Impostor Syndrome is a psychological state that resonates with countless entrepreneurs, regardless of their background or journey. However, when we delve into the world of minority and female entrepreneurship, a unique perspective emerges that reveals the hidden struggle that many minority entrepreneurs face in their pursuit of success. In this article, we will explore the impact of impostor syndrome on female and minority entrepreneurs and present a few practical strategies they can follow to conquer their ‘hidden struggle’.
Understanding Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which an affected individual experiences persistent self-doubt and the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of competence (Wilding, 2020). According to psychologist Jess Baker, impostor syndrome springs from a person’s anxiety about humiliating themselves, paired with a fear of failure and a drive towards perfectionism (cited in Burn-Callander, 2019). Interestingly, it is a phenomenon more common and universal than one may have wondered, affecting people from all backgrounds.
Why do Entrepreneurs struggle with Impostor syndrome?
Entrepreneurs are not an exception to this. Most entrepreneurs are more likely to fall victim to this disabling yet often hidden predicament, which partly arises out of the ever-demanding nature of their job (Jess Baker, cited in Burn-Callander, 2019).
The enterprise world is comprised of a complex universe of initiative-taking. Entrepreneurs are constantly asked to step out of their comfort zone and strive for success. No wonder they might struggle with keeping up with the constant pressures to be high performers and innovators.
Impostor syndrome in minority and female entrepreneurs
While these feelings of perfectionism and fear-driven anxiety can be experienced by everyone impostor syndrome can often take its toll on minority and female entrepreneurs. Often people who excel but come from underrepresented backgrounds or are marginalised in their field are the ones most prone to experience impostor syndrome (Dorsey, 2023). People often report entering vicious cycle of constantly doubting their skills and achievements, while worrying, doubting themselves and experiencing fear (Wilding, 2020). They often report intensified feelings of inadequacy, even though their achievements or the positive feedback they receive from others indicate otherwise (Wilding, 2020). Impostor syndrome is an especially common phenomenon for people of colour and female entrepreneurs, who might experience a heightened sense of not fitting in (Dorsey, 2023).
External factors such as discrimination, bias, and stereotypes, as well as the pressure to represent minority communities positively, further compound minority entrepreneurs copping through the impostor syndrome (Ali, 2020). Female entrepreneurs are an underrepresented group in business who are particularly susceptible to the impostor syndrome trap, especially when they venture into male-dominated fields (Young Entrepreneur Council, 2018).
The Weight of Stereotypes and Perfectionism
An equally significant factor that exacerbates impostor syndrome for minority entrepreneurs is the weight of stereotypes – social, cultural, or others. Often, minority entrepreneurs find themselves battling not only their internal doubts and struggles but also other people’s expectations of them to prove themselves to be successful (Ali, 2020). As a consequence, this added pressure to succeed can take its toll on their confidence and magnify their feelings of inadequacy.
The Way Through: Navigating Impostor Syndrome
Overcoming impostor syndrome for minority and female entrepreneurs can be a challenging task. Fortunately, though, entrepreneurs are precisely those bold individuals who thrive on embracing challenges head-on! The following are some strategies that can help them in the process:
- Acknowledge Your Achievements: Take the time to celebrate your successes. Keeping a record of your achievements can serve as a powerful reminder of one’s capabilities.
- Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Reach out to mentors and peers who can provide guidance and support. Securing the support of someone who believes in your potential can be a game-changer.
- Resist Stereotypes: Try not to let external stereotypes define your worth or your abilities. Remember that having the required skills and enough determination are the basic ingredients to success.
- Embrace Failure: Understand that setbacks and failures are a natural part of entrepreneurship. Instead of seeing them as signs of personal inadequacy, view them as what they are: valuable opportunities for learning and growth.
- Build a Supportive Community: Surround yourselves with like-minded individuals who share your aspirations and challenges. Building a supportive community can provide a safe space to discuss and overcome impostor syndrome.
Takeaway
As we continue to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in entrepreneurship, it is imperative to recognise and address the unique challenges faced by minority entrepreneurs. The “hidden struggle” of the impostor syndrome is one of them. Despite evidence of their success, many female and minority entrepreneurs are especially afflicted by this phenomenon.
Fortunately, there are mechanisms and strategies through which marginalised and minority entrepreneurs can navigate their way through and out of impostor syndrome, breaking the vicious cycle of self-sabotage. By understanding where the impostor syndrome stems from and following the strategies outlined in this article, marginalised entrepreneurs can embrace their true potential and achieve a more dynamic presence in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Resources
Burn-Callander, R. (2019, May 16). Why Imposter Syndrome matters. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/women-entrepreneurs/imposter-syndrome-women-careers/
You’re not powerless in the face of imposter syndrome. Harvard Business Review. (2023, June 2). https://hbr.org/2023/06/youre-not-powerless-in-the-face-of-imposter-syndrome
Ali, H. (2020, June 10). Internal barriers that impact marginalized communities. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/internal-barriers-impact-marginalized-communities-hira-ali/
Young Entrepreneurs Council. (2018, June 5). 6 successful women share how they defeated ‘Impostor
Syndrome.’ Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/yec/2018/03/06/6-successful-women-share-how-they-defeated-impostor-syndrome/
Wilding, M. (2020, January 21). Imposter Syndrome: How to Break the Cycle of Self-Doubt. Forbes