Our panel, Katherine Rose, Ali Powell, Cat Dowd and Philippa Kellar
The Women in Retirement Living (WiRL) group recently held its first-ever webinar, "Overcoming imposter syndrome," chaired by Katherine Rose. The event saw an overwhelming response, highlighting the importance of addressing self-doubt and confidence issues in professional settings.
Understanding imposter syndrome
Cat Dowd, head of people and culture at PRP Architects, kicked off the session with an insightful presentation on imposter syndrome. She described it as a psychological experience often characterised by self-doubt, a fear of being "found out," and anxiety. Importantly, she clarified that imposter syndrome is not a mental illness but rather a complex emotional state influenced by personality traits, external environments, and societal pressures.
One of the key takeaways from Cat’s presentation was that imposter syndrome is not gender-specific. Citing research from the Imposter Syndrome Institute, she pointed out that both men and women attend imposter syndrome seminars in equal numbers. However, she acknowledged that women and minority groups are more likely to experience these feelings due to under representation in leadership roles and work environments where they feel marginalised.
Personal experiences and strategies for overcoming self-doubt
Each panellist shared personal anecdotes illustrating their struggles with imposter syndrome and how they tackled these challenges.
Katherine Rose: navigating gender expectations
Katherine shared her experience of working in male-dominated industries, where she often felt pressured to conform to specific gender expectations. "You can't be too girly, but you also can't be too strong," she explained. She recalled being advised to modify her dress style to appear more traditionally feminine, an experience that left her feeling like an outsider in her own field.
Her advice: "Learn to embrace your authenticity. Don’t feel the need to fit into someone else's mould—your strengths lie in being your true self."
Philippa Keller: overcoming perfectionism
Philippa Keller, managing director of Richmond Villages, discussed how her early career was marked by perfectionism and overworking to prove herself. "I found myself doing two jobs for no extra pay just to validate my worth," she admitted. Over time, she realised that confidence does not come from overworking but from believing in one's own capabilities.
Her advice: "Lean in more. Take risks. You don't need to know everything before stepping up to a new role."
Ali Powell: building exposure and confidence
Ali Powell, founder of Commercial Acceleration, shared how she discovered the "PIE model," which changed her perspective on career growth. "Success is only 10% about performance, 30% about image, and 60% about exposure," she explained. She emphasised that working harder alone doesn’t always lead to career progression—networking and visibility are equally crucial.
Her strategy: "Put yourself out there. Network, raise your profile, and don’t shy away from opportunities just because you don’t feel 100% ready."
Practical techniques to manage imposter syndrome
The panellists provided actionable strategies to combat self-doubt and increase confidence:
Power posing: Ali highlighted Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk on "power poses," which involve standing in a confident posture for two minutes before a big event to boost self-assurance.
Grounding techniques: Cat suggested using grounding exercises, such as identifying objects in the room or reciting the alphabet backwards, to shift from emotional thinking to rational thinking.
Seeking feedback: Asking for immediate feedback after presentations or meetings helps reframe negative self-talk and build self-confidence.
Embracing discomfort: Philippa recommended volunteering for tasks slightly outside one's comfort zone to build "fear immunity."
Imposter syndrome and menopause: addressing additional challenges
A question from the audience touched on whether peri-menopause and menopause exacerbate imposter syndrome. Both Katherine and Philippa shared their experiences of dealing with brain fog, memory lapses, and anxiety due to hormonal changes.
Their advice: "Be open about it. Normalise conversations around menopause in the workplace, and don’t hesitate to ask for support."
Being the only voice in the room
Another discussion focused on the challenges of being the only woman in a male-dominated space.
Cat encouraged women to build confidence through preparation and training: "You don’t have to raise your voice to be heard—improve your argument and speak with conviction."
Philippa added that finding allies in the room and engaging in mentorship programmes can make a significant difference. "The more we talk about these challenges, the easier it becomes for others to step forward."
Final thoughts: turning imposter syndrome into a superpower
While imposter syndrome can feel isolating, the panellists emphasised that it can also be a source of strength.
Cat closed the session with an empowering message: "You know more than you think you do. Trust yourself, acknowledge your achievements, and use imposter syndrome as a tool for continuous growth."
The Women in Retirement Living webinar served as a powerful reminder that imposter syndrome is a common but conquerable challenge. By building self-awareness, seeking support, and stepping out of comfort zones, professionals can turn self-doubt into confidence and success.
Key takeaways for overcoming imposter syndrome
Recognise that imposter syndrome is common. You are not alone in feeling this way.
Embrace your authenticity. There is no need to fit into predefined expectations.
Build confidence through exposure. Seek visibility and take risks.
Use grounding techniques. Shift from emotional responses to rational thinking.
Seek feedback and mentorship. Surround yourself with supportive voices.
Turn self-doubt into motivation. Let imposter syndrome push you towards growth rather than hold you back.
The conversation around imposter syndrome is ongoing, and events like this webinar provide crucial spaces for women to share experiences, strategies, and support. By acknowledging these feelings and equipping ourselves with practical tools, we can step forward with confidence and redefine success on our own terms.
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