Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Step Out of the Shadows with Confidence
Ashley Leeds Leeds 
Overcoming imposter syndrome & self-doubt! Learn how stepping outside your comfort zone builds confidence & helps you show up authentically.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Step Out of the Shadows with Confidence
Have you ever felt like you don’t belong?
Like you're about to be found out? Like you should probably just stay in the background where it’s safe?
You’re not alone.
And I know this because I’ve been there—many, many times. Even today!!!
A few weeks ago, I found a photo that took me straight back to one of those moments.
Me. 16 years old. Standing next to HRH Prince Charles (and now HRH King Charles iii).
At first glance, it looks like a proud moment. And I suppose it was. But all I could think about at the time was my awful acne, my awkward teenage self, and the feeling that I absolutely, definitely did NOT belong there.
That moment, frozen in time, sums up what imposter syndrome has felt like for most of my life.
And the crazy thing?
Even now, as a LinkedIn coach, international speaker, and business owner, that feeling still sneaks in.
Not all the time.
But sometimes.
When I walk into a big event. When I take the stage at a conference. When I post something vulnerable on LinkedIn.
That little voice whispers…
"What if people don’t take you seriously?"
"Who do you think you are?"
"You don’t belong here."
Sound familiar?
Why We Feel Like Imposters (Even When We’re Not)
Imposter syndrome isn’t just feeling nervous.
It’s a deep-seated fear that people will see through you, that you’re not as capable as they think, and that—any second now—someone is going to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Sorry, there’s been a mistake. You’re not supposed to be here.”
And the frustrating part?
It happens to the best of us.
CEOs. Thought leaders. Experts in their fields.
In fact, research shows that over 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers.
Even today I was listening to a Dragon from Dragon’s Den talking about his imposter syndrome and the interviewer was gobsmacked. It happens to all of us.
And I think that this is because WE CARE. And there is nothing wrong with that.
The more we step outside our comfort zone, the more we feel it. Because growth is uncomfortable.
But it doesn't have to be debilitating
The Best Way to Silence Imposter Syndrome? Show Up Anyway.
The trick isn’t to eliminate self-doubt—it’s to act despite it.
Every time I’ve pushed myself to show up—whether on LinkedIn, in business or on stage—I’ve learned something important:
💚 Nobody is thinking about me as much as I think they are.
💛 Most people are too busy worrying about their own insecurities.
💚 The only way to feel like you belong is to be consistent and KEEP SHOWING UP.
You don’t have to be the most confident person in the room.
You just have to be willing to walk into the room.
That’s why I do what I do on LinkedIn.
Because I know what it’s like to hesitate, to overthink, to sit on the sidelines while others take up space.
And I also know that the moment you start showing up, things change.
When I started posting consistently, I got more opportunities.
When I started engaging with my network, I built real relationships.
When I stepped onto the stage, I proved to myself and others that I do belong.
And now?
I help others do the same.
If You’re Struggling to Show Up, Start Here.
If imposter syndrome is holding you back, try this:
Take Small Steps
You don’t have to post a viral LinkedIn article or give a TED Talk tomorrow. Start by commenting, sharing a thought, or connecting with someone new. Comment on my posts, I am always encouraging and kind
Reframe Self-Doubt
That voice in your head saying “You’re not good enough”? Challenge it. Ask yourself, “What if I AM good enough?” What is the BEST that can happen?
Remember, You’re Not Alone
Everyone feels this way sometimes. The people you admire? People from Dragons Den, have struggled too.
Keep Showing Up
The more you put yourself out there, the easier it gets. Like I keep saying, be consistent.
And if you need a hand?
You know where to find me.
Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome?
What’s helped you step out of the shadows?
Categories: : Self Help
