Imposter Syndrome: Taking Your Seat at the Table

Imposter Syndrome: Taking Your Seat at the Table

Episode Description

Host: Julie Williams MSc — Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires
Mini-Series: Lighting Fires Toolbox — Conversations on Common Coaching Themes

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Episode Overview

In this special Lighting Fires mini-episode, supported by Henley Business School, Julie explores one of the most common topics that comes up in coaching conversations: imposter syndrome, or more accurately, imposter phenomenon. Drawing on research from Clance and Imes in the 1970s, Julie unpacks why even the most capable, high-achieving people often struggle to internalise their success and feel they belong.

Featuring powerful reflections from previous guests Lorraine Briffitt and Mark Schmull, this episode explores what imposter syndrome feels like in real life, how it shows up in leadership, and the practical steps you can take to challenge the inner critic and step confidently into the rooms you deserve to be in.

This honest and encouraging episode is for anyone who has ever worried about not being “good enough,” questioned whether they deserve an opportunity, or wondered when they’re going to be “found out.”

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why imposter syndrome happens, and why it’s not a personal flaw
• How sharing these thoughts out loud can dissolve their power
• The importance of trusted spaces and supportive networks
• Techniques to examine and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns
• Why belonging is not about being liked, but about owning your place
• Practical tools to build confidence through action and reflection

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Julie’s Top Coaching Takeaways

Say it out loud
Speaking your fears in a safe space helps you see them more clearly, and often reveals how irrational they really are.

Look for evidence
Notice where you may be deleting information or generalising unfairly. What facts prove you do deserve to be here?

Use NLP tools
Explore deletions, distortions and generalisations to examine how your internal story may differ from objective reality.

Write down your achievements
Small wins and large milestones build confidence — but only if you acknowledge them.

Confidence comes from doing
You don’t wait until you feel ready. You take action, even with discomfort, and confidence grows afterwards.

You belong if you’re in the room
As Shonda Rhimes says: If you’re there, you’ve earned it. Accept it and get on with it.

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Resources Mentioned

• Research by Clance & Imes (1978) on Imposter Phenomenon
• Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP): Deletions, Distortions & Generisations Framework

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Henley Business School

Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional
Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here.

Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.

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Connect with Julie

Website: lightingfires.co.uk
Email: [e-mail]
LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc

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