Imposter Syndrome Female Entrepreneurs: Conquer Self-Doubt

Cultivating Unshakeable Confidence: Taming the Imposter Syndrome Beast

Ever feel like a fraud, even when you've achieved amazing things? Like you're just waiting to be "found out"? Honey, you're not alone. Imposter syndrome is that uninvited guest at the female entrepreneur's party, whispering doubts and dimming our shine. And as mums, juggling a million things, it can feel like that whisper turns into a shout sometimes! But what if I told you that confidence isn't something you're born with, it's something you build? It's like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

My Own Imposter Moments (and How I Beat Them)

Let's be honest, the journey from selling sweets on the playground (my first entrepreneurial venture, by the way!) to leading Femmeprenista hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. I've had my share of "what am I doing?" moments. I remember the gut-wrenching fear when I first applied for the MBA at Cranfield. I could practically smell the stale coffee in the MBA classroom, a constant reminder of the all-nighters fueled by caffeine and the sheer terror of not measuring up. I'd had my second daughter just months before and the thought of juggling a demanding programme & motherhood, well, let's just say my stomach did a few somersaults. It was a big deal, and my inner critic had a field day. "You're not smart enough," it hissed. "You'll never keep up. You'll be a failure." Just last week, despite having helped hundreds of women build six-figure businesses, coaching certifications, an MBA, and being knee-deep in my PhD research, that familiar imposter gremlin reared its ugly head. I was prepping for a live training inside Femme:Connect, and completely froze. It felt ridiculous. "Who am I to teach these women?," I thought. All my accomplishments seemed to vanish. Right then, with Espresso bouncing off the walls & the baby monitor broadcasting a symphony of gurgles, I did two things: I texted a fellow entrepreneur for a quick pep talk (community is key, ladies!), and I reminded myself of all the women I'd already helped. That quick mindset shift, focusing on serving rather than self-doubt, was exactly what I needed. See, imposter syndrome doesn't magically disappear when you hit certain milestones. It’s an ongoing journey, and that’s ok. My research into Black female entrepreneurship consistently reveals this – it’s a shared experience, even at the highest levels of achievement.

Another moment was when I decided to take the plunge & pursue a PhD, now with my youngest a toddler & infant son. Slower, yes, I thought to myself, echoing the sentiments I often hear from women in our community, many of whom are working on their business while still in employment. Different path, absolutely. But giving up? Not a chance! It was like one of those sliding doors moments where I realized giving up just wasn't in my vocabulary. My journey has taught me that we women, particularly as mums, we're built to juggle. We're wired for resilience. & If we’re doing things a little differently, well, that’s ok. That’s our super power. We’re doing it our way!

Building Your Confidence Arsenal: Practical Tools for the Juggle

So, how do we quiet that inner critic & build unshakeable confidence? Especially for those of you who are "Foundation Builders," just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey, these tools can be game changers. Here are a few I’ve added to my own arsenal over the years:

• Take Action, Celebrate Wins: It's easy to get paralysed by overthinking, especially when you're juggling motherhood & business. The antidote? Action. Start small. Celebrate every win – from sending that first email to landing a new client. It’s like when my six-year-old finally mastered riding her bike – the pure joy of that achievement, the confidence it gave her, it’s the same for us in business. Those small wins are fuel for your confidence engine. For example, commit to sending five outreach emails today, then treat yourself to a guilt-free cuppa & celebrate that small but significant step. Smart action, consistently applied, is where the magic happens.

“Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.” - Jim Rohn

• Own Your Expertise: You are an expert in your field. You have unique skills & experiences that your ideal clients need. Own it. Don't downplay your achievements. It’s not bragging; it's sharing your gifts with the world. I remember when I was younger, and a teacher tried to shut me down for asking too many questions! “Stop disrupting the class, Carlene!”, he'd bark. But I had something to say, & I wasn’t about to be silenced. Embrace that inner voice, that drive to learn & grow – it’s what makes you an exceptional entrepreneur. Today, update your LinkedIn profile to showcase a recent accomplishment or client win. Let your expertise shine! Remember that time you solved a tricky problem for a client, or that glowing testimonial you received? Share it!

“I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles.” - Simone Biles

• Focus on Serving: Shift your focus from self-doubt to serving your clients. When you're focused on solving their problems & making a difference in their lives, the imposter syndrome fades into the background. It's like that "aha" moment I had during my MBA – it wasn't just about climbing the corporate ladder; it was about building a business that served a real purpose. It's the why behind the what that matters. My PhD research shows that purpose-driven businesses, especially those led by women, are significantly more resilient in the face of challenges. Identify one specific pain point your ideal client faces, & create a piece of content (a blog, social media post, or even a short video) addressing it today. Give, give, give, and you'll be amazed at what comes back.

“People don't buy WHAT you do; they buy WHY you do it.” - Simon Sinek

Remember, you’re not just building a business; you're building a legacy.

• Build Your Tribe: Surround yourself with supportive, like-minded women. Community is crucial for navigating the entrepreneurial rollercoaster. It's a place to share your wins, vent your frustrations, and know you're not alone in the juggle. It’s like having a virtual coffee date with your business bestie – a place to celebrate, commiserate, and remind each other of our power. Join a relevant Facebook group, attend a local networking event, or connect with a fellow entrepreneur on Instagram today. Building genuine connections is essential for sustainable growth & well-being – it’s the heartbeat of our ‘Fuel’ pillar.

• Reframe Your Thoughts: That inner critic? It’s not your enemy; it’s just trying to protect you. But it doesn’t know the real you – the powerful, resilient entrepreneur you are becoming. When those negative thoughts creep in, reframe them. "I'm not good enough" becomes "I'm learning & growing every day". "I'll never succeed" becomes "I'm committed to taking action & making progress". It’s about cultivating a solutions-focused mindset – the essence of developing a strong entrepreneurial mindset. When you feel self-doubt creeping in, write down the negative thought, then consciously reframe it into a positive, empowering statement. Repeat it out loud, and feel the shift in your energy. It’s like a mini mental workout for your confidence muscle.

“I don’t chase, I attract.” - Roxie Nafousi. It's about leading yourself first, so you can lead your business with strength & clarity.

The Truth About Confidence (and Why It Matters)

Confidence isn't about being perfect; it's about embracing the messy, beautiful journey of entrepreneurship. It's about knowing that you are capable, resilient, & worthy of success. & When imposter syndrome tries to crash the party, you can confidently show it the door. Because, honey, you’ve got this.

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Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift

P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!

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