Many of us have experienced imposter syndrome at one time or another in our lives. We asked industry experts to share one piece of advice they’d give to someone struggling to overcome imposter syndrome while building their personal brand. Here are their confidence-building tips and how to harness them for growth.
- Shift to Experienced Learner Mindset
- Focus on Serving, Not Proving
- Imagine Yourself with Desired Results
- Consistent Actions Build Confidence
- Reframe Achievements with Wins Folder
- Recognize You’re Not Alone
- Build Confidence with Self-Belief Exercises
- Reframe Imposter Syndrome as Growth
- Harness Imposter Syndrome for Growth
- Mute Negative Influences
- Shift from Validation to Value
- Own Your Natural Strengths
- Embrace Authenticity Over Perfection
- Prioritize Progress Over Perfection
- Focus on Evidence Over Emotion
- Affirm Your Expertise and Value
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Shift to Experienced Learner Mindset
Imposter syndrome while building a personal brand is particularly challenging because it combines both internal doubts (“Do I know enough?”) with external visibility (“Everyone will see if I’m wrong”). However, this very combination gives us a powerful way to reframe the situation.
We can shift our mindset from “perfect expert” to “experienced learner.” This means recognizing our current expertise while embracing that we’re still growing. When we share our learning journey with the world, it makes our brand more authentic and relatable.
It helps us find the right balance during our process. In moments when we feel we know it all, we can remind ourselves that we cannot become complacent. When dealing with doubts and imposter syndrome, we can focus on what we already know and how we contribute to the world around us.
By shifting our questions from “Am I good enough?” to “How can I help others?” we change our focus entirely. Building a brand becomes less about proving ourselves and more about creating value for others. Remember that your current knowledge, even if you feel it’s not complete, can genuinely help those who are earlier in their journey.
Being able to change from teacher to student and recognizing the moment when you should, will provide you with the confidence to keep imposter syndrome in check. Having a moderate sense of doubt is healthy because it will help you find weaknesses and improvements to your brand, making it stronger and better along the way.
Benny Voncken
Stoic Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Podcast Host, Via Stoica
Focus on Serving, Not Proving
I find that imposter syndrome often shows up when I am trying to PROVE to someone I should be doing what I am doing. What helps me is to focus instead on SERVING them. I remind myself that I have valuable information to offer them that can help reduce their stress and live more confident lives. What also helps me is to get comfortable with asking questions of the other person to learn more about them and their needs. Once I know their answers, I can more confidently connect my information with what can be of value to them. Serving them in a way that is meaningful.
Most importantly, I find that when I am feeling imposter syndrome it is important to take an uncomfortable step forward instead of waiting until the feeling goes away. Movement builds confidence.
Jones Loflin
Keynote Speaker and Author, Helping Others Prepare for Excellence
Imagine Yourself with Desired Results
Lack of confidence comes from focusing on something you are not while confidence comes from focusing on who you are. In your journey to become more, it is natural to experience imposter syndrome—you are growing! You are doing things you haven’t done before! Imagine yourself as already having the results (in this case, brand) you are looking for. As you imagine that person, ask yourself, “How does that person act? How does that person show up?” When you see yourself as already having the results and act to make that reality, you won’t feel imposter syndrome.
Ben Eden
High Performance Coach, Reach Your Ultimate Potential
Consistent Actions Build Confidence
Expertise is not about knowing everything, it is about continually learning and providing value. Many people forget that and end up fretting over imposter syndrome. As a result, many people feel like frauds simply because they compare themselves to those further along, forgetting that every expert once started as a beginner.
One way to build confidence is to focus on actions rather than perfection. Be consistent in sharing your knowledge, insights, and experiences. Celebrate wins, no matter how small, and keep track of positive feedback from clients, colleagues, or followers. Believe it or not, those small wins serve as confidence boosters, especially when self-doubt creeps in. Surround yourself with a supportive community of mentors, peers, or coaches who encourage and challenge you to grow.
Additionally, reframe your mindset by viewing imposter syndrome as a sign that you are stepping outside your comfort zone, which means growth is happening. Personal branding is built over time, so give yourself permission to evolve and improve as you go. You create the narrative about your brand so own your unique journey, which includes your perspectives, skills, and experiences. These attributes are differentiators that will help you stand apart from the rest.
Simone Sloan
Executive Strategist, Your Choice Coach
Reframe Achievements with Wins Folder
I’d emphasize that imposter syndrome often strikes hardest in those who are actually quite competent, as they’re aware enough to recognize the complexity of their field and their own room for growth. Consider reframing your achievements by keeping a “wins folder”—a collection of positive feedback, successful projects, and meaningful impacts you’ve made, which can serve as concrete evidence to counter self-doubt when it arises. Remember that building a personal brand isn’t about claiming perfection, but rather about authentically sharing your unique journey, including both successes and learning experiences, which often resonates more deeply with your audience than a polished facade.
Focus on consistently delivering value in your area of expertise while remaining open about being a continuous learner, as this approach naturally builds credibility while taking pressure off yourself to be an all-knowing expert. Your unique perspective and experiences are valuable precisely because they are yours, and no one else can offer exactly what you bring to the table.
Joshua Miller
Master Certified Executive Leadership Coach, Joshua Miller Executive Coaching
Recognize You’re Not Alone
When struggling with imposter syndrome, the first step is to recognize you’re not alone. Everyone, including celebrities, professional athletes, and top executives, all experience imposter syndrome at one time or another.
The second step is to seek support from a trusted mentor or coach. The right supporter will help identify strengths and opportunity areas.
The third step is to find a mindset practice that helps shift negative thought patterns to the positive. Mental fitness techniques that focus on engaging the senses in a series of short 10-15 second micro-meditations can be instrumental in quieting negative emotions and shifting to a positive mindset. Examples include rubbing two fingertips together with such attention that you can feel the fingertip ridges of both fingers. Notice if the fingertips are dry or smooth. What is the temperature of the fingertips?
Another example could be focusing on something that you can hear. Notice the farthest away sound for several seconds. Then, notice the closest sound you can hear. Lastly, focus on the sound of your breath. A third example may include looking intently at an object and noticing tiny details, such as colors, shapes, and textures. These simple micro-meditations take the focus off the negative emotion so you can focus on positive strengths.
Lisa Hammett
Certified Positive Intelligence Pq Coach, Transformational Keynote Speaker, Author, Lisa Hammett Success Coaching
Build Confidence with Self-Belief Exercises
As a former CEO and current executive coach for C-suite leaders, I often see imposter syndrome holding back high-performing individuals. The key is to recognize that you are not alone—research shows that many successful leaders experience this. Building confidence is like building a muscle; it requires consistent practice and self-affirmation. I work with leaders to create exercises in self-belief, helping them articulate their brand, values, and impact with confidence. By shifting their mindset and taking intentional action, they can overcome doubt and step into their leadership with authenticity and strength.
Analiza Quiroz Wolf
Executive Coach, CEO, Women of Color Rise
Reframe Imposter Syndrome as Growth
Imposter syndrome can make you feel like you don’t belong, but the truth is, it’s a sign that you’re actually pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. Even the most successful people have admitted to feeling like they’re not good enough at times. The difference? They don’t let it stop them.
So, instead of seeing imposter syndrome as a problem, reframe it as proof that you’re growing. It shows that you care about what you’re doing and want to do it well. The goal is not to get rid of this feeling but to recognize that it doesn’t define you. When doubts creep in, remind yourself that progress comes from action, not perfection. Keep showing up, and confidence will follow.
Bayu Prihandito
Psychology Consultant, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture
Harness Imposter Syndrome for Growth
Oh, I love this question because here’s the truth: Imposter syndrome isn’t something to “overcome”—it’s something to harness.
Most people think imposter syndrome is a sign they’re not good enough. Wrong. It’s actually proof that you’re growing, stretching, and stepping into something bigger than before. It shows up only when you’re playing a big enough game.
If you never felt it? You’d be sitting in your comfort zone, playing small. And that’s not where leaders are made.
So, instead of letting it stop you, use it.
Next time that voice in your head says, “Who do you think you are?”—answer it.
I’m someone who’s learning fast.
I’m someone willing to step up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
I’m someone who refuses to let fear run the show.
That’s how confidence is built. Not by waiting to “feel ready”—but by acting before you do.
And when it comes to building your personal brand? Let people see your journey. Talk about what you’re figuring out. Share the lessons, the stumbles, and the breakthroughs. Your authenticity is your advantage.
Because the people who pretend they’ve got it all figured out? No one trusts them.
The real leaders? They’re the ones willing to say, “This is hard, but I’m doing it anyway.”
The very thing you think is holding you back is actually your greatest advantage.
Time to own it.
Jen Coken
CEO, Embrace the Ridiculousness of Life LLC
Mute Negative Influences
First, you need to accept that imposter syndrome is a normal part of building your personal brand. Every creator online is experiencing this, no matter how many followers they have.
To minimize the voice in your head that’s telling you that other people will judge you or that you are not good enough to show up online, you need to start muting people online and offline. Go through every person that you follow online and either mute them, unfollow them or hide your own content from them so you won’t worry about them.
Now, doing it offline is a little bit harder but you can try being more mindful about the conversation and people you surround yourself with.
Find your group of cheerleaders (even if it’s just one person) who is on a similar journey of building their own personal brand or who have already done that—so you can support each other and share wins, challenges and celebrations on this hard but rewarding journey.
Daria Astanaeva
Personal Branding Coach, Dariaast Consulting
Shift from Validation to Value
The most powerful way to overcome imposter syndrome while building your personal brand is to shift from seeking validation to creating consistent value. When scaling my consulting practice from individual clients to team leadership programs, I initially felt like a fraud despite years of experience and credentials. The breakthrough came when I stopped obsessing over metrics and instead focused on turning market research into actionable content that addressed my audience’s real challenges.
Here’s what worked: I committed to consistent content creation regardless of engagement levels. Rather than aiming for viral posts or maximum likes, I set an achievable goal of regular posting based on documented audience pain points. This approach transformed my relationship with social media from a source of anxiety to a channel for genuine value delivery.
The key is reframing the entire experience. Instead of asking “Am I qualified enough?” ask “What insights from my journey could help others?” This subtle shift moves you from self-doubt to service, making it easier to share authentically and build genuine connections with your audience.
Zabrina Mok
Founder, Strategic EQ Inc.
Own Your Natural Strengths
Own what comes naturally to you. Impostor syndrome thrives when we focus on what we lack instead of what we already bring to the table. The key to building confidence? Stop undervaluing the skills, strengths, and perspectives that come effortlessly to you—because those are the things that set you apart.
For years, I struggled with my accent. As an international keynote speaker, I worried that my non-native English would make me seem less credible or less polished on stage. Early in my career, I was invited to be part of a political TV segment alongside seasoned political experts. While they spoke with eloquence and authority, I couldn’t help but focus on my accent and my less sophisticated vocabulary. Every time I watched myself on screen, all I could hear was what I “wasn’t.” It made me question why I was even there.
One night at the production company’s event, I finally asked the producer why they kept inviting me back. His answer changed everything: “Because you sound like an international expert.” He explained that my ability to communicate complex concepts in a simple, relatable way made me stand out—while others, despite their polished speech, often weren’t understood by the audience.
That was the moment I realized my accent wasn’t a flaw; it was my differentiator. It signaled my international experience, my multicultural perspective, and my ability to connect with a diverse audience. What I thought was holding me back was actually propelling me forward.
Instead of trying to be “more like” someone else, double down on what makes you uniquely valuable. Ask yourself:
- What do people consistently compliment me on?
- What problems do others always turn to me for help with?
- What’s something that feels easy for me but difficult for others?
- What challenges have I overcome that now allow me to help others?
- When have I received positive feedback that I dismissed as “not a big deal”?
When you start seeing your strengths through others’ eyes, you realize you’re not an imposter—you’re just standing in your own way. Confidence isn’t about eliminating doubt. It’s about moving forward despite it, knowing that what you bring to the table is already worth recognizing. It’s about becoming more of what and who you already are.
Sylvie Di Giusto
Keynote Speaker & Author | Helping Professionals Lead Better, Sell Faster, Persuade Instantly, Sylvie di Giusto
Embrace Authenticity Over Perfection
Here’s the truth: impostor syndrome is just another label designed to keep people—especially women—second-guessing themselves. It’s like a sneaky little voice that whispers, “Are you sure you’re qualified?” even when you’ve got the receipts to prove you are.
But let’s be clear: impostor syndrome isn’t a reflection of your abilities. It’s a side effect of existing in spaces where you’ve been subtly (or not-so-subtly) conditioned to believe you have to earn your place more than others. The problem isn’t you. It’s the outdated systems and expectations that make you feel like you’re “faking it,” even when you’re the most prepared person in the room.
So, how do you build confidence while that nagging voice is in the background? You stop waiting for it to disappear. Confidence doesn’t come from eliminating doubt. It comes from showing up anyway. The people you admire—the ones with personal brands that seem effortless? They didn’t wait to feel “ready.” They just started.
Here’s the secret: everyone’s winging it to some degree. The difference is that confident people have accepted it’s part of the process. They’ve learned to act, speak, and put themselves out there even when they’re unsure. They don’t let that discomfort stop them from moving forward.
When you’re building your personal brand, lean into what you do know. Share your experiences, your lessons, your insights. You don’t have to be the world’s leading expert. You just have to be authentic. Authenticity beats perfection every time. People don’t connect with flawless; they connect with real.
And next time that impostor syndrome creeps in, flip the script:
Instead of thinking, “Who am I to do this?” ask, “Who am I not to?”
Instead of thinking, “I don’t know enough,” remind yourself, “I know enough to help someone.”
Because at the end of the day, the only difference between someone with impostor syndrome and someone without it is that one of them decided to stop caring what that little voice had to say. Be that person.
Meesha Gerhart
CEO, Redtree Web Design
Prioritize Progress Over Perfection
Impostor syndrome can be hard when developing your brand, but one important thing to tell yourself is to LET GO of perfectionism. Striving for excellence is great, but the endless chase for unattainable goals can keep you stuck in an ongoing cycle of uncertainty and questioning yourself. Instead, prioritize progress over perfection. I always say that your greatest competitor is your old self. So just be better every day. Allow yourself to mess up—you’re a human being, not a robot.
Say, you start a blog or project and your first post isn’t as successful as you had imagined. Instead of stressing over what wasn’t right, view it as a learning opportunity. See what resonated with your audience and what didn’t, adjust your approach, and keep going. Progress builds confidence. Those incremental wins really build up over time. When you release perfectionism, you become more comfortable bringing your full self to the table, and that honesty and vulnerability will connect far better than perfection ever will.
Matt Bowman
Founder, Thrive Local
Focus on Evidence Over Emotion
Focus on evidence over emotion. Imposter syndrome thrives on self-doubt, but when you shift your mindset to look at the facts, your experience, skills, and the value you bring, it becomes easier to silence that inner critic.
Start by documenting your wins, no matter how small. Keep a record of client testimonials, successful projects, or even positive feedback from peers. This will serve as a tangible reminder that you do have the expertise to show up confidently.
To build confidence, take action before you feel ready. Confidence isn’t a prerequisite; it’s a byproduct of consistently putting yourself out there, refining your message, and engaging with your audience. The more you share your insights and see their impact, the more that self-doubt fades.
Most importantly, reframe imposter syndrome as a sign of growth and be proud of yourself. Feeling this way means you’re stepping outside your comfort zone, which is exactly where transformation happens. Keep going.
Melanie Borden
Founder & CEO, The Borden Group
Affirm Your Expertise and Value
One of the most powerful ways to combat imposter syndrome is to speak life over yourself—affirm your expertise, value, and the impact you bring to others. Too often, we let self-doubt drown out our achievements, but the truth is, you wouldn’t be in the room if you didn’t belong there.
How to Build Confidence:
- Reframe Your Inner Narrative – Instead of focusing on what you lack, remind yourself of what you’ve achieved. Write down wins—big and small—to reinforce your strengths.
- Own Your Story – Your journey, challenges, and experiences make your perspective unique and valuable. Embrace it.
- Show Up Consistently – Confidence grows through action. Keep sharing your insights, engaging with your audience, and refining your voice.
- Lean Into Community – Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and supporters who speak life into you and challenge self-doubt.
You don’t need permission to take up space in your industry—you already belong. Speak positivity and truth over yourself, and let that be the foundation of your personal brand and confidence.
Samantha McCoy
Marketing Director, Monsees & Mayer
