Learn both how to recognise if you have these negative thoughts and how to banish them so you can perform better in your role.
Outwitting the “Imposter” in Your Own Mind
Peter Ryding—known as the CEO coach and turnaround whiz—recently dropped a brain‑boosting lesson for small‑business owners. In a chat with Managing Editor Richard Alvin in our podcast, he unpacked how the private bully we call imposter syndrome can choke growth and how to shut it down for good.
The “I’m Not Really Here” Mindset
Ironically, the grandest of self‑doubt shows up where you least expect it: at the top of the ladder. Senior leaders often shrug, “I just got lucky,” or “I don’t have the full playbook yet, but I’m winging it—gives me confidence.” They’re so used to the role that the inner critic mutters, “You’re not truly qualified.”
First Step: Own It
Recognition is the starting line. Imposter syndrome can weigh a career, derail a company, and sabotage success. A subtle hint that you’re stuck in the cycle is when someone walks up to you after a meeting and says:
- “Great job—You nailed those three key points.”
- “But next time, maybe work on… yeah, that’s a place to improve.”
If you feel like your ego gears are stuck on the ‘critic’ side, you’re probably letting the inner voice dominate. Most of us handle self‑talk like a task queue—pushing important stuff to the back while the nitpicking critic stays front‑and‑center, taking a direct toll on confidence.
Make Your Inner Best Friend
Start treating yourself as you would a supportive teammate or confidant. Smile at your achievements, give yourself props, and let the feedback do its job—without derailing your momentum. The trick? Shift from “I’m a fraud” to “I’m learning, growing, and getting stronger.”
Want to Keep the Good Vibes Going?
Listen to the full conversation with Peter Ryding on our podcast—just strum down that set of earbuds, and you’ll walk away with the tools to ditch the negative loops and keep building the business you’ve envisioned.
Treat yourself the way you would treat a best friend. You’d want them to focus on the positives.
Unmasking the CEO Within
Stop the self‑doubt drama
Ever spent hours getting to know a chief executive? I do, because the trick is to see past the façade and learn who the real person is. The moment you get that coaching insight, the brain‑generated myths—“I’m not cut out for the top spot” or “I’ll never cut my own teeth”—start to look like bad reruns.
You’re already a winner
Running a company puts you in the top 1 % of the crowd. Think of it like being on a private island with a secret clubhouse. That alone says you’ve got a combo of skill, grit, and a dash of sparkle that most people only dream of. So why let those random voices win?
Ask the tough questions
- What values are non‑negotiable for you? Imagine a list of your core principles. If a deal threatens any of them for a few extra dollars, say nope, thanks.
- Who is your future self? Picture yourself in your ideal role—maybe the visionary, the mentor, or the relentless problem‑solver. Who wants to sit at this table?
Never stop polishing the diamond
Every day offers another chance to sharpen your edge. Ask yourself: “What can I improve right now?” Even a small tweak can slide you closer to that top‑1 % status. And remember, growth isn’t a one‑time sprint; it’s a marathon filled with milestones and occasional detours.
Bottom line? You’re already on a winning track. Keep the stories that boost you, ditch the ones that undermine, and let the best version of you lead the way.
One really interesting question which often my clients take a few goes to come up with answer is: who must you stop being so that you can become the person that you want to be?
Letting Go: A Quick Guide to Shaping the Future You
We’re all juggling a handful of roles—kiddo, boss, couch‑potato, and the ever‑inspiring one that we’re dreaming of becoming. The problem?
There simply aren’t enough hours, energy, or brain‑space to be both the person we were and the one we’re trying to grow into.
Step 1: Spot the “sticky” items that’re holding you back
The hardest part is often not knowing what’s stopping me. Those nagging habits and old habits can feel like invisible boulders in a marathon.
Step 2: Ask the hard questions—facts, not feelings
- What’s the one skill I’ve been procrastinating on and why?
- Which daily routine keeps me stuck in a loop?
- When was the last time I truly felt alive at work?
- What’s the realistic budget of time and effort I can dedicate to becoming my future self?
Write down the answers. Let’s keep them data‑driven and not wishful.
Step 3: Draft a “realistic CV” of yourself
Instead of a fancy résumé, jot down:
- Current job titles and responsibilities
- Key strengths (e.g., hammering deadlines, crafting killer emails)
- Weak spots (like “I can’t hold a meeting under 10 minutes”)
- Things you’d do if you had no constraints
Step 4: Map the transformation
Look at that CV and ask: “Who am I, and who do I need to stop being to get to who I want to be?”
Maybe you’re the “drid‑d” who always says “yes.” To become the “bold” in leadership, you may have to learn to say “no” with confidence.
Final Thought
It’s all about shedding the clutter. Once you know what you’re handing over to your future self, the rest is just a game of choosing the new wardrobe.
As a coach I know that there are various things called scripts, imposters, rules and values which get in the way.
Rewriting Your Life’s Script: From Disney to Street‑Wise
Picture yourself as a film‑star—you’re handed a script, read every line, and deliver your performance exactly like the director wrote it. The first big moral: when you’re 18‑21, you’re drafting your own personal playbook. It tells you what sparks joy, what triggers irritation, and when you’ll hit the “meh” zone. But just like a blockbuster needs a fresh twist, your life’s playbook needs regular rewrites.
The Hilarious “No Beard” Rule
- Think about this guy who ran an IT startup. He had a hard‑to‑shake belief: bearded people are liars. So he refused to hire anyone with a whisker.
- The origin? A childhood scare—his uncle with a big beard tried messing around with him. Naturally, trust eroded.
- Fast forward 30 years: the big beard rule is still in play, yet it’s hampering growth.
- Result? The office stayed barely diverse until the consultant stepped in and rewired the rule.
Turning Toxic Rules into Empowering New Scripts
- Identify the negative belief (e.g., “Bearded folks are shifty”) and note its origin.
- Replace it with a new belief that opens doors (e.g., “A beard doesn’t dictate trustworthiness”).
- Implement the new rule: welcome a range of looks, spices, genius.
- Outcome? A more dynamic, innovative workplace, and the entrepreneur finally hires a bearded superstar coder.
Coach calls it rewriting your script. The take‑away: whenever you feel the need to cut a line—be it a belief or rule—pause, cut, and rewrite. Your life screenplay gets as exciting as you want it to be.
Deal with imposter syndrome right now
Conquering Imposter Syndrome
Ever feel like you’re just passing through your career instead of living it? That’s imposter syndrome for you—an invisible teacher that tells you you’re not good enough. The good news? You can outsmart it in a few simple steps.
1. Accept It’s a Thing
First thing first: acknowledge that this feeling exists. It’s like spotting a sneaky shape in the corner of your eye—you don’t dismiss it, you look at it.
2. Treat Yourself Like a Friend
Imagine you’re giving a pep talk to your best buddy. You’d say, “You’ve got this.” Then say the same to yourself. Drop the self‑deprecation and replace it with genuine kudos.
3. Define Reality With Real Facts
Write down three wins you’ve truly earned (no fluff). These are your facts—your evidence that you’re not just overthinking. Keep them handy like a good cheat sheet.
4. The 80/20 Rule Cheat Sheet
Picture two buckets: 80% of your happiness in the big bucket, 20% of your success in the small one. Spend most of your time boosting that 20%—the epic wins that carry you forward. When those big successes pile up, the imposter voice fades into silence.
5. Get a Coach—Your Secret Weapon
- Why? A coach is like a bodyguard for your confidence—he spots the hidden traps in your mindset.
- What does he do? He keeps the conversation confidential, challenges your self‑limiting beliefs, and reminds you that you’re a star, not a ghost.
- Result? You discover those early-life “rules.” Once spotted, those doubts get knocked out of the lineup.
Wrap‑Up
So, next time you feel that impostor ghost creeping around, remember: accept it, champion yourself, back it up with facts, hone your top wins, and bring a coach on board. With a little practice, the ghost fades, and you start celebrating your real self.