Alice Bo-Wen Chang
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Challenging the Imposter Phenomenon: Building Confidence, Community, and Change

Challenging the Imposter Phenomenon – Oct 2025

Last week, our Friends of Equate network came together for an inspiring event — Challenging the Imposter Phenomenon — a day of honest conversations, practical insights, and community connection.

The event explored how imposter feelings affect women and underrepresented groups in STEM and beyond — and, more importantly, how we can collectively challenge the systems and cultures that create them.

Throughout the day, participants shared stories, reflections, and laughter. The atmosphere was open, supportive, and full of energy — with many commenting that the discussion and questions helped foster a sense of community and shared experience, which was both reassuring and confidence-building.

💬 Panel Discussion: Challenging the Imposter Phenomenon

Challenging the Imposter Phenomenon 2025

Chaired by Dr. Ellen Davis-Walker, Equate Scotland’s Training and Engagement Co-ordinator, our panel brought together diverse perspectives from:

  • Charlotte Dixon, Executive Coach & Business Psychologist

  • Lynn Houmdi, Senior Manager, The Challenges Group

  • Dr. Bridgette Rickett, Head of Institute of Social Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University

  • Abibor Yinfaowei, Technology Associate, Morgan Stanley

Panellists shared both professional insights and personal reflections on overcoming self-doubt and challenging “impostering cultures” in the workplace.

Key takeaways included:

  • Focus on your strengths and transfer that confidence into new areas.

  • Management training must be embedded into policy and practice to make real impact.

  • When facing interview nerves, focus on your problem-solving process, not just outcomes.

  • “Imposterising cultures” can erode confidence — it’s not about fixing individuals, but improving environments.

  • Peer networks and mentoring play a vital role in helping people feel seen and supported.

One participant shared,

“I learned that imposter syndrome can be created by the environment and people around you who don’t make you feel welcome — that ‘you’re not part of our tribe’ vibe.”

🧭 Breakout Session 1 — Crafting Confident CVs

Challenging the Imposter Phenomenon 2025 – Crafting Confident CVs

Facilitated by Dr. Ellen Davis-Walker, this practical session encouraged participants to reflect on their values, strengths, and career goals — and how to communicate them with confidence on their CVs.

Attendees explored new ways to structure their experience and identify the skills and achievements that make them stand out. As one participant said,

“I found the CV structure — especially the buzz words and key points — most helpful.”

Several also commented that they wished they could attend more than one breakout — a reflection of the appetite for continued growth and connection within the Friends of Equate community.

🌱 Breakout Session 2 — Building Support, Not Fixing Women

Challenging the Imposter Phenomenon 2025 – Building Support, Not Fixing Women

Led by Lesley Morris from The Challenges Group, this session tackled the roots of imposter syndrome and its deep connection to systemic inequality.

With striking facts — from the persistent gender pay gap to lower employment rates for minority ethnic groups and disabled people — the conversation reframed imposter syndrome as a cultural issue, not a personal failing.

As one participant reflected,

“Hearing different thoughts and the discussion was most helpful.”

The session encouraged adopting a growth mindset — embracing learning, reframing challenges, and recognising that confidence grows when we create supportive, inclusive environments.

💻 Breakout Session 3 — Developing a Digital Mindset

Challenging the Imposter Phenomenon 2025 – Developing a Digital Mindset

In this session, Charlotte Dixon explored what it means to develop confidence in an AI-driven world.

Participants discussed how a digital mindset isn’t about mastering every tool, but about staying curious, adaptable, and collaborative.

Key reflections included the importance of reading AI tool policies carefully, understanding environmental impacts, and managing imposter feelings by challenging negative thought patterns.

One participant noted,

“It helped make AI feel more accessible and helped me to consider my own thought patterns.”

💜 Reflections & Next Steps

The Challenging the Imposter Phenomenon event reminded us that confidence doesn’t grow in isolation — it flourishes in community.

We left feeling inspired by the honesty, courage, and camaraderie of our Friends of Equate participants, who reminded us that while imposter feelings may be common, they’re not inevitable — and they can be challenged through connection, awareness, and collective action.

Stay tuned for upcoming Friends of Equate events and workshops, where we’ll continue to create spaces for women and allies to learn, share, and grow together.

#FriendsOfEquate #EquateScotland #ImposterSyndrome #WomenInSTEM #InclusiveWorkplaces #GrowthMindset #CareerConfidence #Community

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