3. What is Imposter Syndrome Anyway?! Learning How to Identify Imposter Experiences As We Navigate the Workplace

Send us a Text Message.

What is imposter syndrome? How can I identify it in myself? Are there types of imposter syndrome? Do People of Color experience imposter syndrome differently than White people? How do I overcome or leverage imposter syndrome?
In this solo episode, Whitney discusses imposter syndrome answering all these questions and more. Whitney draws on her personal experience to give examples of how imposter experiences show up for her and how it intersects with race. She explains the five types of imposter syndrome identified by Dr. Valerie Young: the perfectionist, the expert, the natural genius, the soloist, and the super person. Whitney highlights the consequences of imposter syndrome, such as anxiety, depression, shame, and procrastination.

In discussing the intersectionality of imposter syndrome and race, Whitney highlights the term "imposter treatment," introduced by Elizabeth Leiba in her book, I'm Not Yelling: A Black Woman's Guide to Navigating the Workplace. Whitney also discusses how the systemic exclusion of People of Color from opportunity creates present-day environments of non-belonging.
To overcome imposter syndrome, Whitney suggests leveraging it by never stopping learning, proving doubters wrong, dressing the part to boost confidence, preparing and visualizing success, releasing the ego, embracing imperfection, and avoiding comparisons with others. She emphasizes the importance of accepting oneself, celebrating achievements, and embracing individuality.

The Impostrix podcast offers valuable insights and tools to cope with imposter syndrome and promote self-validation and growth. Connect with Whitney by subscribing to the show, sharing this episode with someone who would appreciate it, and connect with Whitney on social media or on the website, www.impostrixpodcast.com.

IG: ImpostrixPodcast
TikTok: ImpostrixPod
Threads: ImpostrixPodcast
LinkedIn: Whitney Knox Lee
Research for this episode:
Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247
Dr. Valerie Young, Imposter Syndrome Institute.The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: And Men: Why Capable People Suffer from Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive In Spite of It

Leiba, Elizabeth (2022). I'm Not Yelling: A Black Woman's Guide to Navigating the Workplace.
American Bar Association (2022). ABA survey finds 1.3M lawyers in the U.S.

I am a creative entrepreneur and want my fully customizable and attorney-created services contract.
Sponsor:
Smithers Law Group LLC, Your Trusted 360 General Counsel
www.stulawgroup.com/contract-bank

Wills for the People
Advancing wealth equity through intentional, accessible, culturally responsive and transformative estate planning services and education. Available in Georgia only.
www.willsforthepeoplega.com
[email protected]

Support the Show.

SUBSCRIBE to the Validating Voice Newsletter
SUPPORT Impostrix Podcast