Cutting Through Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Introversion To Find Your Place in Corporate America and Thrive in Leadership
If you had told me years ago that I’d build a successful career in human resources—leading teams, influencing strategy, and making tough calls – I would have smiled politely and changed the subject. Not because I didn’t have the skills, but because I spent too many years convinced that I didn’t belong. I felt like a visitor in rooms filled with confident, charismatic extroverts, sure that at any moment, someone would tap me on the shoulder and expose me as a fraud.
But here I am. And if you’ve ever felt like you weren’t enough—like you had to work twice as hard to prove you belonged—then this is for you.
The Weight of Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome is more than just self-doubt. It’s the constant, nagging feeling that your success is a fluke, that you’ve somehow fooled everyone, and that sooner or later, you’ll be found out. Even with years of experience, I’ve had moments where I downplayed my achievements, convinced they weren’t a result of my own talent, but rather luck, timing, or sheer persistence.
I remember sitting in meetings, my thoughts racing. “Why did they invite me? I’m not the expert here.” I’d watch others speak with authority, and even when I had ideas I knew were solid, I hesitated to share them. I thought leadership meant being the loudest, the most outspoken, the one who always had an immediate answer.
But that’s not true. And I had to learn that the hard way.
Embracing My Introversion
It took me a long time to realize that being introverted wasn’t a weakness—it was a strength. I process information deeply. I listen. I reflect before I speak. In a world that often rewards quick responses, I had to carve out space to say, “I need time to think about that.” And once I did, I realized my insights carried weight—not because they were immediate, but because they were thoughtful and well-grounded.
For years, I tried to “fix” my introversion. I pushed myself to network more, to speak up faster, to emulate my extroverted peers. But the real shift came when I stopped forcing myself to be someone I wasn’t. Instead of striving to be the loudest voice in the room, I focused on being the most intentional. I leaned into my natural ability to create deep, meaningful connections, to listen with empathy, and to make well-reasoned decisions.
Thriving as an Introverted Leader
Once I stopped seeing my introversion as a liability, everything changed. I wasn’t just surviving in corporate America – I was thriving. Here’s what worked for me:
Owning My Achievements: I started keeping a journal of my accomplishments, no matter how small. When impostor syndrome crept in, I could look back and see clear evidence of my impact.
Giving Myself Permission to Process: I began telling colleagues, “I’m a processor. If you need an immediate response, I may not give my best insight. But if you give me time, I’ll come back with something meaningful.” That small shift changed everything.
Leaning Into Deep Work: I stopped trying to be the most visible and focused on being the most effective. My strengths as an introvert—deep thinking, deliberate planning, and meaningful relationship-building—became my leadership superpowers.
Surrounding Myself with the Right People: I sought out mentors and peers who valued substance over showmanship. The best leaders I know aren’t necessarily the loudest — they’re the ones who truly listen and lead with intention.
The Truth About Leadership
For too long, leadership has been defined by extroverted traits: charisma, decisiveness, boldness. But leadership is also about listening, reflecting, and making thoughtful decisions. It’s about understanding people and creating space for diverse perspectives.
I won’t tell you impostor syndrome ever fully disappears. It doesn’t. There are still moments when I question myself. But I’ve learned that those moments don’t define me. What defines me is how I push through them. In spite of reservations, I keep pressing forward.
So, if you’re an introvert who’s ever doubted your place in leadership, hear me when I say this: Your quiet strength is exactly what organizations need. You belong. And not only can you find your place—you can thrive.
Go out today and be B.A.D. (Bold. Audacious. Dynamic)!
Warmest regards,
Janet
