73: Own Your Genius: Reclaim Confidence Beyond Imposter Phenomenon

Discover how the “Imposter Phenomenon” holds high-achieving women back—and learn actionable strategies to reclaim your confidence. In this episode, Sharon Ehrlich, leadership expert and executive coach, unpacks the origins of intellectual phoniness, explores how systemic bias fuels self-doubt, and shares three proven exercises, Evidence Backlog, Peer Reality Check, and a Reframing Mantra, that turn uncertainty into empowerment. Ready to lead with unshakable authority? Give this episode a listen!

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Connect with Sharon Ehrlich on LinkedIn.

Sharon Ehrlich is a leadership strategist and executive coach who helps overwhelmed leaders and stalled teams create real momentum. Her work focuses on clarity, communication, and impact so leaders stop spinning and start moving forward.

Through targeted workshops and 1:1 coaching, Sharon supports organizations facing misaligned priorities, breakdowns in communication, and disengagement. Her clients see fast, practical shifts. Teams collaborate more effectively, decisions land with confidence, and leaders show up with intention instead of urgency.

She is also the creator of Project Unignorable, a leadership experience designed to help high-performing women stop waiting to be noticed and become known for their impact.

This podcast delivers direct, practical insights for leaders who want to think clearly, lead strategically, and be recognized for the value they already bring.

Curious to see how she can help you solve your toughest leadership or team challenge? Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn to start the conversation.

Transcript

73: Own Your Genius: Reclaim Confidence Beyond Imposter Phenomenon

Welcome to the Living While Leading podcast. I’m Sharon Ehrlich, a leadership development expert and executive coach. I’ve spent decades navigating boardrooms built by and for people who didn’t look, sound, or think like me. Today, I want to talk with you about the Imposter Phenomenon, why it isn’t a medical condition you need to fix, and how you can transform those feelings of “phoniness” into a powerful growth signal.

Find the full transcript and other resources for women leaders at LivingWhileLeading.com/73.

Imposter Phenomenon Unpacked: Why ‘Phenomenon’ Matters More Than ‘Syndrome

The term “Imposter Phenomenon” was coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes. They studied high-achieving women who felt like frauds despite clear success, and they deliberately chose the word “phenomenon” instead of “syndrome.” Calling it a syndrome implies a medical diagnosis, something broken that needs a cure. But imposter phenomenon describes an internal experience of intellectual phoniness—it’s not a pathology, and you are not broken. You don’t need to be fixed; you need to understand where those feelings come from and reclaim your confidence.

It’s important to recognize that imposter phenomenon is influenced by both internal doubts and external stressors. Sexism, racism, and discrimination create an environment where women—especially women from under-represented identity groups—are constantly reminded that they don’t belong. 
 
 When you walk into a meeting as the only woman or the only person of color, the unspoken message is that you’re out of place. Those environmental pressures fuel the imposter feelings you experience. Your version of imposter phenomenon will look different from anyone else’s because it’s a deeply personal response to your identity, your voice, and the world around you.

Discomfort as Compass: 3 Proven Exercises to Turn Imposter Doubt into Growth

So what if those feelings of phoniness could become your guideposts? That knot in your stomach, that voice whispering “you don’t belong,” can be a signal that you’re stretching beyond your comfort zone. Think of it like muscle soreness after a workout: the discomfort means you’re growing. When you feel that twinge of doubt, notice it, acknowledge it, and then ask yourself what new skill or experience you’re about to gain.

I’d like to share three simple exercises you can start today to transform paralyzing doubt into actionable confidence. 

1. Keep an evidence backlog. Each evening, write down three wins you had that day—maybe you led a productive meeting, solved a tough problem, or received positive feedback. Over weeks and months, this backlog becomes a living portfolio of proof you can revisit whenever doubt strikes.
2. Enlist a peer reality check. Find a trusted colleague or coach and set up a brief, regular check-in. During these sessions, ask them to call out your blind-spot strengths—things you’re so used to doing well that you might take them for granted. Hearing an external voice say, “You lead with clarity,” or “Your strategic insights are sharp,” creates a mirror that balances your inner critic.
3.  Develop a reframing mantra. Choose a short, factual affirmation that speaks to your real achievements, like “I’ve delivered five successful product launches—my expertise is real.” Repeat that phrase before any high-stakes moment—whether it’s a presentation, negotiation, or performance review. Repetition trains your brain to believe the concrete facts over the doubting voice.

Confidence Architects: How Executive Coaches Build Your Identity Mosaic

As an executive coach, my role is to be an ally and an architect for your confidence. I start by normalizing Imposter Phenomenon: simply naming it lifts its secrecy and power to shame. Then I use Socratic questioning, asking, “What advice would you give a friend in your shoes?”—to help you see the unfair standards you hold yourself to. Finally, we build an Identity Mosaic together, mapping out all the parts of you—your identity, your years of leadership experience, your cultural fluency—so you can see how your unique background is a strategic asset, never a deficit.

Anchor to Springboard: Overcoming Bias and Owning Your Seat at the Table

Imposter Phenomenon might feel like an anchor, but you can turn it into a springboard. Remember that those internal doubts are growth signals, not evidence of brokenness. Acknowledge the systemic factors, sexism, racism, discrimination, and other inequities that fuel those feelings, but don’t let them define your story. Use the Evidence Backlog to collect proof, the Peer Reality Check to gain perspective, and the Reframing Mantra to rewire your brain. Your identity and leadership experience are your greatest strengths. So, step into every room knowing you belong there!

If you’re struggling with the Imposter Phenomenon and are ready to strategize how to overcome it and lead with unshakable confidence, book a 90-minute OWN THE ROOM session with me. Visit LivingWhileLeading.com or send me a direct message on LinkedIn to schedule. I look forward to partnering with you on this journey.

Remember, you’re the solution to claiming what’s important to you!