How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome in a Senior Role
You’d think that by the time someone is ready to step into their new position, impostor syndrome in a senior role would be a thing of the past. But in reality, it often gets louder. The stakes feel higher, the visibility increases and that little voice saying, “I’m not good enough,” can creep in at the worst possible time.
Impostor syndrome doesn’t discriminate. I’ve worked with CEOs, directors, and highly experienced professionals who still battle with the belief that they’re about to be “found out.” If that sounds familiar, know this: you’re not alone, and there’s a way through it.
Let’s unpack what impostor syndrome really is, why it shows up in senior roles and, most importantly, how to deal with it so it doesn’t hold you back.
What is impostor syndrome?
Impostor syndrome is the persistent feeling that you’re not as capable as people think you are, despite evidence to the contrary. You might feel like your success is down to luck, timing or being in the right place at the right time. And instead of feeling confident, you’re constantly waiting for someone to question your credibility.
It’s not just self-doubt. It’s a belief that somehow, you’ve fooled everyone, and that it’s only a matter of time before you’re exposed.
Why imposter syndrome in senior roles exists
Stepping into a senior role can be exciting, but it also brings a lot of pressure. Suddenly, people are looking to you for decisions, strategy and inspiration. You might feel isolated, expected to have all the answers, or unsure how to ask for help without looking like you’re out of your depth.
At this level, the external validation you relied on earlier in your career often disappears. You get less feedback, fewer performance reviews and sometimes, very little reassurance. Add in complex team dynamics, board-level scrutiny or a high-profile promotion, and it’s no surprise that impostor feelings surface.
The higher you go, the more internal your confidence needs to become, and that’s not always easy.
Common signs of impostor syndrome in senior leaders
It often shows up in subtle ways, such as:
- Over-preparing or obsessing over detail
- Struggling to delegate because you fear being judged
- Avoiding visibility, such as speaking engagements or sharing opinions
- Dismissing praise or success as “not a big deal”
- Constantly comparing yourself to others in similar roles
If you’re nodding along to any of these, don’t worry. These are fixable patterns, not permanent truths.
How to overcome impostor syndrome in a senior role
1. Recognise it for what it is
The first step is naming it. When you feel those anxious thoughts kicking in – “I don’t know enough,” “I’m going to mess this up,” “They made a mistake promoting me” – pause and label it. That’s impostor syndrome talking, not fact. Awareness reduces its power.
2. Challenge your inner narrative
Start noticing the stories you’re telling yourself. Are you holding yourself to impossible standards? Are you discounting your achievements? Try writing down evidence that contradicts those thoughts, past wins, positive feedback, moments where you’ve stepped up and succeeded. Keep a file or folder of them to revisit when self-doubt hits.
3. Redefine what ‘expert’ means
Senior leaders sometimes feel they should have all the answers, but leadership is rarely about certainty. It’s about asking the right questions, managing challenges and making the best decisions with the information you have. You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room. You just need to create the conditions where others can thrive.
4. Talk about it
This one’s powerful. Sharing your experience with a coach, mentor or trusted peer can normalise what you’re feeling and give you a new perspective. You might be surprised how many other successful people feel the same. The more we talk about impostor syndrome, the less grip it has.
5. Focus on impact, not perfection
Perfectionism and impostor syndrome often go hand in hand. But perfection is rarely realistic, especially in complex, fast-paced environments. Instead of aiming to get everything right, shift your focus to the value you’re adding. Are you helping your team move forward? Are you creating clarity or momentum? That’s what matters.
6. Build habits of self-trust
Confidence isn’t something you suddenly have… It’s something you build. Start noticing the moments where you do trust yourself: making a decision, speaking up, having a difficult conversation. Each time, you prove to yourself that you can handle it. Over time, that builds a more grounded and lasting sense of self-belief.
Final thoughts
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not capable; it means you care. You’re striving to do your best and make an impact. But you don’t have to let those thoughts run the show.
In fact, the most effective leaders I work with aren’t the ones who feel 100% confident all the time. They’re the ones who know how to notice their doubts, challenge their thinking and lead anyway.
If you’re in a senior role and imposter syndrome is holding you back from showing up fully, let’s talk. Through coaching, reflection and mindset work, we can quiet that inner critic and help you step into leadership with confidence, on your terms.