Meet Jackie, a seasoned senior executive at a leading tech firm. She was a coaching client who despite her rapid climb up the corporate ladder, said she often found herself doubting her abilities and silently struggling with imposter syndrome despite the near-constant approval and respect of her peers.
It was as if her blind allegiance to perfection blotted out her lived experience of excellence.
However, it all changed during a critical board meeting that would redefine her confidence and her career.
The paradox of imposter syndrome is that the very individuals who feel undeserving of their accolades are often the ones pushing the boundaries of excellence. They are not just meeting expectations; they are setting new benchmarks. However, their inability to internalize their achievements keeps them in a constant cycle of doubt and overexertion. Until…
As Jackie prepared for the presentation that could secure her company’s largest funding yet, she realized that her usual over-preparation was not just about presenting well; it was fueled by a deep-seated fear of being viewed as less than perfect.
We went through a process of discovering the origin story of that fear to reframe what drives her now. I asked Jackie what was it for her that marked the turning point. She herself described the following:
Seeking help – Jackie sought guidance from a person who had walked a similar path. She said I “spoke her language” and helped her get a new view, and that her feelings were not unique but she had a choice and could make a new one. She could acknowledge her achievements and impact, that this was not boastful but the truth.
Mindfulness – Ahead of the crucial meeting, Jackie began a morning practice of meditation to “pre-experience” her common success. Each morning, she would also list her achievements, her usual positive feedback and the specific skills she had leveraged to reach them. This practice helped ground her in the reality of her impact and boosted her confidence.
At the big day of the Board meeting, as she articulated her strategy with clarity and conviction, something shifted. For the first time, Jackie not only showcased her powerful message but also (this is key:) genuinely felt it resonating within her in real-time. The funding was approved, and applause filled the room, and Jackie said the real victory was her newfound ability to internalize and own her success.
This moment was more than a win for her company—it was a personal triumph over the doubts that had shadowed her brilliant career.
For a woman leader, being the only or any woman in the room doesn’t have to mean an implicit expectation of perfection.
Even if bias exists, it is possible to disprove it within yourself first.
Pivotal moments that build confidence and undo absolute commitment to perfectionism such as this one described by client Jackie, with intentionality and a few key practices can release us to do our most impactful work.
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