Why Imposter Syndrome Is So Prevalent In Female Founders

Starting a business of my own and working as a coach with my chosen area of female solopreneurs, I’ve experienced everything you’re about to read and have seen how imposter syndrome sneaks in to undermine confidence and make your business journey even more challenging.  So, what is imposter syndrome?  Let’s look at what it is, why and how it might show up in your life, and practical steps to move through it.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is that nagging feeling that you’re not as capable as others think you are, a feeling that somehow you’ve fooled everyone into believing in you. It’s only a matter of time before you're found out as a fraud despite the genuine successes you’ve achieved!  It’s familiar and frustrating to hold you back from the self-confidence you’ve earned and deserve to feel.  

For female founders developing and growing a business, this can be incredibly crippling.  You’re already juggling everything by yourself, battling the inner voice that keeps telling you you’re not good enough.  The good news is you’re far from alone feeling this way, and there are strategies to help you overcome it.

Why does imposter syndrome show up for female founders?

Imposter syndrome thrives in environments with little external validation or when you’re stepping into a role that feels new or unfamiliar - being a female founder of your own business is new AND unfamiliar, especially if it’s your first business. 

Work-life balance presents a huge challenge for women. In trying to “do it all,” you create pressure on yourself that can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt when you don’t meet the expectations initially imposed by society.  

Many women who consider a business of their own don’t even get started due to imposter syndrome; this might be due to a lack of confidence, past failures, lack of self-belief and being told you’re not good enough or clever enough!  

Making mistakes and failing are all part of learning and personal growth, but the scars left from past failures make it hard to keep going.  Adverse experiences like toxic bosses or traumatic events also lead to self-doubt and internalised feelings of incompetence.  However, if imposter syndrome shows up for you, there are strategies to help you work through it.

How imposter syndrome might show up for you

The negative feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt feed imposter syndrome, which can manifest in different ways and subtly undermine your efforts as a solopreneur. 

1. Constant self-doubt

You might find yourself second-guessing every decision, wondering if you’re making the right choices, or feeling like you must consult a million sources before moving forward.  This persistent self-doubt and hesitation can slow your progress and keep you in analysis paralysis. 

2. Overworking to prove yourself  

You might feel like you need to work harder than everyone else to prove you deserve to be where you are.  This can lead to burnout by pushing yourself to the limit and trying to keep up with perceived expectations. 

3. Perfectionism

Women are generally more likely to set extremely high standards and unrealistic expectations for themselves.  Beware of setting the bar so high that you can’t reach it.  Falling short of your expectations fuels the belief of not being competent enough.

4. Fear of failure

The fear of being “found out” can hold you back from saying yes to new opportunities; you play small to stay in the safety of your comfort zone, which avoids any possibility of failing.  Various reasons, including past experiences and perfectionism, can cause fear of failure.

5. Difficulty accepting praise  

When you’re complimented for your work, you might deflect it, put it down to good timing or as a result of someone else's help, or do anything to avoid accepting the praise!  Not acknowledging or accepting this positive feedback prevents you from fully integrating your accomplishments, which helps build self-confidence.

6. Underpricing your services

The temptation to offer a lower price to compensate for what you perceive as a lack of expertise or experience.  So many women are charged for what they do (me included in the past!)  The business of being in business is to make money!

Strategies to overcome imposter syndrome.

So, what can you do to move through these feelings and reclaim your confidence as a female founder and solopreneur?

1. Build Self Awareness

Start by recognising when imposter syndrome has come into play. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, especially when anxious or unsure. Making notes of these feelings as they arise, as well as your environment and the people you’re surrounded by can help you spot patterns and triggers. Have a dedicated journal to hand in every day to keep track.

2. Celebrate Your Wins

This is one of my favourites, and it made a big difference for me.  No matter how small, celebrate every win.  Keep a dedicated folder to store feedback and document your achievements and moments of pride.  Print off testimonials, and write your comments about how you feel as a result of receiving the feedback.  Storing your wins this way is a powerful reminder of your capabilities when self-doubt creeps in.  I have a folder in my phone full of screenshots of feedback & lovely comments, easy to access when I’m out & about.

3. Connect with like-minded women

You don’t have to do it alone.  Build yourself a network.  Seek out other female solopreneurs, and attend networking groups where you can share experiences, get advice and offer support.  The power of a room full of women together all building a business is one of the most empowering experiences I’ve had.  Don’t be afraid to try different groups; some will fit you, and some won’t; you’ll know what feels right for you.

4. Challenge Your Negative Thoughts

When you catch yourself thinking you’re not good enough, challenge that thought and ask yourself, “What evidence do I have that this isn’t true?” (Tip: flip through your dedicated wins folder to create the habit of finding the proof)  You’ll often find that the negative thoughts aren’t based on reality, but in deeply ingrained stories you believe about yourself.

5. Set Manageable Goals

Break down bigger goals into smaller, achievable and actionable steps. Not only does this make the process less overwhelming, but it also provides more opportunities to celebrate your progress, which boosts your confidence, so next time is less of an obstacle.

6. Reframe Failure as Learning

View every failure as a learning opportunity; we learn and improve by failing first.  What can you take away from the experience to help your personal growth?  Shifting this perspective makes it easier to take risks and embrace new challenges.

7. Prioritise Self Care

Running a business alone can be exhausting, and neglecting self-care and compassion is easy.  Always be kind to yourself.  Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial to staying “mentally buoyant”.  Schedule time for activities that recharge and make you feel good; this can be exercise, meditation, or simply taking a break.  Whether you take a trip to the gym or a walk around the block, any movement is the perfect way to interrupt negative thought patterns.  Find what works best for you.

8. Invest in Your Growth

Continuous learning is a great way to build confidence.  This might be taking a course, attending a workshop or reading a book; investing in your skills and knowledge helps reinforce your belief in your capabilities.

When you recognise and overcome imposter syndrome, you feel better and position yourself to achieve more in your business.  Confidently stepping into your female founder and solopreneur role and having the courage to tackle challenges will lead to more significant opportunities to grow your business and a more fulfilling work-life balance.  Your success will inspire other women to do the same, creating a positive ripple effect.

The imposter syndrome will try to convince you that what you’re already doing isn’t worth the effort—don’t listen! It’s a voice in your head trying to keep you safe, acting as a self-defence mechanism to protect you from disappointment. It’s not a true reflection of your abilities.  

Recognise and address the feelings that arise so you can move through self-doubt and step fully into being your boss and successful solopreneur. You’re not alone in these feelings. Learn to be open about how you feel in conversations, and I bet many other female founders feel or have felt the effects of imposter syndrome in the past.  

Develop a plan for yourself to beat the effects of imposter syndrome as they arise. Over time, the effects will become less of an issue as you learn to listen and manage the signs that threaten to stop your progress.