Overcoming Imposter Feelings: Practical Steps for Leaders

Overcoming Imposter Feelings: Practical Steps for Leaders

For many leaders - whether you’re sitting at the boardroom table or adjusting to a new management role - imposter feelings can feel like a persistent shadow. You may have achieved significant milestones or even be seen as a role model by others, yet that inner voice still whispers: “Am I good enough?”. At Keyminds, I see this challenge arise again and again, regardless of title or experience. So, if you recognise these doubts in yourself, you’re not alone - and with time, practical steps can help you move past them.

Why Do Imposter Feelings Arise?

Self-doubt rarely appears out of nowhere. For senior leaders and newly promoted managers alike, imposter feelings often take root for a few key reasons:

• A sudden step up in responsibility - feeling unprepared even when you’re more than capable

• High-pressure environments where everyone seems to have the answers

• A lack of honest feedback, making it tough to gauge your real strengths

• Cultural messages about perfectionism or “having it all together” all the time

Across my years in senior roles within aerospace and defence, I saw just how powerful these pressures can be. In sectors built on precision and performance, the cost of getting it wrong can seem daunting. But I’ve learned that authenticity, not perfection, is what truly enables leadership.

Recognising the Signs

Imposter feelings look different for everyone. You might:

• Downplay your achievements (“I was just lucky.”)

• Fear being “found out” as less capable than you seem

• Hold back from sharing ideas or taking risks, despite knowing your stuff

• Compare yourself constantly to others

Acknowledging these patterns is the first step toward moving past them.

Practical Steps to Move Forward

1. Normalise the Experience Imposter feelings are not a personal failing - they’re part of many people’s growth. Over 70% of professionals report experiencing them at some point. Talk about them with a trusted peer, mentor, or coach. Often, naming the feeling helps reduce its power.

2. Reflect on Your Story Take a quiet moment to list out your achievements over the last year - not just the big wins, but the small steps and challenges you’ve overcome. What strengths do these reveal? Keep this list close and revisit it when doubts creep in.

3. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. Set realistic standards for yourself and celebrate progress - even if it’s incremental. Recognise that learning (and making mistakes) is part of what makes you credible.

4. Reframe Self-Talk Notice the way you speak to yourself, especially under pressure. Would you say the same to a colleague or team member? Try shifting from, “I’m not qualified,” to, “I’m learning and growing in this role.”

5. Seek Gentle Feedback Create a loop of honest, supportive feedback. Regular check-ins with a coach or mentor can help you gain perspective and challenge unhelpful beliefs. Ask specifically for examples of what’s going well, as well as areas to develop.

6. Share the Journey As you feel safe to do so, speak openly about self-doubt with your team. This vulnerability encourages trust and lets others drop their own “masks” - creating space for real connection and collaboration.

Building Confidence Over Time

If you’re a senior leader or just stepping into a new role, remember: confidence is not something you have or don’t have - it’s something you build through action, reflection, and support. As outlined in the Keyminds Ideal Customer Profile, leaders are often highly capable but hindered by imposter feelings, self-doubt, or the pressure to constantly prove themselves. Overcoming these barriers doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right tools and encouragement, you can move forward with clarity and presence.

Are You Ready for a Change?

If anything in this post has resonated with you, I’d encourage you to take the next step. Book a gentle, no-obligation discovery call via kelly@keyminds.co.uk or visit www.keyminds.co.uk to find out more about how coaching can support you to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and authenticity.

Remember: you’re not alone in feeling like an imposter. The courage to move forward starts with a single conversation.