Understanding Imposter Syndrome and Why Women Face It More Often

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds despite evident success. While both men and women experience it, studies suggest that women across industries are more prone to it due to deeply ingrained societal norms and expectations.

From an early age, women are conditioned to prioritize their roles as daughters, wives, and mothers over their professional ambitions. While men are often encouraged to take risks and embrace leadership roles, women are subtly (and sometimes overtly) reminded that their primary responsibility lies in their familial roles. This perspective resonates deeply with me, as I observed firsthand how these ingrained perceptions shape women's confidence in their careers. 

A woman’s success is often attributed to luck, external help, or mere coincidence rather than her intelligence, hard work, or competence. This pervasive mindset results in women feeling like they have to continuously prove their worth in professional settings, even after multiple accomplishments.

The Pressure to Prove Themselves

For women in male-dominated industries, the pressure to outperform is even greater. Often, they feel the need to work twice as hard just to be seen as equals. This constant need to prove themselves can lead to exhaustion, self-doubt, and a reluctance to take up leadership roles.

Additionally, the scarcity of female role models in leadership further fuels imposter syndrome. When women don’t see others like them in top positions, it becomes harder to visualize their own success. This lack of representation reinforces the belief that they are out of place, making them question their capabilities even when they are fully qualified for the role.

The Impact on Women Leaders

Imposter syndrome doesn’t just affect personal confidence—it has real consequences on career growth. Women who experience it may hesitate to negotiate for higher salaries, take on leadership roles, or even apply for jobs unless they feel they meet 100% of the qualifications (while research suggests that men apply for jobs even if they meet only 60% of the requirements).

This constant self-doubt can lead to:

• Overworking in an attempt to prove oneself leads to burnout.
• Perfectionism, where women hesitate to share ideas or take risks unless they are absolutely certain of success.
• Career stagnation, as they may avoid seeking promotions or leadership positions.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

The good news is that imposter syndrome can be managed and even replaced with a more empowering mindset—what we call the “Expert Syndrome.” Instead of feeling like a fraud, women can cultivate self-assurance, acknowledge their expertise, and fully own their accomplishments. Here’s how:

1. Avoid Negative Self-Talk

The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is shifting the inner narrative. Instead of focusing on perceived shortcomings, women should recognize their strengths, skills, and achievements. Practicing positive self-affirmations and reminding themselves of past successes can help build confidence.

2. Own and Celebrate Achievements

Women need to take credit for their hard work instead of attributing it to luck or external factors. Acknowledging successes—whether big or small—helps reinforce the belief that they deserve their place in leadership. Keeping a record of their accomplishments and positive feedback can serve as a powerful reminder of their capabilities.

3. Create a Supportive Culture for Future Women Leaders

Building an inclusive and encouraging work environment benefits not just individual women but the entire workforce. Organizations should actively support women in leadership by promoting diversity, equal opportunities, and fair recognition of contributions. Women can also take the lead in fostering a culture of appreciation and collaboration.

4. Seek and Offer Mentorship

One of the most effective ways to combat imposter syndrome is mentorship. Women should seek guidance from those who have navigated similar challenges and, in turn, mentor others. Having a strong network of support and encouragement helps combat feelings of self-doubt and isolation.

Embracing ‘Expert Syndrome’

The shift from imposter syndrome to “Expert Syndrome” is about self-assurance, acknowledgment, and acceptance of one’s abilities and worth. Women must recognize that they are not merely filling a position—they are experts in their fields who bring value, insight, and leadership.

It’s time to reframe self-doubt, embrace expertise, and uplift other women in leadership. By flipping the script and stepping into their power with confidence, women can not only shatter their own insecurities but also pave the way for future generations to lead without hesitation.

This article was authored by Alisha Shirodkar, Vice President- Strategy, Tamarind Global. Views expressed by the author are their own.