Competent Women, Women Who Doubt Themselves

The Impostor Syndrome Paradox... When women doubt themselves where their legitimacy is already recognized

Impostor syndrome often affects…

not those who lack skills,

but those who have the most of them:

women who are sensitive, demanding, and deeply committed.

Women who want to do things well.

Women who want to grow.

Women who take their role seriously.

A very feminine (and very widespread) doubt

The numbers are telling.

According to several international studies, nearly 70% of women report having experienced impostor syndrome at some point in their career, compared with around 40% of men.

This phenomenon is even more pronounced among:

• highly educated women,

• expert profiles,

• women in positions of responsibility.

In other words: the more competent women are, the more they tend to doubt themselves.

A professional scene… highly revealing

An HR Director once shared with me a scene from a performance review.

Two employees. Same role. Same level of skills. Same identified potential.

When asked:“Do you see yourself stepping into this next role?”

The man replied, without hesitation: “You can count on me.”

The woman, after a brief pause, replied: “Are you sure… about me?”

Same context. Same legitimacy. Two radically different postures.

Disturbing? Yes. But above all, revealing.

This is not a question of competence.

It is a question of one’s relationship to legitimacy.

What this scene reveals (without blame)

Many women doubt themselves before anyone else doubts them.

They question their legitimacy precisely when an opportunity is being offered.

They look for confirmation—or permission—when recognition is given.

Not because they lack confidence. But because of high standards, a strong sense of reality, and a fear of overselling themselves.

The issue is that, in decision-making systems,“You can count on me” is perceived as strength, while “Are you sure?” may be interpreted as hesitation.

And yet, both are ultimately expressing the same thing, in different ways: commitment and a strong sense of responsibility.

In reality, impostor syndrome is not a sign of illegitimacy.

It is often a sign of professional conscience.

A doubt that accompanies growth

Impostor syndrome frequently appears when:

• you gain greater responsibility,

• you change roles or assignments,

• you step outside your comfort zone,

• you move closer to something that truly matters to you.

It is not an alarm saying “stop.”It is a signal saying: “I am evolving.”

Good news: it fades with age and experience

One point is rarely emphasized:

Impostor syndrome tends to diminish over time.

With experience:

• the need to constantly prove oneself fades,

• achievements are gradually integrated,

• comparison loses its grip,

• one occupies their place more fully,

• values become embodied rather than questioned.

Doubt does not disappear entirely. But it changes in nature.

We move from:“Am I really legitimate?” to:“Does this place still fit who I am?”

Returning to facts to calm the mind

The simple—though not always easy—gesture to restore balance?

Replace doubt with facts:

• a project successfully completed,

• positive feedback received,

• a skill acquired,

• a concrete impact created.

Facts calm fiction. Your thoughts are not reality.

The key role of the environment

And remember: a Happy Job® is also a job that reflects a fair and accurate mirror.

The right environment does not feed impostor feelings.

It nurtures confidence, growth, and a sense of legitimacy.

To keep in mind

You have nothing to prove.

You have to grow, contribute, and take your place.

A place you have already earned.

You are not an impostor.

You are ready for what comes next.

Warm regards, Sophie