Keywords: Impostor Syndrome, Leadership
The topic of impostor syndrome has been briefly touched upon at both WSDS Conferences; however, it is important to have an open discussion about this issue with developing and present female leaders. There are many successful people who ask the question “What am I doing here?” or “One of these days people will realize I do not know as much, or do not have the skills, that they think I do.”
The goal of the presentation is to have an open discussion covering:what Impostor syndrome is, why some of us have these feelings,and how to deal with these feelings.
I would prefer a panel of people who have identified having difficulties in this area to openly discuss: when and how they became aware of these feelings of “What am I doing here?” or “People will find out I am not as smart as people think I am.” and ways they have dealt with these feelings.
Over the past few years, as Chair of Statistics Without Borders, I have read articles, listened to many TED talks, and talked to some professionals (usually life-coaches). I also briefly mentioned this in my talk “Leadership Development Through Volunteer Activities “at the 2016 WSDS Conference. I will create a list of references.