Imposter syndrome. That inner voice that whispers, “You’re not good enough,” just as you’re about to do something brave, bold, or brilliant.
At London Speech Workshop, we believe everyone deserves to live with confidence, and that includes silencing the doubt that tells you, you don’t belong.
In our recent webinar on Cracking Open Imposter Syndrome, London Speech Workshop Founder Emma Serlin was joined by three brilliant thought leaders who generously shared their personal and professional insights into the experience of imposter syndrome;
Michelle Minnikin – Chartered Psychologist & Founder of Good Girl Deprogramming.
Chris Singleton – Lead Trainer at EDN Training.
Katie Eborall – Board Member at Women in PR and Communications Director at Grayling.
The conversation was rich, honest, and packed with wisdom. This follow-up brings together their top practical tips. Bite-sized, real-world strategies that you can start applying today.
Here’s what they had to say…
1. Call Out the Thought Spiral
Chris reminds us that imposter syndrome thrives on strong, negative, irrational thinking. Her first tip? Label the emotions, don’t feed them.
“Say to yourself, ‘Here I go, expecting to be perfect again,’ and then shift into your rational brain.” – Chris Singleton
By identifying the feeling without diving deep into it, you reduce its power.
2. Engage the Rational Brain with Evidence
Chris also offers a vivid metaphor: imagine your thinking brain as the commander trying to stop a stampede of woolly mammoths (aka your fear-driven thoughts). How do you calm the herd? With evidence.
“Collect data on why your organisation trusts you. Ask a friend or manager: Am I really failing, or is this just new and hard? Chances are, it’s the latter.”
3. Unearth & Reframe Your Inner Critic with Weakness Alchemy
Emma encourages us to stop hiding the parts of ourselves that feel insecure or inadequate, and instead bring them into the light. Her method, which she calls Weakness Alchemy, begins with writing down your negative self-talk and sorting it into two categories:
“Start with Growth Gaps. Places where you can develop or ask for help.” Says Emma, “Then double-edged swords. These are traits that feel like flaws but also hold hidden value.”
When we face these honestly and with compassion, we remove their sting – and often discover untapped strength and potential within them.
4. Question the Environment, Not Yourself
Michelle explains that sometimes, the problem isn’t your mindset. It’s the system.
“Is this environment safe and inclusive?” Michelle asks. “You might not be the imposter. The system might just be outdated.”
Instead of internalising doubt, get curious about whether the culture is really designed for you to thrive. (Bonus: Michelle recommends this brilliant TED Talk for a deeper dive.)
5. Rewire Your Inner Critic
That voice telling you you’re not good enough? Michelle explains that it’s not evil. It’s scared.
“It’s just trying to protect you from rejection. Try saying, ‘Thank you for trying to protect me, I’ve got this.’”
Shifting from battle to partnership with your inner critic can radically change how you experience self-doubt.
6. Use the 5-Second Rule
Also from Michelle: Confidence doesn’t precede action. It follows it. Next time doubt starts to creep in;
“Count ‘5-4-3-2-1’ and take that brave step before fear talks you out of it.”
This micro-action technique builds a habit of courage, one decision at a time.
7. Own Your Uniqueness
Michelle advises that we need to embrace and harness our unique qualities;
“You don’t have to become someone else to belong,” Michelle says. “Your difference is your magic.”
When you stop trying to be the version of yourself you think others want, and start owning your values, quirks, and strengths, imposter syndrome starts to lose its grip.
8. Own Your Unique Value with Secret Sauce
Imposter syndrome often takes hold when we’re trying to be someone we’re not. Emma’s antidote? Secret Sauce.
“This creative, introspective process helps you reconnect with what makes you, you – your values, your natural strengths, and your unique voice.”
When you know your offering inside out – flaws, strengths and all – you can walk into any room and say, “This is me. This is what I bring. And that’s enough.”
9. Get a Mentor Who Sees the Real You
Katie advises a trusted mentor can help redirect that focus onto your strengths.
“When we experience imposter syndrome, we often focus on where we’re lacking,” Katie says. “They reflect back the value you bring and help build your belief that you can tackle things in your own unique way.”
Having a fresh perspective on a problem we’re facing can sometimes make all the difference.
10. Talk About It Out Loud
Katie also reminds us that imposter syndrome thrives in silence.
“Say it out loud, and it starts to lose power. It’s like trying to explain a weird dream. It made sense in your head, but saying it out loud makes you realise how little weight it actually holds.”
You could say this out loud to yourself in the moment, record your thoughts and then play them back to yourself later, or tell someone you feel comfortable sharing them with.
11. Understand It’s a Pattern, Not a One-Off
Chris points out that imposter syndrome often shows up in cycles.
“It’s a technique, not an instant cure,” she says. “Be ready to go through the process again. And again.”
That’s not failure. It’s simply the practice of learning to lead your thoughts with compassion and reason.
12. Accept That It Might Never Fully Go Away, and That’s OK
Finally, Katie offers a powerful reframing.
“If you’re a perfectionist, notice what happens when something isn’t perfect… and the world doesn’t crumble.”
The goal isn’t to eradicate imposter syndrome entirely, but to understand what drives it, minimise its influence, and learn to live with it gracefully.
Final Thoughts
At London Speech Workshop, we see imposter syndrome for what it is. Not a sign of failure, but a signal that you’re stretching, growing, and daring greatly.
And while it might whisper “you don’t belong,” these expert-backed strategies help you remember that you absolutely do.
Ready to Take This Further?
If you’d like personal support with building confidence, speaking with impact, or stepping into your Authentic Presence, we’d love to help. Get in touch to book a Discovery Call and find out more.
And make sure to connect with our speakers to keep the conversation going:
- Connect with Emma Serlin on LinkedIn and learn more about London Speech Workshop
- Connect with Michelle Minnikin and explore Good Girl Deprogramming
- Connect with Chris Singleton and discover EDN Training
- Connect with Katie Eborall and learn more about Women in PR
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