by Thembe Khumalo
At a recent meeting with entrepreneurs, I was asked about overcoming imposter syndrome. No one liked it when I responded by asking, “Are you an imposter?” This is an uncomfortable question, particularly when you are regularly questioning your abilities, feeling insecure, and struggling to feel confident in a particular role or task. For you to be able to respond with a firm “No,” to such a question you need to be sure that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills for the work you are proposing to do. And that was my point in asking the question.
Imposter syndrome is not a real thing. It is a story or series of stories we tell about who we are or aren’t, what we can and can’t do, where we do and don’t belong. You have the power to change that story, but you need to be able to believe in the story you tell.
Believability is an important part of building your personal brand. It is not only you who needs to believe in your abilities but also other people - investors, colleagues, customers, and peers. Make sure you have the skills you need to do the work you are charging people for. Being skilled doesn’t mean a university qualification - it means having a proven track record of accomplishment and the ability to deliver results. Formal education can be a valuable foundation, but true credibility comes from applying that knowledge and consistently delivering results.
You can demonstrate your skill level through past projects, client testimonials, or a strong online portfolio showcasing your work. You can post content that delivers the kind of value you want people to buy from you. The ability to show how you apply your knowledge and get things done builds trust and credibility.
So what happens if you don't really have the skills or you are a bit iffy about the skills you possess - well, then you upskill. We live in a time in history where it has never been easier to acquire knowledge, skills, and experience - and a lot of it is free! All we have to do is commit to learning.
I recently watched a video posted on Instagram by Nozipho Tshabalala about how she dedicated her twenties to acquiring knowledge. This meant that she entered her 30s feeling confident about her competencies and is a great example of how upskilling can be a powerful tool for banishing imposter syndrome.
When you are armed with knowledge about your subject matter, you are far more likely to feel confident, and subsequently to behave confidently, thus inspiring confidence in those listening to you. This becomes a virtuous cycle that reinforces your confidence: the more skilled you are, the more confident you become, and the more confident you appear, the more trust you inspire in others. Their trust, in turn, reinforces your own belief in your abilities.
So how can you go about upskilling for success, and banish imposter syndrome forever? Here are some ideas.
Think in terms of skill gaps, not personal shortcomings. So, for example, it's not that you are a person who always bores their audience, it's that you have not yet mastered the skills required for compelling public speaking. Instead of dwelling on perceived weaknesses, identify specific areas for skill development. This approach focuses on growth and learning, which is much more empowering.
Learn to eat an elephant one bite at a time. It's easy to overwhelm yourself by focusing on all the things you don't yet know. Instead, list the immediate skills you need to get stuff done and learn those. By breaking down larger skill development goals into smaller, achievable steps you can boost your self-confidence and your expertise at the same time. For added happiness celebrate completing each step, which creates momentum for your next step.
Remember that you are a lifelong learner. Mastering new skills, learning concepts, and having data at your fingertips takes time and effort. You’re not going to become a world-class expert overnight. But you will be better than you were yesterday. Be patient with yourself as you see yourself growing and tackling challenges, proving you're capable. In that kind of mental environment, imposter syndrome shrinks.
My final advice would be to get into a community of people tackling similar challenges. When you hear others asking questions that you’ve been too afraid to raise, you realize that you are not the only one who doesn't know everything. When you surround yourself with others who are also learning and growing you create a space to share experiences and receive encouragement can combat feelings of isolation and inadequacy.
Ultimately it comes down to how you see yourself. Training your mind towards the positive is a skill in itself, and one you must consciously develop if you are to achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
Thembe Khumalo is one of Zimbabwe’s leading voices when it comes to brand-building, business growth and personal development. A winner of multiple awards both at home and in the region, she is the founder and Managing Director of Brandbuilder, a high-performance brand strategy firm that helps entrepreneurial leaders and SMEs achieve visibility and growth through comprehensive brand strategy, creative execution and social media content strategies. Known for her clarity and courage, Thembe Khumalo’s leadership track record includes board positions in listed, unlisted and not-for-profit entities. With more than 20 years in the media and communication industry, she delivers a network of high-level relationships across many industries in several African countries. | thembekhumalo.com | www.brandtobuild.co | askus@brandtobuild.co
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