What is Imposter syndrome? It is the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.
Nelson Mandela said, “I learned that courage was not absence of fear, but the triumph over it”. His courage demonstrates to us that even in the face of feelings of fear, it is possible to achieve great things. Such moments are significant in a way that they keep reminding me how I do not exist alone, hence I do not have all the wisdom but rather I acknowledge what others can also add to my capacity at a particular moment to achieve a specific goal.
Over time, I have learnt to acknowledge my weakness but to also continuously appreciate my great achievements, which have resulted from my unique strengths, especially through building effective synergies.
With imposter syndrome, the person persistently disbelieves that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of his/her own efforts or skills. It is believed that every one experiences imposter syndrome at least once in life. In fact, research indicates that imposter syndrome is common among high achieving people (Huecker MR, et al, 2023).
For example, at MILCOT (Midwife-led Community Transformation), I serve in a community where the vulnerable population always needs more than what I can offer as an individual leader hence requiring lots of unified efforts to meet our goals. Despite the great strides we have made, sometimes I have felt like I do not have enough of what it requires me to get out of a situation but I have eventually got out of it.
My purpose has always carried me over every fear. My purpose is my fuel and motivation because a true purpose can never feel too heavy for its owner to carry it on, it rather makes me feel compelled to look for appropriate solutions. Each visionary has a unique energy and wisdom that comes along with their purpose, and no one else understands their vision more than themselves.
A feeling of imposter syndrome tends to manifest when presented with a tough project and when there is no permanent situation in sight, in such moments, I don’t forget to speak to myself that “I will overcome”. Speak to yourself!
Secondly, I now know that these are times when collaboration and partnerships are very useful because they do not only end at accomplishing the specific project, but they go a long way in helping to build and sustain the confidence of leaders in tackling local and global problems.
Thirdly, I try hard to get clarity of my feelings and thoughts that could be negatively impacting my success, I make a choice of what do to get out of these feelings by accepting and appreciating my mistakes, acknowledging that perfection is unattainable and making a strategy while seeking support.
My entrepreneurship mentor taught me the significance of pivoting (to completely change the way I do things) and not to fear it, it surely can get a leader out of imposter syndrome which feeds feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, depression and frustration.
Amidst all, I don’t forget the fact that there is only one Harriet in the entire world, uniquely designed for greatness and the power lies within me to continuously impact lives around the world without fear. It’s the same spirit of courage that I share with fellow leaders. Every year, an estimated 21million girls aged 15-19 in the developing world get pregnant and approximately 12million of them give birth (WHO, 2024). This problem is way bigger to give me sleepless nights than personal limiting feelings.
Imposter syndrome may whisper doubt, but purpose speaks louder. In every challenge I’ve faced, I’ve learned that self-awareness, community, and staying rooted in purpose can quiet that inner critic. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong at the table, remember: your voice, your vision, and your presence matter. Keep showing up, not despite the struggle, but because of it. That’s what real leadership looks like.
