Leading Through Self-Doubt: My Journey with Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome has a way of creeping in, especially when you’re stepping into a new role. I first felt its grip in the early days of Proud2Be (the non-profit organisation I founded with my sister Maya), during a local networking meeting for professionals. I remember sitting quietly (which is very unlike me), thinking, I have no idea what these people are talking about. It felt like they were speaking a different language. Having no business background, I was lost amidst unfamiliar jargon. I left the meeting feeling defeated, convinced I wasn’t qualified to be there—let alone co-run an organisation.
This is the reality of being a self-elected leader. No one interviewed me for my role as co-founder of Proud2Be or founder of Max Price Consulting. My sister Maya and I built Proud2Be from the ground up. While that takes a certain amount of belief, nerve, and confidence, it didn’t shield me from the overwhelming grip of imposter syndrome.
Living with Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome has shown up in many ways over the past 13.5 years: feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and a persistent fear of being “found out” as a fraud. To combat this, I’ve often over-prepared, second-guessed decisions, and held myself to impossibly high standards. In essence, I became my harshest manager—unfair, unkind, and unrelenting. And we know what those types of managers do to our self-esteem, motivation, and joy (read my previous blog post here).
Understanding My Neurodivergence
I have been in therapy for just under a year, and along with many other revelations, I have come to acknowledge my own neurodivergence (ADHD and possibly autism) and how, along with many positive benefits, this has impacted negatively on my self-worth over the years. I experience intense feelings around rejection (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria/RSD) which makes me do everything I can to avoid it, and I have and still navigate a world that is simply not designed for my brain and have felt shame and guilt when I haven’t been able to function in the way that society and more specifically capitalism demands of me/us.
Perhaps it’s also true that my own trauma has played its part, amplifying those feelings of inadequacy and making me more susceptible to the pitfalls of imposter syndrome. What I do know is that I’m not alone. Over the years, I’ve met countless capable people, all quietly carrying the weight of self-doubt. Together, we’ve run on the false belief that we don’t deserve the space to try, fail, and try again.
Negotiating with My Inner Critic
As I write this, my inner critic is alive and well. Here are some of their greatest hits:
No one is going to read this.
You’re not a writer; you sound stupid.
This is so self-indulgent.
What do you know?
Nice, right? I’ve come to realise that while this voice is scathing, it’s trying to protect me—from shame, from rejection, and from one of my greatest fears being confirmed: that I’m not enough.
Now, I respond differently. Instead of automatically believing these thoughts, I engage in dialogue with my inner critic. Sometimes I’ll say, “I know you’re trying to protect me, but you’re not needed right now.” Other times, I’m less diplomatic. Either way, the power dynamic has shifted.
Redefining Leadership
For a long time, I believed that to be a leader, I had to be perfect. When I inevitably fell short (because I am human), I thought I had to hide those things and instead project an image of who I thought others needed me to be. But here’s what I’ve learned: the world doesn’t need perfect leaders—it needs honest ones. Leaders who admit when they don’t know something, take accountability, and say, “I’m sorry.”
I get that I speak from a place of privilege. Maya and I created Proud2Be, and we had the opportunity to decide what kind of culture we wanted to build and nurture. I know not everyone works in an environment where vulnerability is encouraged, where it’s safe to be open about imperfection. But just because the majority of organisations don’t adopt these practices doesn’t mean they’re right. By embracing vulnerability, we allow others to do the same.
The Challenges of Vulnerable Leadership
Of course, leading with vulnerability isn’t without its challenges or indeed the easy option. Not everyone will respect this approach. Some may see it as a weakness, misuse my openness, or attempt to take advantage.
That said, I remain committed to this path. Here’s how I continue to grow as a vulnerable leader:
Staying in therapy to unpick these patterns.
Surrounding myself with people who value me and recognise my worth.
Engaging in ongoing dialogue with my inner critic.
Recognising where my leadership style positively impacts others.
Curating what I consume, especially on social media.
Being my own biggest cheerleader.
A Call to Lead Authentically
If you’ve ever felt the grip of imposter syndrome, know this: you are not alone. Shame thrives in silence, so talk about it. Challenge the voice in your head that says you’re not enough. Seek out support, and distance yourself from anything or anyone that reinforces your self-doubt.
And finally, fight for leadership that prioritises vulnerability over optics, people over profit, and passion over perfection. The world will be better for it.
Feel free to reach out, share your story, or ask for support in navigating your own leadership journey. Let’s build a community of authentic leaders who understand that embracing vulnerability makes us stronger, not weaker. Together, we can break the cycle of imposter syndrome and lead with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
About the Author:
Max Price is the founder of Max Price Consulting, specialising in workplace culture development and leadership coaching and mentoring, with a focus on kindness and inclusivity. With over 13 years of experience as a co-founder of Proud2Be, Max is passionate about helping organisations create positive, supportive environments where everyone can thrive.
