Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

A transformational learning journey growing
self-compassion, courage, trust and confidence.

ImposterSyndromeLeadImage.jpg

*** New Content ***

  • I’ve made significant revisions and updates to this course informed by the 700+ people who have engaged in my imposter syndrome work over the last 7 years plus my own research, reading and practice.

  • In a nutshell, the course is informed by the latest research and wisdom and is now more experiential with more time for personal inquiry, reflection, sharing (always invitational, never obligatory), practices, coaching and mentoring.

  • Specific updates include:

    • Cutting edge: insights, tools and practices from leading researchers, teachers and wisdom traditions, for example: Internal Family Systems (IFS), reparenting, breathwork, the yang of compassion and more;

    • Trauma sensitive: acknowledging and exploring the role of trauma, personal and systemic, in Imposter Syndrome;

    • Holistic approach: helping you connect with the wisdom of your whole self - mind, body, heart, soul and spirit;

    • More participation, discussion, sharing and experiential content;

    • Responsive: exploring to the needs of participants, with more time for sharing, asking questions and bringing ‘live’ issues, with coaching as appropriate;

    • Going deeper: understanding our Inner Critic, the ‘Draining Ps’ (Perfectionism, Powering, Procrastination and People Pleasing) and comparison;

    • Recovery: wisdom, tools and practices which help cultivate resourceful qualities including: connection, wisdom, curiosity, compassion and confidence;

    • Embodiment: sharing practices including meditation, simple breathwork, and mindful self-compassion;

    • Magic: incorporating more of the grace and power of stories, poetry, myth, metaphor, archetype, imagination and visualisation.

*** New Pricing ***

  • I’m committed to making this transformational journey as accessible to as many people as possible and have introduced new pricing from February 2024. Please see towards the bottom of this page for details.

What's on offer?

  • A fully facilitated 4-week online course which takes participants on an in-depth journey of discovery, learning and inner transformation, building self-compassion, self-trust, courage and confidence.

  • This journey is designed to be truly transformational, evoking lasting and meaningful change.

  • We will identify how Imposter Syndrome is impacting you, and explore practical ways you can move beyond limiting ‘imposter’ thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behaviours.

  • Weekly live sessions are engaging, experiential and practical, and responsive to group needs.

  • Individual coaching/mentoring to help you let go of unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, and stuck patterns of behaviour.

  • Trauma-sensitive approach exploring Imposter Syndrome as a response to oppressive experiences and systems.

  • Journeying together in a safe, supportive, affirming environment, we will share practices which help us relate more kindly to ourselves and others, and over time foster an embodied sense of safety, self-trust and confidence (group size 5 minimum, 12 maximum).

  • Dates for the next course are: Friday lunchtimes: 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st May 12:15-13:45pm (UK) [Book here]

*** Free webinar ***

  • Periodically, I offer a free webinar in which I share a little about Imposter Syndrome and then open the space to participants to ask any questions they have about their imposter struggles and experiences, and my work in this area. The next webinar will take place at 12:15pm (UK) on Friday 19th April 2024. Please click here for full details and to reserve your place (please note places are limited to 40 people and can fill up fast).

What is Imposter Syndrome?

  • Imposter Syndrome is a term coined by Oberlin psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in the late 1970s to describe a set of debilitating thoughts, feelings and beliefs that has us feeling we are frauds, that we don’t deserve our successes and/or it’s only a matter of time before we’re “found out”.

  • Other ‘symptoms’ of Imposter Syndrome include feelings of not being good enough or capable enough, feeling unworthy, unsuccessful and/or unlikable.

  • Imposter Syndrome can also manifest in unhealthy comparison, unrealistically high expectations of oneself, low self-worth, judgment of self and others, negative self-talk (an activated ‘inner critic’), self-doubt and second guessing.

  • Imposter Syndrome typically engenders feelings of powerlessness, and over time, can lead or contribute to poor mental and emotional health, anxiety and depression.  

  • Research literature estimates that over 70% of us experience Imposter Syndrome in our careers and wider lives.

  • My belief is that Imposter Syndrome is at least in part a response to experiences and systems which are in some way oppressive, a belief born out by the fact that it is particularly prevalent among women, people from non-dominant cultural backgrounds and people in oppressed, disadvantaged, marginalised and/or underrepresented groups.

Common imposter ‘symptoms’

You may relate to some (or all) of these common imposter beliefs and behaviours:

  • feeling you’re not ready, worthy, capable or in some other way ‘good’ enough

  • feeling like you’re a ‘fraud’ and that it’s only a matter of time before you’re 'found out’

  • debilitating levels of self-doubt, self-criticism or self-judgement

  • low self-worth and low self-confidence

  • any/all of what I term the ‘Draining P's’: People Pleasing, Perfectionism, Procrastination or Powering Through, exhausting and unsustainable ‘overcompensating’ behaviours

  • undervaluing your talents and downplaying or belittling your accomplishments

  • holding back in meetings, not expressing your opinions or sharing your knowledge

  • fixating on negative outcomes and overcompensating by working harder, later or both

  • despite positive feedback/experience, carrying a story that you’re 'winging it’

  • passing up opportunities and staying ‘safe’ in roles you have outgrown or for which you are over-qualified

  • feeling unfulfilled; not making the contribution you know you’re capable of

  • prioritising others' needs at a cost to your own energy, needs or self-expression

  • feeling you don’t belong in your role, your team or your organisation

  • manifestations of the fight, flight, fawn, freeze response (examples): tension, racing thoughts, sweaty palms, dry mouth, throat constriction, nausea, headache, physically shrinking or ‘puffing up’, aggression, a feeling of wanting to run, hide or disappear.

Who is this course for?

  • Anyone and everyone suffering from any of the fear- and shame-based ‘symptoms’ of Imposter Syndrome.

  • Women working in currently or historically male-dominated sectors (and vice versa).

  • Senior leaders and managers of all kinds will benefit as the course will help them make sense of their own struggles as well as the ‘imposter’ challenges experienced by people they lead.

  • Leaders of all kinds will benefit as the course will help them understand their own ‘imposter’ experiences as well as those of the colleagues they lead, manage, mentor or coach.

  • People from non-dominant cultural backgrounds or from racialised, marginalised and otherwise oppressed groups are particularly welcome as research shows Imposter Syndrome is especially prevalent among people from these backgrounds.

  • Organisations wishing to enhance staff well-being by building resilience and resourcefulness around Imposter Syndrome in the workplace.

Our Learning Journey

Over the four weeks of the course you will:

  • Deepen your understanding of what Imposter Syndrome is, particularly in terms of ‘imposter’ thoughts, feelings, beliefs, somatic experiences and behaviours.

  • Gain insight into the systemic, societal and cultural expectations and norms which drive Imposter Syndrome.

  • Explore common imposter beliefs and behaviours, and map these to your experience.

  • Identify situations which evoke Imposter Syndrome for you and understand the impact these may be having on your growth, self-expression and fulfillment.

  • Share a range of practical and empowering knowledge, tools, skills and practices designed to help you:

    • meet your imposter experiences with greater compassion, wisdom and confidence

    • court and embrace healthy risk in service of your learning, growth and fulfilment

    • reclaim your inner authority

    • experience greater authenticity, self-trust and self-belief

    • grow your personal and professional confidence

    • respond creatively and resourcefully to triggering situations

    • build greater imposter resilience and resourcefulness through practising connection, self-compassion, curiosity and confidence

    • use your breath and other embodied practices to ground, soothe and resource yourself

    • dial down compensating behaviours (The ‘Draining Ps: pleasing, perfecting, proving, preparing, performing, pretending, procrastinating, powering through)

    • experience greater freedom, vitality and authenticity

Our Learning Environment

  • The course is principally shared through 4 live weekly webinars each lasting 120 minutes (dates for the next course are shared below).

  • We learn through a rich mix of knowledge-sharing, experiential practice, personal inquiry, somatic practices, meditations and visualisations, discussion in pairs, triads and as group, and individual and group coaching/mentoring

  • There will be time each week to share your stories and experiences, and learn from those of fellow participants, in a safe, compassionate, supportive environment.

  • You may choose to deepen your learning and sense of connection through optional weekly ‘buddy’ calls.

  • Optional weekly inquiries, exercises, practices (e.g. meditations, breathwork and other embodied practices) help you gain even deeper insight into (examples): your particular imposter triggers, beliefs and behaviours; your levels of self-compassion; your relationship with healthy risk-taking; the degree to which you trust yourself and life; your core values; your key strengths etc.).

  • I share poems throughout and may suggest archetypes, myths and music to explore to enrichen and expand your learning experience

  • Group sizes are kept small (no more than 10 per course) to foster trust, support depth of exploration and learning, and allow time for group and individual coaching/mentoring.

  • After the course, I provide a curated selection of ‘Deeper Dive’ materials (books, articles, podcasts, practices, poems, talks and other resources) supporting your deeper exploration of topics and issues which are particularly alive for you.

Learning Outcomes

  • My overarching goal is to help you experience greater levels of confidence, and help you express more of your authentic Self, in your working and wider life

  • The course is also designed to help you:

    • recognise and release self-doubt, self-criticism and low self-worth

    • grow in trust - in yourself and in life

    • experience/embody greater self-compassion

    • let go of exhausting cycles of procrastination and over-work

    • reclaim your power and personal authority by recognising and valuing your unique strengths, gifts, talents and abilities

    • understand - and uphold - healthy boundaries

    • fulfill more of your potential

    • achieve greater balance and ease in your working and wider life

    • contribute to healthier, more sustainable workplaces

    (the above are consistently reported as learning outcomes by course ‘alumni’)

Benefits to Organisations

Organisations which support their staff to skillfully navigate Imposter Syndrome are set to reap benefits in a range of business-critical areas including:

  • providing practical, meaningful leadership development around an issue which holds too many talented people back

  • empowering more women and people from diverse backgrounds to become leaders, harnessing the many benefits and opportunities of a more diverse and inclusive workplace

  • fostering greater creativity, innovation and risk-taking among staff

  • championing healthier, more sustainable leadership styles which model vulnerability, trust and openness

  • enhancing workplace engagement and effectiveness whilst addressing a significant contributor to exhaustion and burnout

  • supporting robust succession planning

  • competing effectively by realising the full potential of the whole workforce

Course content

  • Week 1: Understanding Imposter Syndrome

    Sharing course structure and goals; identifying your personal learning goals. Creating a safe and courageous container for our time together; acknowledging personal transformation as an ‘inside job’ and introducing the principle of titration. Defining imposter syndrome; exploring common imposter ‘symptoms’ – cognitive, psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual/existential; identifying systemic and situational dynamics driving imposter syndrome. Understanding the roots of Imposter Syndrome. Exploring common imposter beliefs and behaviours and mapping these to your experience; identifying situations which activate your imposter ‘symptoms’. Sharing simple cognitive and breath-based practices you can work with straight away to ground yourself when Imposter Syndrome strikes. Week 1 Inquiry and Buddy Call.

  • Week 2: Understanding Us
    Brief introduction to ‘parts’ work and Internal Family Systems. Understanding our Inner Critic including common signs and ‘symptoms’, roots and function. Journalling exercise with paired sharing in breakout rooms. Group sharing. Inquiry and practice helping us meet and connect with our Inner Critic more constructively and compassionately. Week 2 Buddy Call.

  • Week 3: Empowering Us

    Exploring common ‘imposter’ behaviours which I call “The Draining Ps”: Perfectionism, People Pleasing, Procrastination and Proving/Powering Through. We will consider the subconscious beliefs and patterns that can drive these inauthentic and exhausting behaviours and consider their impact on us, our well-being, relationships and more. Week 3 practices help us harness the power of (i) permission and (ii) self-compassion, empowering us to dial down the Draining Ps and relax into a fuller sense of our authentic, grounded and sufficient Self. Week 3 Practice and Buddy Call.

  • Week 4: Transforming Us
    Exploring comparison as a prominent - and debilitating - feature of Imposter Syndrome; considering ways we can let go of comparing ourselves to others. Identifying our Core Values and exploring how when we embody these, we can navigate the choppy waters of Imposter Syndrome with greater courage, clarity, confidence and choice. Reviewing our learning journey together. Revisiting your goals and mapping your key learning. Week 4 Bonus Practice and Buddy Call.

Testimonials

“The course for me was a catalyst to make some changes in my life and not continue to do things that were holding me back or making me unhappy. As a result, I have changed my career path and will be refocussing my energy on something that I believe I can really add some value to.” PN, participant February 2023

“I have encountered feelings of inadequacy throughout my professional life and this has led me to adopt behaviours that aren’t always helpful (e.g. the Deadly Ps).  Over the 4 weeks, Sarah introduced a range of excellent tools, techniques and resources that I feel will benefit me in both my professional and private life, as well as helping me to develop a deeper understanding of why I have struggled with Imposter Syndrome in the past. Since attending…I am already more mindful of my inner voice and conscious of when this becomes overly critical or not constructive. I am gradually finding it easier to challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours with ones that are more helpful.”
Anna Franca, Collections Manager, Edge Hill University, May 2021

“I have felt a lot more confident and happy at work (and in other areas). Friends and colleagues have commented that they notice a difference in me. I had lost a lot my of old confidence in recent years however after the course, I am finding it easier to make work decisions, to manage my time, and assert myself more. I find myself thinking about the course on a more or less daily basis. Sarah, you managed to create a really productive, good-humoured atmosphere to discuss what could have been quite a difficult set of issues that stir up quite a lot of emotion. I would never have imagined such a course could be so enjoyable!” Lis Parcell, participant May 2021

“I truly appreciated your style and your inclusive and considerate approach.”
Participant, February 2022

“Sarah, thank you so much for the session. I really feel like I learned so much. Prior to the session I didn’t really know much about Imposter Syndrome and so I hoped I would come away with a better understanding. In reality you gave me so much more than that. There’s lots that I want to do differently, and I intend to start by being kinder and more compassionate to myself. I am also going to use my new knowledge to have very different conversations with my team, including being really honest about Imposter Syndrome and encouraging them to think about the ‘Deadly P’s’ and where we can dial down these behaviours when they’re not serving us.”
Superintendent Lindsey Butterfield, Commander, York & Selby Police, Dec 2020

“I appreciate all that you’ve shared with us, with me. You’ve given me so many wonderful resources and tools, and I am so grateful. Thank you, again, for presenting concepts in such a clear and useful manner. I’m letting my HR folks know about this course so that they can recommend it to others who might be feeling similarly. I really got so much out of this.” Kim Maxwell, Co-Interim Associate Director for Collections, MIT Libraries*, Cambridge, MA

"
I wanted to tell you how much I am loving the course, and how impactful it's been. It has come at such a good time for me, and I am able to put some new thoughts and actions in place because of the work here. Thank you so much for your wisdom & your generous spirit!” Christine Orr, Director of Sales & Marketing, BioOne

“This course came at exactly the right time for me. The course helped me become a better friend to myself and reconnect with my strengths. I also learned practical tools and practices which are helping me to choose curiosity over fear.  The content was excellent and I really learnt from the input of other attendees. I now believe I have something of value to give, even though I’m not as loud/extrovert as some.”
Geraldine Huzar, Learning and Teaching Librarian, Open University

“I am so much more centred, and a much better colleague and manager thanks to you and the course…I tell people frequently, that it changed my life.”
Charlie Rapple, Co-founder of Kudos

"I sincerely appreciate the care and empathy that you gave to us all during the Imposter Syndrome course. This provided us the space we needed to open enough to express feelings we might not otherwise have known we had, or felt it too precarious to express.”
Susan Skomal, President/CEO, BioOne

“Sarah’s Overcoming Imposter Syndrome course gave me significantly heightened awareness of my personal triggers so that I can now make conscious decisions to avoid those triggers, or at least to be aware when they are in play. This has enabled greater clarity in decision making, and boldness of choice. Sarah’s open and gentle approach, combined with the peer-support element of the course, meant participation was an enjoyable, nourishing experience as well as offering practical solutions I could apply in my day job and life in general. I valued the course so much I invited Sarah to deliver a workshop to a larger group of colleagues in my organization, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.”
Anna O’Brien, Senior Editorial Director, Wiley Publishers

“It was all valuable – and a very cathartic experience for me. It was good to meet other colleagues and share common issues. It became obvious that we are all similar – even those who said originally that they didn’t experience imposter syndrome reflected and recognised they had but had just not known it had a label. This made me feel more comfortable and accepted.”
Claire Pridgeon, Senior Leadership Trainer, College of Policing, Dec 2020

[*views expressed are personal and do not reflect endorsement by the affiliate institution]

Pricing - *New Options*

I am committed to making this work accessible. With this in mind, I am offering new pricing options as follows:

  • Standard Rate: £595
    For people whose workplace is paying for or reimbursing their place. Also for people with comfortable financial means who are able to pay. Your generosity helps me to offer reduced rates. Thank you.

  • *New* Personal Rate: £275
    For people in full time employment paying from personal funds where the Standard Rate is beyond their means.

  • *New* Community Rate: £95
    Inviting people with leaner financial means to participate (up to 2 people per course).

  • *New* Multiple Rate

    • Where 3 people from the same organisation book the same public course, each will receive a 10% discount i.e. the fee will be £535 for each person

    I trust people will be fair about their circumstances, honouring the time, experience, dedication and love I bring to this powerfully transformational work.

  • Pricing for Private Courses)

    I have recently begun to deliver this course as a private learning journey for staff within the same organisation. Pricing is as follows:

    • For a group of 4-6 colleagues, each receives a 15% discount i.e. the fee is £505 for each person.

    • For a group of 7-9 colleagues, each receives a 20% discount i.e. the fee is £475 for each person.

    • For a group of 10-12 colleagues, I charge a flat rate of £6,000. For groups of this size, I extend the weekly webinar times from 90 minutes to 105 minutes to ensure a high quality learning experience (e.g., trust, safety, time for sharing, discussion, personal reflection and inquiry, coaching/mentoring, Q&A etc.). This additional time is reflected in the cost.

    • Please note, I do not offer this course for groups of more than 12 people to ensure a high quality learning experience for participants.

Clients

  • To date, over 700 people have attended my Imposter Syndrome online courses, webinars and workshops.

  • Clients of this work include: the BBC, BAFTA, BioOne, Cooper Surgical, CrossRef, Edge Hill University, Harvard University, KUDOS, JISC, Miller Homes, MIT Libraries, NHS, OfCom, Open University, SANDS, T&F Informa, The College of Policing of England and Wales, UNISON, University of Gloucester, University of Wales Trinity St David’s, University of Westminster, Wiley.

  • Through ScreenSkills, I also regularly facilitate workshops for researchers, producers and other camera-side professionals working for, or contracted with: the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, Disney+, Netflix, ITV and Sky.

Ready to Book Your Place?

Dates and times for the next public course are given below. Group size is kept small to ensure time for exploring, sharing and individual and group coaching/mentoring, so if you are called to take this powerful and empowering journey, book soonest to reserve your spot:

May 2024
Friday lunchtimes: 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st May 12:15-13:45pm* (UK) [Book here]

*Live webinars last 90 minutes. A recording of each webinar will be made available within 24 hours if there is a week you cannot attend the live session.

*********

Additional Imposter Syndrome Learning Journeys

I offer two further learning journeys around Imposter Syndrome designed to meet specific learning and development needs within organisations:

Navigating Imposter Syndrome

  • Designed for groups of 6-12 colleagues and lasting 2.5 hours, this session is for organisations who wish to grow awareness, resilience and resourcefulness within one or more groups, teams and/or departments.

  • Popular, engaging, experiential and practical, this live online workshop gives participants a good understanding of Imposter Syndrome plus the means to navigate their ‘imposter’ experiences with greater awareness, confidence and trust, helping them express and fulfil more of their potential.

  • Please click here to explore further.


    * * * * *

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

  • A lively and engaging webinar designed to raise awareness and understanding of Imposter Syndrome.

  • Designed for groups of up to 50 participants and lasting 50-75 mins (depending on group size), this webinar comprises a blend of knowledge-sharing with interactive/participatory segments.

    Participants will leave this session with:

  • A good understanding of what Imposter Syndrome is and how it commonly manifests (i.e. common thoughts, emotions, feelings and bodily sensations, beliefs, narratives, and behaviours)

  • An overview of the personal and systemic reasons so many of us suffer with Imposter Syndrome

  • Insights into their own imposter experiences including the professional spaces and situations where they feel particularly prone to Imposter Syndrome

  • Greater awareness of the impact of Imposter Syndrome in their working (and wider) lives, and the lives of those they manage, mentor or lead

  • Understanding of distorted and unsustainable beliefs and behaviours they may be carrying which are hindering their growth, development and expression

  • Insight into the inner leadership qualities they can cultivate as leaders (and mentors) which will build imposter resilience and resourcefulness

  • Please contact me for full details and/or to request a Zoom meeting or phone call to discuss your needs (without obligation).

    * * * * *

  • For those who prefer to work 1-2-1, I offer personal coaching and/or mentoring to help you move out of the shadows of Imposter Syndrome into the light of greater awareness, compassion, authenticity, courage, confidence and trust. Please contact me for more details.

*** Free webinar ***

  • I offer a free webinar - A Rough Guide to Imposter Syndrome - periodically for anyone interested in finding out more about Imposter Syndrome and the work I do in this area. This short (45-minute) session is engaging, informative and practical - a risk-free opportunity to explore, learn, share (if you’d like to) and see if this work is for you or your organisation.

  • The next webinar will take place on Friday April 19th at 12:15pm-1pm (UK)

  • Please click here for full details and to reserve your place.