Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Dr Orbe-Austin has worked with multiple companies and high-potential leaders to support them in their personal and professional journeys. Her work has been featured in many media publications and books on Imposter Syndrome, and in 2020, her book ‘Own Your Greatness: Overcome Imposter Syndrome, Beat Self-Debout, and Succeed in Life’ was published to support readers on their personal journeys to overcome Imposter Syndrome.

Discover her top tips for embracing your true potential at work, handling your insecurities, and how to overcome Imposter Syndrome.

The First Step is Admitting You Have a Problem.

As the saying goes, ‘you can’t solve a problem that you are not willing to have.’

According to Lisa, “The first thing that you can do is admit that you have Imposter Syndrome and be compassionate to yourself in that admission.”

Get to Know Your Imposter Syndrome.

So, you’ve admitted that you have Imposter Syndrome; now, it’s time to find out why.

What experiences shaped your Imposter Syndrome? What are the scenarios which trigger that feeling inside of you? These are all key questions to address when dealing with Imposter Syndrome.

“Identifying triggers and knowing their origin allows you to begin to disrupt the cycle.”

“Thicken Your Narrative” and Celebrate Accomplishments.

“Form a robust narrative about your skills, confidence and credentials. Own and celebrate your skills and accomplishments.”

Imposter Syndrome is firmly rooted in and nourished by the same misinformation that we tell ourselves about our inabilities over and over again. One way to fight that misinformation is to find another more compelling story to tell yourself about your achievements and your true worth.

Combat ANTs (Automatic Negative Responses) with Mindful Awareness.

Developing distance from negative spiraling thoughts is a key step towards learning how to overcome Imposter Syndrome.

Lisa coaches us to “recognise the thoughts that are happening automatically, and observe those thoughts”, then apply your counter-narratives in their place.

Develop a Growth Mindset Around Mistakes.

Unfortunately, modern work cultures are often engineered purposely to inspire productivity and high performance in ways that incite insatiable desire for approval and trigger a sense of imposter syndrome.

Watch out for these traps, and combat them with healthy attitudes.

“One of the hallmarks of an imposter syndrome triggering culture is one of stars and scapegoats. Get away from dichotomous views of people and focus on a growth mindset around mistakes.”

Whether you’re an employee or a manager, this is sage advice for anyone to recognise a toxic environment and change it. Mistakes are inevitable and necessary for the professional growth of employees and their organisation.

Build a community that will support you to overcome Imposter Syndrome.

If you find yourself in a triggering situation or environment, there is no need to face it alone.

Lisa informs us that “forming a community and finding people who nurture different types of culture” is crucial to surviving in a difficult environment.

Create safe spaces with like-minded people, so that you are never truly alone.