))
5. Challenging Misconceptions of Imposter Syndrome with Kris Kelso
Manage episode 480535128 series 3634651
What if imposter syndrome isn’t just a feeling of self-doubt but a side effect of success?
In this episode of The Impodsters Podcast, the hosts sit down with Kris Kelso, a thought leader on imposter syndrome, keynote speaker, and author of Overcoming the Imposter. With over 70,000 views on his TED talk about the topic, Kris shares his expertise on understanding and overcoming imposter syndrome, especially in high achievers and creatives.
The conversation kicks off with Kris's unique definition of imposter syndrome, describing it as “a pattern of thinking where a person systematically and persistently doubts the reality of their success, despite evidence to the contrary.” He also delves into the ongoing debate over the terms "imposter" vs. "impostor," and why some psychologists prefer calling it the “imposter phenomenon.”
Kris challenges the popular “fake it till you make it” approach and explains why it can lead to further erosion of confidence for those dealing with imposter syndrome. Instead, he advocates for cultivating “humble confidence” – acknowledging inexperience while trusting in the ability to learn and grow.
Throughout the episode, Kris emphasizes the importance of embracing failure and mistakes as part of the learning process, and discusses the significant role our societal norms and education system play in shaping a mindset where learning is seen as a one-time event, not a continuous journey.
Kris and the hosts explore how imposter syndrome manifests in high achievers and creatives, discussing how social media and the comparison trap can exacerbate feelings of self-doubt. They also touch on how certain leadership styles and workplace cultures can worsen these feelings by discouraging vulnerability.
Kris shares practical strategies for managing imposter syndrome, including focusing on measurable outcomes and using self-awareness as a tool for resilience. He also discusses the power of personifying the “inner critic,” or imposter voice, as a separate entity from one’s true self. This technique allows people to gain perspective and create distance from self-doubt.
With personal stories, actionable insights, and a focus on leadership strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with imposter syndrome in their career or creative pursuits. Stay tuned for the next episode, where the hosts will dive deeper into the experiences of another guest navigating imposter syndrome.
Time Stamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Kris Kelso and the topic of imposter syndrome
03:45 – Kris defines imposter syndrome and the debate over its spelling
06:30 – “Fake it till you make it” vs. developing “humble confidence”
10:00 – Why imposter syndrome affects high achievers and creatives
13:00 – The impact of social media and comparison culture
17:20 – Leadership’s role in addressing imposter syndrome in the workplace
22:15 – The importance of embracing mistakes and learning from failures
26:10 – Healthy self-doubt vs. paralyzing imposter syndrome
30:40 – Personifying the “inner critic” to manage self-doubt
34:50 – Final thoughts and a preview of the next episode
Resources Mentioned:
Access Kris Kelso’s website here
Access Kris Kelso’s book (Overcoming The Impostor) here
Kris Kelso's TED talk (over 70,000 views) here
Carol Dweck's book "Mindset"
Mel Robbins' work on collaboration and learning
Connect With Us:
Work With Mellisah Moyo:
5 episodes
Share
