Overcome Self-Doubt

Dear Reader,

You’ve earned your seat at the table. 

Your experience speaks volumes, your team respects you, and yet... there’s that persistent voice of doubt. 

Sounds familiar? You’re not alone. 

Nearly 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some stage in their careers—even among the most successful leaders. 

Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role for the first time or you're already well-established, self-doubt can be a stubborn companion that makes you question your abilities.

Today, we’ll explore why self-doubt happens, how to manage it, and most importantly, how you can reclaim your confidence and fully embrace your leadership potential.

Have You Met Maria? Meet Maria (name changed for privacy), a high achiever in the tech industry. When she was promoted to a senior leadership role, Maria’s excitement was quickly overshadowed by feelings of imposter syndrome. Despite a solid track record and consistent praise from her peers, she found herself doubting her capacity to lead. She worried that every decision she made would be scrutinised, and feared being "found out" as unqualified.

But Maria did not let self-doubt hold her back. We worked together to reflect on her achievements, confront her negative thoughts, and recognise the unique value she brought to the team. By actively shifting her mindset, she started to embrace her strengths and trust her judgement. Today, Maria leads her department with confidence and purpose, having transformed self-doubt into a tool for self-awareness and growth.

You can too.

Here’s how:

Like Maria, many women in leadership battle self-doubt, but there are effective ways to overcome it.

Here are four techniques to help you improve your self-perception and lead with greater confidence:

1. Challenge Your Inner Critic & Identify the Source of Doubt
2. Recognize and Celebrate Your Wins & Reframe Your Failures
3. Seek Constructive Feedback
4. Own Your Strengths

Try this!

1. Visualise Success
2. Practice Self-Compassion

Take Action this week: Create a "Success Log"

This week, start a "Success Log." Every day, write down one thing you accomplished or did well, no matter how small. Over time, this log will become a powerful reminder of your capabilities and progress. When self-doubt creeps in, revisit your log to reinforce your confidence and remind yourself of your achievements. Small steps lead to big change—start today. Confidence is about taking action despite doubt.
Self-doubt is an inevitable part of the leadership journey, and by challenging negative thoughts, celebrating your strengths, and embracing growth, you can build the confidence needed to claim your Seat At The Table.

Together, we can make a difference with your Seat At The Table.

I'm rooting for your success,

Nina Devouge

CEO & Founder, ELLEUMINATE