The ‘Faking it’ Leader: Triggers of Imposter Feelings and How to Overcome Self Doubt

I’ve noticed feelings of ‘not being good enough’ showing up in coaching sessions.

Imposter Feelings (often referred to as Imposter Syndrome) shows up in all of us and is a common challenge among leaders at every level. The weight of responsibility, high expectations, and the constant need to make decisions can leave even the most accomplished leaders questioning their worth.

Recognising its triggers, normalising self doubt, and actively developing a mindset of learning and self acceptance can help leaders step into their roles with confidence. Leadership is not about being perfect, it’s about being adaptable, authentic, and committed to continuous growth.

If you’ve ever struggled with a feeling that ‘you’ll be found out’ or ‘they are so much smarter/better” know that you’re not alone. The best leaders aren’t those without self doubt, but those who push through it, learn from it, and grow because of it.

What’s Going on In our Brain? The Neuroscience Behind Imposter Feelings

Imposter Phenomenon is deeply rooted in brain activity related to self-perception, emotional regulation, and cognitive control.

When experiencing imposter feelings, the brain can become overly sensitive to perceived judgment, reinforcing stress and self doubt. This can lead to excessive self criticism and difficulty balancing external validation with internal confidence

Additionally, repetitive negative thoughts about your competence make accomplishments feel less meaningful, contributing to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

By understanding these neurological responses, leaders can start to reframe their thoughts and develop healthier internal conversations.

The Triggers

Beliefs are the Stories You Tell Yourself

High Expectations & Pressure

Leadership comes with an inherent expectation to deliver results, make the right calls, and inspire others. Many leaders feel they must have all the answers and be flawless in execution. This unrealistic standard fuels imposter feelings, making them feel like they are never good enough, despite their achievements. The key to overcoming this is embracing growth over perfection. I sometimes say to my coachees “and is that perfect for now”?

Comparing Yourself to Others

It's easy to feel like other leaders are doing better, thinking smarter, or managing more effectively. Leaders often underestimate their own unique strengths and contributions, leading to self doubt. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own growth and the impact you are making within your organisation and team.

Lack of Immediate Validation

Unlike technical or individual contributor roles where results are often tangible and immediate, leadership is about long term vision, strategic thinking, and people development. It can take time to recognise its impact. Its important for leaders to look for and celebrate small wins and trust the process.

Fear of Being ‘Found Out’

This fear often leads to over preparing, overworking, or avoiding delegation in an attempt to maintain control. The truth is, no leader knows everything, and the most effective leaders surround themselves with capable teams. Showing vulnerability and asking for help when needed actually strengthens leadership.

Transitioning from Expert to Leader

Many leaders are promoted because of their technical expertise, but leading people requires an entirely different skill set. No longer being the go-to expert in every area can feel unsettling. The shift from doing the work to guiding others can lead to self doubt. Successful leaders learn to embrace delegation, trust their team’s expertise, and focus on the bigger picture.

Past Experiences & Inner Critic

Sometimes, imposter feelings are rooted in past experiences; failures, criticism from former bosses, or deeply ingrained perfectionist tendencies. These internalised messages fuel self doubt, making leaders feel like they need to prove themselves constantly. Overcoming this requires reframing setbacks as learning opportunities and replacing negative self-talk with a mindset of growth and resilience.

Hyperactivity in the

Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which is responsible for executive function and self-monitoring, can become overactive in individuals experiencing imposter syndrome. This leads to excessive self-criticism and over thinking of one's abilities.