In this episode of Beyond Potential, Tom Emery and Tom Mason are joined by Kate Atkin, author of The Imposter Phenomenon: Why You Feel Like a Fraud and What to Do About It, to explore why "imposter syndrome" isn't actually the right term, and what's really going on when we don't believe we deserve our own success.

Kate explains the difference between phenomenon and syndrome, why imposter feelings aren't about humility but a genuine belief that our achievements weren't earned, and how factors like the "tall poppy" mindset, class, accent and early childhood labelling can quietly shape how we see ourselves for decades. She shares findings from her PhD research, and practical strategies like the "Yes, and" technique for genuinely internalising positive feedback.

The conversation also covers how imposter feelings act as a career inhibitor, holding people back from promotions or leading them to demote themselves, and what leaders can do differently when they spot these patterns in their team.

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Kate's book: The Imposter Phenomenon

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