014 - Triumph Over Imposter Syndrome: Empowering Female Entrepreneurs

Welcome to Women Powering eCommerce, where we embark on a journey as female entrepreneurs, exploring the highs and lows, and inspiring each other to achieve our business goals. In today's episode, we'll delve into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: imposter syndrome. Recent research shows that a staggering 75% of female executives and entrepreneurs have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. Let's explore this phenomenon together, learn from each other's experiences, and discover effective strategies to overcome it.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is that sneaky feeling of not measuring up and constantly questioning if you truly deserve your success. It's like having an inner critic who whispers, "Do you really belong here?" It affects both men and women, and as an entrepreneur, it can be particularly daunting. Thoughts like "Who am I to manage a business?" or "I didn't go to business school; am I qualified enough?" often creep into our minds. However, it's crucial to recognize that these thoughts are toxic and unhealthy.

Reframing Your Perspective

When imposter syndrome strikes, it's essential to reframe your perspective and shift from fear to excitement. Embrace the uniqueness of your position and consider it an opportunity to be a trailblazer in your industry. Instead of doubting your abilities, focus on the empowering feeling of being the only woman or one of the few at an event. By reframing the situation, you transform disempowering emotions into motivation and drive to overcome any challenge.

Reflecting on Accomplishments

Another powerful strategy is to remind yourself of your achievements. Take a moment to look back at how far you've come in your entrepreneurial journey. Recognize the skills you've acquired, the obstacles you've overcome, and the successes you've achieved. This reflection allows you to gain perspective, reaffirm your capabilities, and silence the inner critic. Acknowledging your accomplishments sets the record straight and boosts your confidence.

Connecting with Fellow Female Entrepreneurs

Connecting with like-minded individuals who understand your daily struggles as a woman in business can be immensely beneficial. Consider attending virtual networking events or seeking out opportunities to interact with other female entrepreneurs. By sharing experiences, challenges, and successes, you'll realize that you are not alone in your journey. These connections provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, empowering you to overcome imposter syndrome.

Avoiding the Comparison Trap

It's human nature to compare ourselves to others, but when it comes to imposter syndrome, comparing can be detrimental. Each entrepreneur has a unique journey, and it's important to focus on your individual progress rather than constantly comparing yourself to others. While healthy competition can be motivating, comparing your achievements to someone else's can undermine your self-esteem. Instead, strive to become a better version of yourself by setting personal goals and measuring your progress against your own past achievements.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Remember that imposter syndrome is a common experience among executives and entrepreneurs. Feeling like an imposter occasionally is normal, and it's possible to overcome it. By recognizing that imposter syndrome affects many successful individuals, you can find solace in the fact that you're not alone. Embrace the knowledge that you have the strength and resilience to overcome these feelings. Cultivate a positive mindset, celebrate your achievements, and seek support from your network to conquer imposter syndrome whenever it arises.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Women Powering eCommerce. We've explored the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome and discussed strategies to overcome it. Remember that you are not alone in this journey. By reframing your perspective, reflecting on your accomplishments, connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, avoiding comparison, and cultivating resilience, you can conquer imposter syndrome and thrive in the world of e-commerce. Your support is crucial, so please rate, share, and follow us on social media and your favorite podcast platform to stay connected. Together, let's empower and inspire more women entrepreneurs to achieve their goals. See you next time!

Episode Transcription

014 - Triumph Over Imposter Syndrome: Empowering Female Entrepreneurs

(00:00):
Welcome e-commerce empresses to this episode of Woman Powering ECommerce. Join me every Tuesday and Thursday as I take you behind the scenes of my journey as a female e-commerce entrepreneur. Together we'll explore the highs, the lows, inspiring you to take action and achieve your own business goals. So let's get started.

(00:32):
I absolutely want to share with you a recent discovery I made. I just came across a fascinating study by KPMG and it really hit close to home. It turns out that a staggering 75% of female executives, so just like you and me, have dealt with imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. Can you believe that? That's a lot. 75%, that's three out of four people. And imposter syndrome if you've never heard of it, I would doubt that, but just in case you have never heard of it, it's a sneaky feeling of not measuring up and constantly questioning if you're truly qualified for a job. It's like your inner critique that's always whispering, "Are you sure you deserve to be where you are right now?"

(01:31):
It can be tough, but knowing that we're not alone in this struggle is actually quite comforting. I don't know if you think that, I think so. And I felt like this several times. Not all the time, but sometimes. And I feel like this mostly I'd say, let's say go to some e-commerce events where not a lot of women are attending, for example. It doesn't have to do with men or women. Sometimes you just feel like an imposter as an entrepreneur because, "Who am I? I did not go to business school. I used to second math when I was at school. So what tells me I'm going to be good to manage a business?" So all those things creep up into your mind and then you feel like you don't belong or what you do maybe. But that's very toxic, very unhealthy to think that way. Yeah, so I've asked myself that question a lot of time. Do I really belong here?

(02:30):
But when this happens, I don't stay stuck in that emotional state for very long. Quickly, I try to reframe and tell myself a few things. Maybe I can share them with you.

(02:43):
So one of the things that really helps me to reframe myself and that's probably the number one thing I'll do now when something like this happens is instead of being like, "Oh, do I really belong here?" I'll tell myself, "That's super cool. I get to be the only woman or almost the only woman at the event, or I get to be the trailblazer in the industry that I am in." It's about turning fear into excitement. I feel there are kind of close emotions, but very different all at once. And one of those emotions will just not be beneficial and disempower you. But the other one, excitement, that just empowers you to take up the challenge and just move forward. So that's definitely my favorite.

(03:35):
Another thing I think that has helped me a lot and helps me when this happens to me, when I tell myself things that are true is just look back at what I've accomplished. Where did I start at and where am I today? And it's easy to see, "Okay, well, I've learned this, I've learned that. I was able to do a lot of things that not everyone are able to do in their lifetime." So just look at your accomplishments and it sets the record straight, I find.

(04:08):

So another thing is also that I like to connect with other female entrepreneurs once in a while. I actually had a great one-hour virtual networking event the other day, it was short and sweet. It just allowed me to chat with other wonderful women who understand our daily struggle sometimes as a woman. It's great. It was wonderful, and I need to do that more often. I don't, but I'll try and put that a little bit more into my routine. You make nice connections and it just makes you feel that you belong where you are.

(04:50):
Another thing not that I'm doing as much, and I'll be honest, I'm working on this one, it's not to compare myself with others. I try not to do that. I would lie if I said I never do that. I still do compare myself to other women or any other business owners basically. Oh, well, I should be there. Sometimes I tell myself, "They've done that. Maybe I should be where they're at now. Have I not worked hard enough?" But there's nothing positive about comparing yourself. That's what I realize. I feel maybe there's sometimes a little positive competition that can help drive you forward, that's healthy. But in general comparing yourself to others, other businesses or business owners, we all have our own journey. I think the best thing we can do is just compare ourselves with ourselves. So working on that. Again, I'm saying that as if I'm always comparing myself to others, I am not. But it's just I think one thing I feel I have to work on still.

(06:00):
I've learned that I am not alone. Remember the study, 75% of female executives or I'll just add an entrepreneurs, that's not part of the study, but we understand the point. We all almost at one point in our life, in our careers, felt the imposter syndrome happening. So I'm happy, I don't feel alone. It's totally normal to feel this way once in a while. And what I also learned is that it's possible to overcome it because I feel like I have for most of it. But we all have our bad days or good days, so it can happen. But I find that it's a good reminder to remind myself that it's normal, but it's also possible to overcome that feeling.

(06:42):

Thank you for your support. It is definitely crucial in my journey and into helping reach more women entrepreneurs. And if you like this episode or like my podcast, take a moment, rate, share. I'd appreciate it. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I hope you gained valuable insights and inspiration today to keep growing and taking action towards your goals. Please follow me on social media. Also follow us on your favorite podcast platform to get notifications every time a new episode is uploaded. See you next time.