That "fraud" feeling can be persistent especially for women, often because we’re socialised to attribute our success to "luck" or "help," while viewing our mistakes as proof of incompetence. If you feel this way, you are not alone.  Even some of the most powerful women in the world feel this way.

• Own the evidence: 

Your brain is currently filtering out your wins and magnifying your "failures." You need to counteract this with data. Create a folder in your email or a note on your phone. Save every "thank you," every "great job" message, and every project milestone. When the spiral starts, look at the physical proof of your competence. It’s much harder for your brain to argue with facts.

• Shift from expert to Learner

We often feel like imposters because we think we should already know everything.

Instead of saying, "I don't know how to do this; I'm a fraud," try, "I'm a fast learner, and I’m currently in the 'figuring it out' phase.".  Focus on professional curiosity rather than being the oracle. 

• Stop using minimising language

Women are statistically more likely to use "softeners" that undermine their authority.

Watch out for phrases like:

-I just think…

-I might be wrong, but…

-Does that make sense?

State your point and stop. 

• Stop using apologetic language

Instead of: "Sorry for the slow response."
Try: "Thank you for your patience."

Instead of: "Sorry, I’m rambling."
Try: "Thank you for listening to my thoughts on this."

Instead of: "Sorry, can I just ask a quick question?"
Try: "I have a question about this."

If you need to interrupt or enter a room, "Excuse me" is a neutral navigational tool. "Sorry" implies you are an inconvenience. You are not an inconvenience; you are a collaborator.

Before you hit send on an email or speak up in a meeting, ask yourself: "Did I actually cause harm or make a mistake?" If the answer is no, delete the word "sorry.

• Find your ‘network’

Isolation is where imposter syndrome thrives. 

Talk to other women in your field. 

You will quickly realise that the person you admire most also feels like they’re winging it half the time.

When you admit, "I’m feeling a bit out of my depth on this," you give others permission to be real, which breaks the cycle of "performative perfection."