Evolving Perspectives on Impostor Syndrome

Impostor Syndrome, which refers to an internalized belief that you are a professional fraud and not as accomplished as others perceive you to be, has for several years been a topic of increasingly open conversation in the academy. Is it time to let the concept go?

In 2021, two experts on race, gender, and inclusivity in the workplace co-authored an article in the Harvard Business Review, argue that the concept of impostor syndrome is problematic. They raise questions about why impostor syndrome exists in the first place and what role systemic racism and bias, especially in the workplace, may play in fostering and exacerbating it. 

• Read Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey’s article, "Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome."Harvard Business Review, February 11, 2021.  
• Listen to an interview with the authors on Brene Brown’s Spotify podcast Dare to Lead, October 11, 2021.
• Listen to an episode of the Hidden Brain podcast/public radio show on “The Psychology of Self Doubt,” December 16, 2021.
• Listen to an episode of NPR's Life Kit on the multiple factors that contribute to the impostor phenomenon, February 14, 2021.