Impostor Syndrome

Do you sometimes feel like you’re just playing a role and that your success will soon be revealed as a fluke? Impostor syndrome quietly creeps into our thoughts and whispers self-doubt, even when all the signs point to success. It makes us believe we are not good enough, even though we have worked hard to get where we are. This inner critic can act like an invisible wall that prevents us from realizing our true potential. But what if this doubt is unfounded? What if the real deceiver is not ourselves, but the voice that keeps us down? Maybe it’s time to expose the Impostor Syndrome and finally accept that we are exactly where we are supposed to be.

Podcast episode on Impostor syndrome

In this episode of the podcast, I welcome Sophie Küster, who tells us all about Impostor Syndrome. Sophie, who has been a guest on the podcast before, always brings new and human perspectives to the topic of quality and testing. We talk about the fear of being exposed as an impostor, even though there is no evidence of it. Sophie shares her own experiences and gives tips on how to deal with these feelings. We discuss the importance of sharing with others and realizing that you are not alone. An inspiring conversation that shows how you can be courageous and successful despite doubts.

“On the contrary, there is a lot of evidence for exactly the opposite. So, for example, I still feel like an impostor about my math diploma. Because I think, yeah, I’m so bad at math. How did I do that, that people believed for long enough that I could do enough math to get a diploma for it?” - Sophie Küster

As a child, Sophie wanted to be a ballerina or an astronaut, or both. Today, after gaining degrees in mathematics and yodeling, she is a test automation engineer at cronn, a software company in Bonn. After years of successfully chasing bugs, she now occasionally puts on her developer hat and simply writes the bugs herself. Sometimes she speaks at conferences, and since fate has given her a leg or two, she is particularly keen to raise awareness and improve communication about mental health and self-care.When she’s not at her computer, she can be found on a stand-up paddleboard, in a tent (surprisingly often in the rain) or on a ballet barre. Unfortunately, never in a spaceship.

Highlights of the Episode

• Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which those affected have the feeling that their successes are undeserved.
• Impostor syndrome is often not based on real evidence, but arises exclusively in the mind of those affected.
• A helpful strategy is to act self-confidently, even if this self-confidence is not initially perceived as authentic (“Fake it till you make it”).
• Praising yourself and being proud of your own successes is an important step in overcoming impostor syndrome.

Impostor syndrome: expose self-doubt and unleash your true potential

Are you an impostor - or do you just think you are?

Have you ever thought that your success is just a coincidence and that you could be exposed as a fraud at any time? Welcome to the club of Impostor syndrome! A phenomenon that afflicts even the most brilliant minds and makes us doubt our own abilities.

The trap of self-doubt: when the inner critic takes over

Self-doubt can drive you to improve. But when they get out of hand, they become a burden. Why do we allow our inner critic to be louder than our own successes? Perhaps it’s time to put a stop to it.

Three ways to stand up to Impostor syndrome

• Be authentic instead of perfect: No one is flawless. Show yourself as you really are - that makes you credible and human.
• Use the power of community: Talk to others about your doubts. You will be amazed at how many feel the same way.
• Knowledge is power: The more you learn about Impostor Syndrome, the better you can overcome it.

Perfection is an illusion - and that is liberating

We often chase after the ideal of perfection, but it always remains unattainable. And that’s a good thing! Imperfections make us unique. Mistakes are not weaknesses, but opportunities to grow. So why not let go of the pressure and just be yourself?

Acting instead of complaining: The first step counts

The way out of the Impostor Syndrome begins with the decision to no longer allow yourself to be ruled by self-doubt. Recognize your own value and let your true potential shine. The world doesn’t need perfect people, it needs authentic personalities.

Frequently asked questions about Impostor Syndrome