Even with decades of experience and a track record of achievements, imposter syndrome can rear its ugly head, especially when we venture into new territories or navigate unfamiliar industries. This struggle is especially prevalent for older women stepping into entrepreneurship later in life, where the pressures of ageism and the weight of expectations can fuel feelings of uncertainty.
I know the feeling well. In my 50s, after successfully serving as COO, I was asked to step into the CEO role at The Chooze Shop. Despite having two decades of experience and a career spanning leadership roles in higher education, sales and consulting, those feelings of self-doubt were nipping at my heels.
Even now, thriving in my role, that internal voice sometimes still whispers, “You don’t belong here”.
Over the years I have found ways to confront this voice, turning my experience into an asset, rather than a source of doubt. Here’s my advice.
Set realistic expectations
Women are often their own worst critics. We expect perfection in ways that we don’t from others.
Whenever I’m at an event, listening to a panel, or reading about another woman’s achievements, I have never thought, “They look old. Do they know what they are talking about? Who do they think they are?”. But my inner voice will often ask these questions of myself.
I’ve come to accept that no leader is perfect and mistakes are a natural part of the journey. As older women, we need to avoid agonising over professional photos, over analysing our responses to questions and doubting our right to be where we are.
Don’t use over-preparation as a crutch
Early in my career, I’d over-prepare, thinking that if I could cover every base, I’d ward off any sense of inadequacy. But this constant over-preparation and overcompensation just fueled my anxiety – and was a symptom of imposter syndrome.
Learn to trust in your experience and instincts. When that self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself of the crises you’ve managed, the teams you’ve developed and the difficult decisions you’ve made.
Draw on your previous experiences as a way to reassure yourself: “I’ve got this. I’ve done it before, and I can do it again”.
Reflect on your value and impact
One of the most effective ways I’ve tackled imposter syndrome is by regularly taking stock of my contributions. As women, we often downplay our achievements, moving quickly from one task to the next without truly acknowledging our impact. You need to stop and reflect on how your leadership has influenced your team and the organisation.
It may sound self-indulgent, but I keep a file of emails, positive feedback and data showcasing my contributions to remind me what I’ve delivered. When that inner voice of doubt starts to creep in, I can turn to these records as tangible proof of my capabilities. And yes, celebrating those wins, even quietly, is something I’ve come to embrace. After all, if we don’t stop to acknowledge our own successes, who will?
Be unapologetically yourself
As an older female leader, our age and experience are not weaknesses, but strengths. Younger versions of ourselves didn’t have the same insights or resilience that we do now. Too often, women hold back, worried about how they’ll be perceived. But if we don’t advocate for our ideas, if we don’t own our space, our contributions will go unheard.
And remember to be yourself. One of the most liberating shifts in my career was realising that I didn’t need to conform to traditional, male-dominated leadership styles. Gone are the days of trying to emulate the power suits of the ‘80s.
People see through any mask you wear, and inauthenticity will only erode your credibility over time. Stay true to who you are and you can build trust and respect from teams and peers alike.
Turn experience into empowerment
Imposter syndrome may never fully disappear, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. As older women in leadership, we bring an invaluable combination of experience, resilience and wisdom to the table. My advice to anyone feeling self-doubt is this: Stop waiting for permission. Trust in the decades of experience you’ve accumulated, own your achievements and speak with confidence. You’ve earned your seat at the table – it’s time to make the most of it.
