We’re Done Talking About Imposter Syndrome...And Here’s Why

Why We’re Done Talking About Imposter Syndrome...And Why You Might Want to Be Too

Let’s talk about imposter syndrome.

Actually, scratch that.

Let’s talk about why we’re no longer talking about imposter syndrome at Catalyst for Coaches.

For years, this term has been everywhere. Personal development, career advice, leadership talks, you name it. It’s been used to describe that nagging feeling that you don’t deserve to be where you are, that your success is a fluke, and that at any moment, someone’s going to expose you as not being as capable as they think.

And if that resonates with you, we get it.

But here’s the thing: we’re choosing to drop this term from our conversations, our marketing, and our coaching.

And we’re asking you to help us stay accountable.

Because imposter syndrome isn’t just a personal struggle, it’s a systemic issue.

Wait… Why Are You Dropping It?

Because imposter syndrome isn’t actually your problem.

It’s a symptom of something much bigger.

The term was first coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes to describe patterns of self-doubt among high-achieving women, despite evidence of their success. Over the years, it became shorthand for anyone questioning their abilities, even when they had clear evidence of their competence.

At first glance, that might sound like a helpful way to describe a shared experience. But here’s where it gets tricky:

• It places the problem on the individual instead of the system.
• It’s been turned into a weaponised buzzword that minimises real structural barriers.
• It’s being used to keep high-achievers second-guessing themselves, regardless of gender or industry.

Instead of asking, “Why do I feel like a fraud?” we should be asking:

• Why do women and marginalised groups disproportionately experience this in leadership, business, and corporate spaces?
• Why do academics (many with multiple degrees and decades of research) report feeling this way despite being experts in their field?
• Why do industries reinforce the idea that doubt is a normal part of being successful?

Imposter syndrome is no longer a concept, it’s a colloquial term thrown around to describe completely different experiences.

And the more we use it, the more we internalise the idea that self-doubt is inevitable, rather than questioning the structures that create it.

This Isn’t Just About Women. It’s a Global Issue.

While the term was originally identified in high-achieving women, this isn’t just a “women’s issue”.

People in academia, leadership, and corporate spaces report feeling the same thing. My husband (who is an snooty academic with letters after his name) sees this all the time. In research circles, it’s common to hear people say, “I feel like an imposter,” even when they’ve spent decades in their field.

It happens in business. In medicine. In creative industries. In sports.

Even when someone's hat is stuffed ot the brim with feathers, there is a societal expectation they should feel they don't deserve it.

Take Ilona Maher, a US rugby player, social media icon and Dancer With The Stars, who was asked about imposter syndrome in an interview. A feature spot on CNN. A piece, being broadcast to millions about her successes and journey...

Her response?

“I don’t have that. I deserve what I’ve gotten because I’ve worked hard for it.”

No disclaimers. No softening. Just ownership of success.

No 👏 Was  👏  A 👏 Full 👏 Sentence 👏

You can watch a clip of it here. 

What if that was the default response?

But Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Has Helped Me! Are You Saying It’s Not Real?

Nope. No way, No How.

If this term has given you language to describe your experience, if it’s helped you feel less alone, if it’s validated your feelings, that’s completely valid.

What we’re saying is: at Catalyst for Coaches, we’re actively choosing to shift the conversation.

• Because we don’t want to reinforce the idea that questioning your success is normal or inevitable.
• Because we do want to challenge the external structures that make high-achievers feel like they have to prove themselves over and over again. 

What We’re Choosing Instead

We’re working to replace the term it with conversations that actually empower people.

• Radical self-ownership:  Your success isn’t luck. It’s not a mistake. It’s yours.
• Calling out external barriers: The problem isn’t in your head. It’s in the system.
• Celebrating wins fully: No more shrinking, no more disclaimers, no more “I just got lucky.”
• Holding ourselves accountable: If we slip up and use this term, call us out.

So, What Would Change If We Took Its Power Away?

Imagine waking up tomorrow and never using the term “imposter syndrome” again.

What would be different?

• Would you put your prices up?
• Would you stop over-explaining why you deserve a seat at the table?
• Would you go for the big opportunity without questioning if you’re “ready” enough?

Because here’s the thing...you are.!

We Know This Won’t Land for Everyone, And That’s OK

Some people will still want to use this term. Some will find comfort in it. Some people know there is money in weaponising it. That’s their choice.

But for us?

We’re done with it.

And we want to hear from you.

• What would change if you stopped second-guessing your success?
• Does this shift something for you, or do you feel like the term is still valuable?
• What would it look like to fully own your success?

I am really interested to keep the conversation going on this.

It is going to be a journey. Between Cat and I, there is 100 (....oh my lawdy....) years of programming that has ingrained "Imposter Syndrome" into our psyche.

Will I make mistakes? Yup.

Will I use it in conversation? Probably.

Am I ready for it to be brought to my attention so me and others like me can stop feeling shame in our success? Abso-frikkin-lutely!

J xx

If you are keen on keeping the convo going, you can email me at [email protected]