Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
ARISE COMMUNITY CALL - SEPTEMBER RECAP
Impostor syndrome is something nearly every entrepreneur faces, yet it often feels deeply personal and isolating, until it’s spoken out loud. During our September Arise Community Call, nanny agency owners and peers came together for a candid conversation about how impostor syndrome shows up in their work, the self-doubt it creates, and the strategies they’re using to move beyond it. This blog captures the highlights of that discussion, offering both validation and practical takeaways for anyone navigating similar feelings.
What Is Impostor Syndrome?
Impostor syndrome is the recurring pattern of doubting your accomplishments and feeling like a fraud, even when evidence shows your success is earned and deserved. Owners shared moments of winning new clients yet wondering, “Can I deliver?” or comparing their boutique agency to established competitors and thinking “Do I even belong here?” The truth: 84% of entrepreneurs report experiencing impostor syndrome, with prevalence even higher among women and minority leaders.
The Unique Triggers in Our Industry
Several recurring triggers surfaced in our discussion:
Comparing to legacy agencies: Feeling less “real” or polished than bigger competitors, especially online.
Industry pressures: Urgent and emotionally charged client calls, high expectations, and the need to always “lead.”
Representation gaps: Being one of few minority or male agency owners can compound feelings of isolation and self-doubt.
Financial stress and metrics: Measuring up to distant benchmarks—tech startup valuations or former corporate salaries—can obscure the real progress being made.
Authenticity vs. professionalism: Many participants described “code-switching”—balancing authentic self-expression with expectations from clients of different backgrounds.
Exploring the Subtypes of Impostor Syndrome
We uncovered five common “types” of impostor syndrome, each with distinct challenges:
The Perfectionist: Rewrites every job ad, believes any mistake means failure.
The Expert: Fears not knowing enough, overprepares, and chases credentials.
The Soloist: Hesitant to delegate, thinks asking for help signals weakness.
The Natural Genius: Feels inadequate if solutions aren’t effortless or immediate.
The Superhuman: Believes success means excelling in every domain—client calls, marketing, payroll, and more.
Recognizing your own pattern is the first step toward healthy change.
Proven Strategies for Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
Ready for actionable solutions? These are research-based strategies and shared peer practices for overcoming impostor syndrome in your business:
Set Realistic, Good Enough Goals: Strive for progress, not perfection. Launch materials when they are functional, then refine and remember, “done is better than perfect.”
Delegate and Train: Getting your systems out of your head and onto paper builds confidence, empowers teams, and opens doors to growth.
Reframe Mistakes: Mistakes and missteps aren’t proof of incompetence, but feedback for improvement. Ask: “What lesson here sharpens our systems or leadership?”
Maintain a Win Book: Collect thank-you notes, glowing reviews, kind emails, keep a visible record of impact for days when doubt creeps in.
Mindfulness Before Meetings: Pause two minutes before a big call to ground yourself, reduce anxiety, and step into the moment with confidence.
Connect to Your Community: Leverage peer support groups, mentors, and industry friendships. Knowing others face similar doubts, especially in marginalized communities, brings new perspective and solidarity.
Measure by Your Past, Not Abstract Benchmarks: The best (and fairest) competitor is your former self. Let growth be personal and sustainable, not dictated by distant unicorns or corporate expectations.
Owning Your Story, At Any Stage
Not every client, team member, or partner gets the full version of you and that’s intentional. Boundaries, core values, and strategic self-disclosure help sustain both integrity and privacy. As one member noted, “Behave like the person you want to be when you grow up.” This journey is about evolution, not static perfection.
What to Remember:
When impostor syndrome looms, remember: business ownership is not about being a flawless, all-knowing leader overnight. It’s about freedom, progress, and authenticity. The only true measure is how far you have come and the support systems you lean on along the way.
MMC is here to help you rewrite the story of what’s possible, one authentic step at a time.
