Maybe You’re Not the Imposter—Maybe the Room Is Wrong

Imposter syndrome gets a lot of airtime these days. You’ve probably heard the phrase more times than you can count: “It’s self-doubt. A mindset issue. You need to build confidence.”

And yes, part of that is true. And what if we’ve been looking at it from only one side?

What if imposter syndrome isn’t simply about internal insecurity—it’s also a signal that the external environment isn’t built for you to feel like you belong?

The Classic Narrative Falls Short

Let’s rewind for a moment.

The traditional take on imposter syndrome paints it as a psychological hiccup—something that happens to high-achievers who can’t internalize their own success. They over-prepare, downplay praise, and attribute accomplishments to luck. The common fix? Self-talk. Journaling. “Own your worth.”

And here’s the problem: you can do all of that and still walk into a room and feel like your presence is an exception, not the norm. Not because you’re under qualified— because maybe the room wasn’t designed with you in mind.

Imposter syndrome isn’t always a personal flaw. Sometimes it’s an accurate read of the context.

When the System, Not the Self, Is the Issue

Let’s get specific.

• You’re the only woman in a senior leadership meeting where the jokes fly fast, and the tone is performative and hyper-competitive.

• You’re the first in your family to go to college, now sitting in a study group where casual references assume travel, wealth, and legacy.

• You’re entering the tech industry as a mid-career switcher while everyone around you talks in acronyms and “GitHub” memes (confession, I googled that).

In these moments, the discomfort isn’t irrational—it’s information.

It’s your brain saying: “Hey, the rules here weren’t written with you in mind. And yet, somehow, you’re expected to navigate them fluently.”

That’s not imposter syndrome. That’s awareness.

Reframing the Feeling

Instead of telling ourselves we’re broken for feeling like we don’t belong—what if we see these moments as data?

A signal. Not a sentence.

That shift matters. Because if we keep telling people to fix themselves while ignoring the systems that create the disconnect, we risk placing the burden on the wrong party. It’s like telling someone to bring their own oxygen tank instead of asking why the room is running out of air.

Great, And What Am I Supposed To Do With This?

Here’s where it gets practical.

When that imposter feeling shows up, ask: “Is this because I’m new and still learning, or because the environment is unfamiliar—and unwilling to meet me halfway?”

If you’re leading a team or building a culture, design spaces that normalize difference. That celebrate learning curves. That make room for multiple ways of showing up.

Mentors guide. Mirrors reflect. Seek out people who help you see yourself more clearly—not simply people who’ve “made it,” rather those who’ve walked paths that look a little more like yours.

Feeling like an imposter doesn’t always mean you’re in the wrong place. Sometimes, it means you’re a pioneer. The first. The disruptor. The one who forces the room to expand.

A Final Thought

Imposter syndrome, at its core, is a conflict between your inner truth and external signals. The mistake we often make is assuming the problem lies within us. Growth doesn’t always feel like belonging—and belonging doesn’t always mean you’re growing.

So the next time that doubt creeps in, ask yourself: 

“Is this a signal that I’m not enough? Or is it a sign that the space hasn’t caught up to who I am becoming?”

Either way, don’t shrink to fit. Some rooms need to be rearranged.

Ready to Go Deeper?

If this resonated with you, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself, either.

Our Digital Encore Program includes a dedicated module on Imposter Syndrome—one that goes beyond generic advice to help you unpack the real roots of that internal friction. Whether you’re leading, transitioning, or simply trying to find your voice in rooms that weren’t built for you, this module offers the tools, context, and clarity to move forward with intention.

Explore Digital Encore and discover how to turn self-doubt into self-definition.

 Join us in Digital Encore Waitlist here.