Many healthcare executives have faced impostor syndrome during their careers and have learned how to overcome it.
Impostor syndrome is described by the researchers who first explored the concept as not experiencing "an internal sense of success," or believing your peers are overestimating your intelligence.
A report released June 6 from organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry found that 71% of CEOs and 65% of senior executives in the U.S. experience symptoms of impostor syndrome in their role.
Among female executives in particular, 75% have experienced impostor syndrome in their careers, according to a 2023 study from tax advisory firm KPMG.
Here, several executives share their experiences with impostor syndrome and their advice for peers with Becker's.
Rina Bansal, MD. President of Inova Alexandria (Va.) Hospital and Senior Vice President of Inova
Please share an instance when you felt impostor syndrome in your leadership role and how you overcame it.
My very first hospital level leadership role was that of an interim chief medical officer of a large quaternary care medical center. I was a young female physician, less than 10 years in practice. All of a sudden I had department chairs who were 20 years my senior reporting to me. This was definitely intimidating and made me wonder if I was appropriate for the role. However, I reminded myself that the senior leadership had asked me to step into the role and had overlooked the more senior physician leaders. I made sure that I was well equipped to excel in my new role. I also surrounded myself with a strong team of subject matter experts to support my work.
What advice would you give to other women in healthcare facing impostor syndrome?
Remind yourself that you were chosen for the role. Know your strengths and opportunities. Surround yourself with allies whose strengths compliment your opportunities. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable amongst the right people.
Lisa Carter, MSN, RN. President of Ballad Health's Southern Region (Johnson City, Tenn.)
Please share an instance when you felt impostor syndrome in your leadership role and how you overcame it.
Impostor syndrome is an interesting dynamic that rears its head sometimes when least expected. It starts with self-doubt and can lead to a disempowering and sometimes paralyzing negative thought pattern if left unchecked. That hint of self-doubt comes from dynamics that most women have felt their entire lives. It's a comparative narrative trap that we often culturally find ourselves in. To disarm it, I have worked to first recognize the negative conversations I'm having within myself, then purposefully change the narrative.
What advice would you give to other women in healthcare facing impostor syndrome?
Three simple words. You are enough. Realizing that, claiming that, and not allowing your mind to overpower the heart of who you are is critical. I challenge all the female leaders with one simple task. Say nice things to yourself.
Takeisha Davis, MD. President and CEO of New Orleans East Hospital
Please share an instance when you felt impostor syndrome in your leadership role and how you overcame it.
There have been many times along my healthcare journey where I have looked around the room and wondered if my voice was truly being heard or valued by my peers who didn’t look like me. This was especially evident at the start of the pandemic since we all faced an unknown enemy. However, I realized that my unique perspective was not only valuable but critical to the success of our organization's response because the diversity in thought led to innovative decision making. Once I confidently stepped into my role as a thought leader, I was able to provide guidance to my peers locally and nationally.
What advice would you give to other women in healthcare facing impostor syndrome?
My advice to other women in healthcare is to lean into your unique lived and learned experiences. Your unique perspective brings valuable insights to the table that leads to more inclusive, comprehensive solutions. In addition, it reinforces the need to continue to have greater representation of women in leadership positions in healthcare.
Crista Durand. President of Newport (R.I.) Hospital
Please share an instance when you felt impostor syndrome in your leadership role and how you overcame it.
I was a young hospital CFO in a meeting with investment bankers who handled the hospital portfolio. I will never forget one of the men asked, "How did you get this job?" Despite being taken aback at the question, asked in front of a room full of colleagues, I quickly answered: "I believe with my hard work, skill set and a little grit."
The question and circumstances in which it was asked made me realize the external forces at play. I was young and female in a room of predominantly older/more experienced men. That moment really pushed me to reassure myself of why/how I was in that role. I learned that my voice mattered and not to second-guess myself, which is not always easy to do. I challenged myself to learn more, ask questions, maintain a positive attitude and embrace curiosity. I believe that you can flourish as a leader with low ego and high expectations. This philosophy has taken me far professionally and positioned me to be a lifelong learner.
What advice would you give to other women in healthcare facing impostor syndrome?
I would, and do, tell other women to hold themselves at a high standard. Having high expectations for yourself is what fosters self-confidence and success. You learn, and grow by making mistakes, asking questions, and being accountable. I would also say:
- Don't underestimate your impact; your voice matters.
- Surround yourself with mentors who you can trust and learn from (who work
- in/outside your industry).
- Embrace intellectual curiosity.
- Volunteer for projects and new roles; get outside of your comfort zone.
- Exercise gratitude daily.
- Leadership takes courage.
- And finally, I would say do what's right not what's easy — integrity is paramount.