Imposter Syndrome and the Fight to See Our Own Worth

By: Bruna Frias

Imposter syndrome isn’t just a term; it’s a constant companion to many women. Despite our achievements, it often makes us feel unworthy, as though our successes are simply luck or mere coincidence. This self-doubt doesn’t come from a lack of knowledge or effort but from the pressures and expectations women often face. I’ve faced this challenge in different stages of my life, each time questioning if I deserved my seat at the table.

Applying for jobs as part of my university co-op program was when I first really felt my imposter syndrome on the surface. As I looked for job postings, I found myself focusing on having to meet every listed qualification instead of focusing on the areas I could demonstrate value and potential. Like many women, I’d been conditioned to second-guess my readiness for roles, particularly if they were with a prestigious brand or high-level roles. It was easy to feel like I was unprepared, even though my academic and job experiences proved otherwise.

Social settings also have their own layers of imposter syndrome. Whether it’s hesitating to speak up in a room of more experienced voices or second-guessing a contribution that I know is valuable, there’s always a hidden fear of seeming “out of place.” And even when I know I’m qualified, the voice in my head often wonders if I’ll truly be accepted or if my contributions will be deemed “good enough.”

But this challenge isn’t mine alone. I see it in women around me—accomplished, talented women who downplay their achievements or feel self-doubt despite years of hard work. And it’s frustrating because, as society advances, this weight shouldn’t still be so common. This progress can feel slow, as though with one step forward, we move ten steps back.

Yet, as much as we try to break free from imposter syndrome, society often reinforces these feelings. Many women face an unspoken expectation to be flawless, not only in professional environments but also in family and partnership roles. Whether it’s as a mother, daughter, partner, or professional, there’s often a pressure to excel in every area. It is also common to see women being held to a higher standard, expected to bring double the experience or have spotless records to access the same opportunities that men may secure with basic qualifications. This difference can make us feel like we’re constantly proving ourselves, needing to be twice as prepared, twice as competent, and twice as confident. It’s as if society acknowledges progress but is resistant to release us from outdated biases, adding a pressure that can feel almost impossible to break. 

The truth is that imposter syndrome won’t vanish overnight. But with supportive networks—friends, family, the GWIL team—and by actively reminding ourselves of our worth, we can start to push past these barriers. Learning to value our accomplishments isn’t always easy, but every time we silence that doubting voice, we get closer to truly owning our power.

The reason I joined Guelph Women in Leadership wasn’t just to add a line to my resume but because of the deeper meaning it holds. This association is about more than networking; it’s about purpose and change. We strive to create a world where women don’t have to feel twice the pressure just to feel “enough.” The change we envision starts with us, with rooms full of women—each with the power to lead, whether they choose to or not- as well as men who are here to support our growth.

It’s about embracing that choice fully and confidently, knowing that we belong in every space we strive to be.