I was asked to give a talk at TEDxUCLWomen 2015 about imposter syndrome. It was a brilliant experience and my first time talking about my own experiences in public.
The Secret Society of Imposters Posts
Feeling like an imposter is exhausting – emotionally, psychologically and even physically. Constantly being worried that you will be found out as a fraud and never feeling good enough – even though in reality you are good or event great at what you do – takes its toll. No wonder so many people ask me if I have found a ‘cure’ for imposter syndrome.
When I was 12, my family moved to New York. It was exciting and a big adventure and it fundamentally shaped who I am today. This was not to say that moving at such a critical age wasn’t without its challenges. I went from being at the top of my class in London to failing in New York. I was in a whole new system and I wasn’t until my final year in high school that I was again able to master how to be ‘successful’ in the American education system.
One of the fears of many people with imposter syndrome – including me – is that we are not superstars. I often feel like only superstars will make a difference in the world and that only superstars are valued in the work place.