Feeling like an Imposter Is More Common Than You Think

You’ve probably heard of imposter syndrome before. Maybe you’ve done more than that. Perhaps you’ve experienced it.

Imposter syndrome is a silent antagonist that creeps into the minds of many, often leaving accomplished individuals feeling undeserving and incompetent. 

Gagan Gohlar, a seasoned professional, found herself in this position. However, her story is not one of defeat but of how to overcome imposter syndrome. 

Her experience at Bayes Business School’s Global Women’s Leadership Programme gave her the tools to recognize her triumphs and achievements while also understanding the systemic factors that had played a role in building up self-doubt. 

She realized she was not alone on this journey after talking to peers and colleagues. That in fact, imposter syndrome was much more common than she thought. A study in 2020 from KPMG found that 75% of executive women across various industries have experienced feelings of imposter syndrome during their careers. 

In today’s business landscape, where systemic change is often slow, programs such as The Global Women’s Leadership Programme at Bayes Business School, that aim to empower and connect women in leadership, are vital. 

Gagan’s Journey Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Gagan’s battle to overcome impostor syndrome began six years ago in a completely different industry, long before she found her footing in the pharmaceutical sector.

“I felt incredibly incompetent. I feel like I didn’t deserve to be in the role I was in,” she recalls. (00:23)

And that is precisely the prevailing sensation that imposter syndrome brings about. Feeling like a fraud internally, despite external evidence and achievements suggesting otherwise.

The irony is that people with imposter syndrome are often highly accomplished individuals. 

“I was very driven and wanted to keep achieving, so I put an enormous amount of pressure on myself. You end up in this cycle of constantly wanting to do more,” Gagan explains. (00:39)

This perpetual chase for success often becomes a breeding ground for imposter syndrome. It’s not about lacking skills; it’s about feeling inadequate despite having them.

Gagan also sheds light on the complexity of impostor syndrome, especially for women who face additional systemic challenges.

“The reason I think women experience imposter syndrome more so, is due to systemic factors, such as leadership stereotypes, gender stereotypes, environmental factors, societal factors, and the influence of social media,” she points out. (01:00)

In a society built on high expectations and constant comparison to others, what helped Gagan out of a sea of self-doubt?  

Gagan’s Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Open Up and Share Your Struggles

When trapped in the suffocating grip of self-doubt, some people tend to retreat with their negative thoughts. However, Gagan emphasizes the importance of sharing these feelings with others.

“I started talking to my peers and colleagues and I realized actually a lot of other people also feel this way at some point in their lives,” Gagan explains. (01:26) 

By engaging in open and honest conversations, you might find a sense of relatability and comfort in shared experiences, mitigating the isolating effects of impostor syndrome. 

Keep a Track Record and Celebrate Your Wins

The thing about imposter syndrome is that it separates you from your accomplishments. It’s hard to see your value amidst the fog of self-doubt.

That’s why, for Gagan, journaling became such a powerful practice to overcome imposter syndrome. She began to meticulously document her victories and contributions, no matter how small.

“If I ever felt like I was taking on a task or a project and that I couldn’t do it, or that I didn’t deserve it, or I didn’t feel good enough, I’d look back at that list and it was really reflective in looking at how far I’d come,” she reflects. (01:46)

Keeping a diary or “brag book” is a powerful antidote against the inner impostor, helping reaffirm one’s worth. 

Mind the Comparison Trap 

Comparison is like fuel for the flames of imposter syndrome. It perpetuates the belief that we are inadequate or fall short in the face of other’s achievements.  The reality is that we all have our distinctive traits to bring to the table. 

Gagan cautions against this destructive and insidious habit, reminding us that each individual’s journey is unique. 

“It’s easy to draw comparisons, but they’re not necessarily valid,” Gagan asserts. “We are all on our own journey.” (01:14)

If we want to break free from the limiting cycle of self-doubt, we must learn to embrace our individual path to success. And that’s precisely what the Bayes Global Women’s Leadership Programme aims to support women with. 

The Global Women’s Leadership Programme

Amidst this self-discovery journey of overcoming imposter syndrome, Gagan heard about Bayes’ Global Women’s Leadership Programme. It is an initiative that supports women who want to grow and are seeking their unique version of success, whether in the corporate world, through entrepreneurial ventures, community involvement, mentoring, or other leadership avenues.

The program empowers women to ascend toward leadership positions with confidence and conviction. 

“The Global Women’s Programme is really important because it raises the profile of women who are either in leadership roles or aspiring to be in leadership roles,” Gagan explains. (02:07)

Whether you are a Modular Executive MBA scholar, such as Gagan, or completing a Full Time MBA program, you can join and combine the program with your studies. 

Scholarships To Finance Your Global Women’s Leadership Programme

Central to Bayes Business School’s core values is the unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. This is why, through their scholarships, they want to equip women such as Gagan with the resources, skills, and insights to help them achieve their career goals. 

Every year, they award one scholarship for each of their MBA programs: Full-Time, Executive, Modular Executive, and Dubai Executive MBA.

For Gagan, being granted this scholarship served as a gateway to empowerment. If you are equally passionate about advancing your career and empowering women for future leadership roles, read more about their scholarship application requisites and deadlines. 

You Can Overcome Imposter Syndrome: Write Your Own Story, Define Your Success

Gagan’s narrative might resonate with your own.

If you’re also on the journey of conquering imposter syndrome but know that there’s excellent untapped leadership potential in you, Bayes Business School and its Global Women’s Leadership Programme might be the perfect opportunity to tap into it fully.

If you’re ready to defy the odds, transcend barriers, and redefine success, consider exploring what Bayes Business School has to offer via its school profile page.