Maria Tedesco, President and Chief Operating Officer at Atlantic Union Bank, recently discussed the prevalence of imposter syndrome among women in executive roles. Tedesco shared her personal experience of speaking at an International Women’s Day event and questioning her worthiness of being chosen for the role. She highlighted the common phenomenon of women doubting their achievements and feeling undeserving of their successes.
Imposter syndrome affects 75% of women executives in the workplace, often stemming from societal expectations and gender biases. While women may doubt themselves despite their impressive credentials and achievements, men also experience imposter syndrome in different ways. The persistent inability to believe in one’s success can prevent individuals from taking risks or fully embracing their accomplishments.
The root of imposter syndrome is complex and varies from person to person. Despite women’s increasing educational and professional achievements, feelings of self-doubt persist throughout their careers. Tedesco emphasized the importance of building a support system to combat imposter syndrome and emphasized workplace culture as a key factor in fostering confidence and self-assurance.
To overcome imposter syndrome, Tedesco recommended getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and pushing boundaries to grow and learn. She shared personal anecdotes of stepping out of her comfort zone and the impact it had on her career development. Building a strong network and leveraging connections can also help boost confidence and remind individuals of their worth and capabilities.
Tedesco encouraged women executives to envision their success and move forward with confidence. By visualizing themselves achieving their goals and taking proactive steps to reach them, individuals can overcome imposter syndrome and fulfill their potential as leaders. With the right support system and mindset, women can combat self-doubt and thrive in their professional roles.
