Imposter, Interrupted

Description

When nearly everyone in the room raises their hand to admit they experience imposter syndrome… it's time to stop calling it a “syndrome”. Questian and Nancy explore why this near-universal feeling shows up differently for high-achieving women in accounting—who, for various reasons, often push through it more slowly than men—examining the systemic and social roots that reinforce it. They share personal stories of feeling unqualified despite clear evidence to the contrary, and offer practical frameworks for recognizing, reframing, and finding relief from these persistent self-limiting beliefs.

Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Relay- https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Client Hub - https://www.clienthub.app/lp/shecounts

(00:00) - Introduction and Episode Overview
(01:06) - Personal Stories and Experiences with Imposter Syndrome
(03:37) - Defining and Debunking Imposter Syndrome
(11:44) - Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
(24:38) - The Broader Impact and Social Context
(28:06) - Understanding Extroverts and Introverts
(28:28) - Overperforming to Prove Yourself
(30:29) - The Realization of Knowledge Gaps
(32:02) - Roots of Imposter Syndrome
(32:34) - Gender Expectations and Workplace Dynamics
(33:55) - Personal Stories of Imposter Syndrome
(36:37) - The Impact of Social and Structural Norms
(40:02) - Self-Limiting Beliefs and Career Impact
(42:28) - Intersectionality and Imposter Syndrome
(47:47) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
(51:01) - Recognize, Reframe, and Relief
(55:12) - Tracking Success and Setting Metrics
(58:15) - Coping Mechanisms and Final Thoughts

Resources

Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/imposter-syndrome
Dr. Valerie Young - https://impostorsyndrome.com/impostor-story/
Tara Mohr “Playing Big” - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25310678-playing-big
Jennifer Dymond - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenndymond/
Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/?ref=857055
Scaling New Heights - https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2026
Bridging the Gap - https://www.btgconference.com/
Sheryl Sandberg - “... many people, but especially women, feel fraudulent when they are praised for their accomplishments. Instead of feeling worthy of recognition, they feel undeserving and guilty, as if a mistake has been made. Despite being high achievers, even experts in their fields, women can't seem to shake the sense that it is only a matter of time until they are found out for who they really are- impostors with limited skills or abilities.” - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16071764-lean-in

SPONSORS: Forwardly, Relay, Client Hub

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