Imposter syndrome—it’s that nagging voice inside my head telling me that I’m not good enough, that I don’t belong, and that everyone else has it all figured out. If you’ve ever felt like a fraud at work, you’re not alone. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Hannah Bloking and Allison Macalik on their podcast, Imposter Talks, to share my journey with imposter syndrome and how I’ve learned to navigate it.
From Contact Centers to Developer Advocate
My career started back in the early 2000s in contact centers, and it eventually led me to ServiceNow in 2017. After years of working in tech and sales, I recently transitioned into a new role as a Senior Developer Advocate—a big leap that reignited familiar feelings of self-doubt. Imposter syndrome really hit when I first moved to ServiceNow as a solution consultant. Despite my background, I found myself surrounded by seasoned professionals and constantly comparing my skills to theirs. It wasn’t just a change of companies; it was a total change in my career trajectory, and I questioned whether I really belonged.
The Reality of Imposter Syndrome
For me, imposter syndrome isn’t about trying to be someone else—it’s about that internal feeling of self-doubt and questioning your worth. It’s a feeling brought on by a lack of self-confidence or starting something new that you’re unfamiliar with. I often felt like a fraud, wondering why I was chosen for roles that seemed way out of my comfort zone. It’s amazing how self-doubt can creep in even when you’re surrounded by evidence of your success.
Finding My Superpower
One of my biggest lessons was learning to stop comparing myself to others and start embracing my unique experiences. My background as a customer gave me an edge in solution consulting, but it took me a long time to recognize this strength. I used to compare my PowerPoint skills to a peer’s, thinking that one thing made me less of a consultant. But eventually, I realized that my real value was my firsthand experience as a customer—a perspective that many of my colleagues didn’t have. It wasn’t about being like everyone else; it was about bringing my own strengths to the table.
Practical Tips That Helped Me Overcome Imposter Syndrome
I want to share some practical steps that have been game-changers for me in battling imposter syndrome:
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Start a Success Journal: I realized I was terrible at accepting compliments, so I started writing them down—who gave them, what they said, and what I did to earn them. This simple act of documenting positive feedback helped me internalize those moments and reminded me that I am capable and valued.
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Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Growth happens when you push your boundaries. One of my defining moments was getting on stage to present in front of 6,000 people at a ServiceNow event. It was terrifying, but it also taught me a lot about my own resilience and strengths. Sometimes you just have to take that uncomfortable leap to realize what you’re truly capable of.
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Find Your People: Surrounding myself with supportive colleagues has been crucial. I’m fortunate to have a few trusted friends and teammates who I can confide in when I’m feeling low or second-guessing myself. They’ve been there to offer encouragement and talk me through moments when imposter syndrome was at its worst. Finding your people makes a huge difference.
Conclusion
One of the most powerful yet simple pieces of advice I received was to learn to accept compliments gracefully. I used to be quick to deflect praise, but I’ve learned to just say “thank you” and let that be enough. Another lesson that’s stuck with me is that sometimes “yes” is a perfectly acceptable answer—I don’t have to over-explain or justify myself. It’s a small shift, but it’s made a big impact on how I communicate and carry myself.
My journey with imposter syndrome has taught me that self-doubt doesn’t just disappear overnight, but with the right mindset and support, I can manage it. Whether it’s starting a new role, giving a big presentation, or just facing the everyday challenges that come with this career, I’ve learned that self-doubt is normal—it’s how I choose to respond to it that really matters.
If you’re dealing with imposter syndrome, my advice is this: embrace your unique journey, celebrate your wins, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. And remember, you’re not alone in this. If my story resonates with you, know that you’re on the right path—keep going, and don’t be afraid to be your true, authentic self.
You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or watch the video on YouTube!
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