This document discusses imposter syndrome and how it disproportionately affects high-achieving women. Imposter syndrome was first identified in 1978 and refers to when high achievers doubt their skills and believe they are frauds despite evidence of their success. The document argues that women are punished for lacking confidence in ways that men are not, and that for 50 years women have played by the rules hoping for change but men still get promoted faster and paid more. It encourages women to follow their dreams, back other women, educate themselves, and be change makers to combat imposter syndrome and create positive change.

1. “From
Imposter
Syndrome
to SHEro!”
Dr. Sam Collins,
CEO and Founder Aspire

2. A female hero
woman admired for
her courage,
outstanding
achievements,
qualities; a heroine.
SHEro

3. Who is your
SHEro and
why?

6. What is
imposter
syndrome?
First mentioned in 1978 by Dr.
Pauline Clance and Dr.
Suzanne Imes following
clinical therapy sessions with
high-achieving women.
They observed that despite
objective evidence of great
success, these women believed
they were intellectual frauds
and lived in fear of being
recognised as impostors.

7. Imposter: A person who
pretends to be someone else
in order to deceive others,
especially for fraudulent
gain.
Syndrome: A set of symptoms
appearing together, which
have no cure or preventative
measure.
Is that really what you
have?

9. We don’t
belong
because we
were never
supposed to
belong!

11. Overconfidence is
not related to
leadership talent.
The same systems
that reward
confidence in male
leaders, even if
they’re incompetent,
punish women for
lacking confidence
or showing too
much.

13. • FOR LAST 50 YEARS, women have
kept our heads down and
played by the rules.
• We’ve been certain that with
enough hard work, we would
be recognised, rewarded and
the system will change.
• Men around us have
continued to get promoted
faster and be paid more.
• Despite progress, women are
less happy today than in 1972.
• Its time for change!

15. Sheros Collective action
1.Follow your dreams
and be a real role
model for life and
balance.
2.Back yourself &
other women, get
stronger, better
skilled & aim high.
3.Educate yourself on
UN goal 5 areas. You
can be a change
maker!

16. What is your
takeaway?
What will you do?

19. “From
Imposter
Syndrome
to SHEro!”
Dr. Sam Collins,
CEO & Founder Aspire