes mistakes, even industry titans.
What matters is how you learn and grow from them.
Find Your Support Network
In a previous newsletter, I talked about the camaraderie I felt in my early career.
Recreate that.
Connect with other tech leaders, join professional groups, or find a mentor.
Sharing experiences can be incredibly reassuring.
You’ll be surprised how many others are going through what you’re going through.
Focus on Providing Value
Shift your focus from "Am I good enough?" to "How can I add value?"
This change in perspective can be incredibly empowering.
Understand It's a Common Experience
Know that even the most successful people experience imposter syndrome.
It's not a reflection of your abilities, but a common psychological experience.
"The only people who don't experience imposter syndrome are those who have no idea what they're doing."
Fake it until you make it
Many people would disagree with this advice, but in my experience, it’s one of the best advice I can give.
If you wait until you have all the information, until you are fully prepared, or until all the conditions are perfect, you will never do it.
It’s better to try and fail than to never take your chance.
Final Thoughts
Imposter syndrome doesn't vanish overnight.
It's a journey, but with each step, each decision, and each challenge you overcome, you build real confidence—the kind that's earned, not given.
Remember, you were chosen for your role for a reason.
Your unique experiences, skills, and perspective are valuable. Embrace them.
As you navigate this journey, keep this quote from Theodore Roosevelt in mind: "Believe you can, and you're halfway there."
So, if you’re in a new leadership role, just hopped on a challenging project, or just landed a new job in a different industry, don’t let imposter syndrome get the best of you.
Have you ever felt like an imposter? What strategies have you found helpful in overcoming this syndrome?
Share your experiences in the comments.
Recommendations
1/ A podcast episode about Ancient Rome
If you’re a history buff, like I am, you’ll love this episode; it’s probably more valuable than that class in ancient history you took in high school.
2/ YouTube: Determined: Life without Free Will with Robert Sapolsky
I’m currently reading “Determined” by Robert Sapolski, and it’s blowing my mind.
If you don’t have 15 hours to listen to the whole audiobook, this sums it up nicely.
3/ Your good busy score
I liked this post by Kate Sotsenko in which she talks about how well you score on different aspects of your professional life.
Might want to try it yourself (more details in the post)
Thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll join me in the comments section for further discussions!
Leo
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