You’ve just been given a big opportunity – maybe it’s a speaking engagement, a promotion, or your business landing a major client. You should feel proud, accomplished and confident. But instead, a quiet voice whispers: You don’t deserve this. They’re going to figure out you have no idea what you’re doing…

If that sounds familiar, you’ve probably met one of my old “friends” (and I use that term loosely) – Imposter Syndrome.

First identified in the late 1970s, Imposter Syndrome is more than a fleeting lack of confidence. It is a persistent belief that you are not as capable as others perceive you to be, despite clear evidence of your success. It shows up as self-doubt, fear of being “found out” and an instinct to downplay your achievements. In short, it has a talent for turning amazing moments into anxious ones.

The World Health Organisation estimates that 62% of people worldwide experience it, with high achievers, women and those in leadership positions being the most vulnerable.

I know this because I’ve lived with it for over 20 years.

Despite speaking on stages alongside Ita Buttrose, Gary Vaynerchuk and Valerie Jarrett, being featured in over 150 media outlets, writing an international bestseller and winning multiple national awards – it’s still there. I remember boarding an interstate flight for a paid speaking gig and thinking, Have they booked the wrong Jemimah Ashleigh? Is there another one?

The Many Outfits of Self-Doubt

Imposter Syndrome wears many disguises:

• The Perfectionist – sets impossibly high standards and never feels satisfied.
• The Superwoman – works longer and harder than anyone else to “prove” she belongs, often at the expense of health and relationships.
• The Natural Genius – praised for being smart, but freezes when things get difficult.
• The Soloist – refuses to ask for help and stalls when they can’t manage alone.
• The Expert – won’t start until they know everything, missing opportunities in the process.

Many of us are a mix of these. The first step in loosening self-doubt’s grip is recognising when you’re in the pattern.

Where Does It Come From?

Imposter Syndrome doesn’t appear out of nowhere.

It can stem from childhood experiences – growing up without positive reinforcement or in families where achievement was the only measure of worth. It can be shaped by social conditioning and the examples we witness.

Workplaces also play a role. Cultures that lack feedback, isolate employees or punish mistakes can intensify imposter feelings, while supportive environments that encourage risk-taking and treat failure as learning often reduce them.

Mental health challenges like anxiety or depression can also amplify feelings of self-doubt.

How to Tackle It

The uncomfortable truth is you can’t “think” your way out of Imposter Syndrome. Waiting until you “feel ready” means you’ll probably never act.

The shift comes when you choose to act despite the doubt.

For me, that starts with separating feelings from facts. Our brains are master storytellers – but not every story is true. I keep folders of my work, client feedback and media features to anchor myself when my brain starts spiralling into “too old, too fat, too everything” mode.

Talking about it helps too. Mentors, peers and trusted friends can interrupt the cycle of self-criticism and offer perspective I can’t always find on my own.

Reframing language is powerful. Instead of saying “I helped,” I say “I led” or “I collaborated.” Those small changes reinforce the value of my contribution.

And I celebrate wins – big or small. As women and business owners we often skip this step, racing to the next challenge. Celebration isn’t indulgent, it’s self-trust in action. Sometimes it’s a coffee. Sometimes it’s a new Mimco handbag.

I also curate my environment – surrounding myself with people who challenge and inspire me, and seeking visibility through media, awards and speaking engagements. These are career strategies and ways to normalise my own success.

If it feels overwhelming, seeking professional help isn’t weakness. Sometimes Imposter Syndrome is tied to deeper patterns that need expert support.

The Truth About Confidence

One of the biggest myths about confidence is that it comes first.

In reality, confidence often follows action. You submit the award application, say yes to the interview, step onto the stage – and then you realise you could do it all along.

Imposter Syndrome may never disappear entirely. Mine still turns up for big life moments. I think of it as a clunky plus-one I never invited. It still whispers from time to time, but it doesn’t get to decide my career, my business or my worth. That’s my choice – and it’s yours too.

Self-doubt will visit you at some point. The question isn’t whether it will show up – it’s whether you’ll let it stop you.

About the Author: Jemimah Ashleigh is an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. As the founder of The Visibility Lab and The Awards Portal, she helps business owners grow their profile, secure media coverage, and win awards through powerful storytelling, strategic visibility, and bold, unapologetic personal branding.