In our open session held on 21 March 2025, WOBA Talks welcomed psychologist and leadership coach Mia Popić for a conversation going into the quiet but pervasive inner battles that often accompany women in leadership — imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the fear of embracing one’s own success.
Speaking to a group of WOBA members, Popić laid bare the psychological hurdles many high-achieving women face, often in silence. “The feeling that you’re not good enough — even when your results tell a different story — is far more common than we admit,” she said. Behind the polished façade of professional poise, many women wrestle with the notion that their success is a fluke, their authority undeserved, and their competence an illusion waiting to be exposed.
This internal struggle is widely recognised by mental health professionals and has a name: imposter syndrome. Popić, who works closely with women in leadership, emphasised that this mindset doesn’t stem from a lack of ability, but rather from a deep-rooted conflict between personal standards and societal expectations. “When society questions your capability long enough, you start questioning it yourself,” she noted.
The conversation, hosted by the Women of Business Alliance (WOBA), tackled the complex role gender expectations play in shaping professional self-perception. While male leaders are often encouraged to be assertive and dominant, their female counterparts are frequently expected to strike a delicate balance — confident but not arrogant, ambitious but not aggressive, authoritative but still likeable. These contradictory pressures can intensify self-doubt, particularly for women entering spaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented.
Yet paradoxically, imposter syndrome tends to affect those who are most driven — individuals who constantly strive for growth, set high standards, and are committed to personal development. “The more we know, the more aware we become of what we don’t know,” Popić said. “But instead of seeing that as wisdom, we often mistake it for inadequacy.”
Still, Popić offered a hopeful perspective. If acknowledged and understood, imposter syndrome can be a catalyst for growth. “Doubt, uncomfortable as it is, can be a powerful motivator. It’s often what keeps us humble, open to learning, and moving forward,” she said.
The first step towards overcoming it, she argued, is awareness. Recognising the thought patterns that undermine confidence allows space to challenge them. “It’s not about asking, ‘Am I good enough?’” Popić explained. “It’s asking, ‘What if I’ve been good enough all along — I’ve just been taught not to see it?’”
Practical strategies shared during the talk included fostering supportive communities, encouraging mentorship, and creating spaces for honest dialogue about the inner challenges professionals rarely voice. These are the tools, Popić suggested, that help dismantle the silent grip of imposter syndrome.
While societal change may be slow, change at the personal and community level is already underway. And it begins, Popić reminded attendees, with choosing to believe in your worth — especially on the days when it feels hardest.
