Women's Day 2025: 5 Strategies for Businesswomen to Overcome Imposter Syndrome, As Suggested By Industry Leaders

But this year, we’re flipping the script. Drawing insights from industry leaders Brinda Agrawal, Head of Marketing, Ultra Media & Entertainment Group and Rachita Kasliwal Co-founder, Medyseva, here are five actionable strategies to silence self-doubt and step into your power.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments, skills, or talents and fear being exposed as a "fraud," despite evidence of their competence. People experiencing imposter syndrome often attribute their success to luck, timing, or external factors rather than their own abilities. They live with a persistent belief that they don’t deserve their achievements and worry others will eventually discover they’re not as capable as they seem.

Ditch Perfection, Embrace Progress

Women often wait for ‘perfect’ readiness before taking risks, a mindset that stifles growth. Brinda Agrawal urges entrepreneurs to shift focus, “Business success isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency and adaptability. Learning happens during the journey, not before it.”

How to Act

• Start before you feel ‘100% ready.’
• View mistakes as proof of evolution, not incompetence.
• Celebrate incremental progress over flawless execution.

Rachita Kasliwal adds, “Set realistic goals by breaking large tasks into smaller steps. This builds confidence and prevents overwhelm.”

Own Your Expertise (No Validation Needed)

Women frequently downplay their skills, waiting for external approval to claim their worth. Brinda calls this out, “If you’ve put in the work, you ‘are’ an expert. Charge your worth, apply for leadership roles, and stop apologising for your knowledge.”

How to Act

• Create a ‘brag folder’ of accomplishments, client testimonials, and milestones (Rachita’s journaling tip).
• Use platforms like LinkedIn or YouTube to share your journey. “Digital storytelling builds credibility and self-belief,” says Brinda.
• Practice stating your achievements without qualifiers (“I led a team” vs. “I just managed a small project”).

Build Your Support Ecosystem

“Self-doubt thrives when you juggle everything alone,” says Brinda. Rachita adds, “A strong support system validates your worth and provides guidance.”

How to Act:

• Join women-led entrepreneurial networks (online or local).
• Seek mentors who’ve navigated similar challenges.
• Collaborate, don’t compete—share resources and celebrate peers’ wins.

Track Progress & Celebrate Small Wins

Imposter syndrome fixates on gaps, not gains. Rachita advises, “Keep a written record of accomplishments—big or small—and revisit it often. Celebrating tiny victories builds momentum.”

How to Act

• Journal daily wins (e.g., landing a client, mastering a new skill).
• Share milestones with your support network.
• Treat yourself to micro-rewards (a coffee break, a walk) after completing tasks.

Reframe Failure, Own Your Journey

Fear of failure paralyses potential. Brinda’s mantra? “Failure isn’t the end—it’s feedback. The most successful entrepreneurs adapt and keep moving.”

How to Act:

• Replace ‘I failed’ with ‘I learned.’
• Embrace your unique path. “There’s no single definition of success,” says Rachita.
• Share setbacks openly—vulnerability inspires others and normalises growth.

Imposter syndrome isn’t just personal—it’s rooted in societal biases. Rachita notes, “Gender stereotypes ingrain the idea that women can’t lead as effectively as men. Overcoming this requires rewriting internal narratives.”

But women are doing exactly that. By owning their expertise, building communities, and redefining success, entrepreneurs are paving the way for a future where self-doubt doesn’t dim their brilliance.

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Image Courtesy: Freepik