Why High Achievers Still Feel Like Frauds — And What to Do About It
Posted on May 20, 2025 by Karsten Alva-Jorgensen, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
What is Impostor Syndrome? Why does it happen? What doesn't help? A better approach is available.
You’re smart. You’re capable. You’ve worked hard to earn your place. And yet, if you’ve ever thought “I don’t really know what I’m doing — and one day they’ll find out,” you’re not alone.
I still remember my surprise when early in my career, senior partners at the global consulting firm where I worked confided in me that they had such thoughts of being out of their depth, underserving of their seniority and afraid to be found out. It was then that I first realised that I was not the only one who could feel this way. What a relief!
Later I learned that these thougths and feelings have a name. This is impostor syndrome — and it’s far more common among high-achieving professionals than you might think.
What is impostor syndrome?
Impostor syndrome is the belief that you’re not as competent as others think you are — despite your track record. Success gets attributed to luck, timing, or connections instead of intelligence, effort, or skill.
Underneath the surface, many professionals — even senior leaders — live with a quiet fear of being “found out.” In fact, research shows that up to 80% of CEOs and managing directors have reported feeling out of their depth.
Why does it happen?
Impostor syndrome doesn’t appear out of nowhere. It often shows up in high-pressure environments or during key transitions — like a promotion, career change, or stepping into a more visible leadership role.
It’s also amplified when for example:
• You stand out or a different from others in your enviroment.
• You’re operating in unfamiliar territory.
• You were raised to equate worth with perfection.
• You work in cultures that reward performance, but not learning and feedback.
What doesn’t help?
Advice like “Just be more confident” often falls flat. That’s because feelings of self-doubt are the last thing to change. Instead, you need to shift the way you think — about competence, failure, and self-worth — and take action based on a more grounded perspective.
A better approach: Rethinking Impostor Syndrome™
As a licensed associate of the Impostor Syndrome Institute, I use a three-part framework that moves beyond pop-psychology tips and empowers real change:
1. Normalize: You’re not alone. Impostor feelings are a common, human response to stretching into growth — not a flaw to fix.
2. Reframe: Learn to challenge and rewrite the mental patterns that drive perfectionism, procrastination, and fear.
3. Keep Going, Regardless: Confidence is built by doing. You don’t need to feel 100% ready — you need to keep going, even when doubt shows up.
We will dive deep and equip you with tools to shift nagging imposter feelings so you can shift from having an Imposter Life to experiencing the occasional Imposter Moment.
Final thoughts
The costs are real… increased anxiety, missed opportunities, lower income, less challenging and exciting work, lower job and life satisfaction, burnout… the list goes on. If you’ve been holding back from going after what you want — a promotion, a raise, a new venture — it’s not because you’re not capable.
It’s because impostor syndrome is keeping your foot on the brake.
The good news? This can change.
With the right tools and guidance, you can move from self-doubt to self-leadership — and start showing up as the leader you already are.
My clients regularly experience a significant improvement in just 7 sessions by following my proven process. I would love the same for you.
