What if the term "imposter syndrome" itself is part of the problem—and the solution? In this landmark episode of The Impodsters Podcast, Johnny welcomes Dr. Valerie Young, a pioneering researcher and author who has shaped the global conversation on imposter syndrome for decades. With clarity and conviction, Dr. Young dismantles misconceptions, defends the utility of the term "syndrome," and offers a transformative roadmap from chronic self-doubt to what she calls "humble realist" thinking. This is not just another conversation about feeling like a fraud—it's a masterclass in reframing competence, failure, and belonging. Dr. Young draws from her original doctoral research, decades of speaking at organizations like Apple and Google, and her bestselling book, The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, to challenge how we think about achievement and authenticity. The conversation explores: The Definition Debates: Why Dr. Young insists on using "imposter syndrome"—and how the battle over terminology reflects deeper divides between academic precision and real-world utility. It's Not You, It's the Culture: How workplaces, academic institutions, and even well-meaning families systematically reinforce imposter feelings—and why contextualizing these forces is the first step to freeing yourself from them. The Five Competence Types: An introduction to Dr. Young's renowned framework—the Perfectionist, the Expert, the Natural Genius, the Soloist, and the Superhuman—and how each creates its own "rulebook" for what it means to be capable. The Humble Realist: The empowering alternative to living as an imposter or swinging into arrogance. Dr. Young reveals the three key shifts in thinking that allow people to own their strengths, accept their limitations, and navigate uncertainty without collapsing into self-doubt. When Society Pushes Back: Addressing critiques that dismiss imposter syndrome as a "white woman's issue" or a corporate distraction—and why these conversations remain essential for anyone who has ever felt "othered" or underestimated. Action Over Affirmation: Why pep talks and accomplishment lists rarely work—and how to "act as if" you believe new thoughts about yourself even when you don't yet feel them. Failure as Data, Not Identity: How changing your relationship with mistakes, feedback, and setbacks can dismantle the imposter narrative at its core. This episode is for anyone tired of the cycle of self-questioning, for leaders wanting to build psychologically safer teams, and for skeptics wondering if imposter syndrome is "real." Dr. Young offers evidence, empathy, and actionable wisdom—turning a lifelong study of doubt into a guide for durable confidence. Listen to the full episode to learn how to stop feeling like an imposter by changing how you think about competence itself. Explore Dr. Young's Work: Get her book, The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: https://impostorsyndrome.com/books/ Visit her website for resources, articles, and speaking info: https://impostorsyndrome.com/ Connect with us: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheImpodsters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122104755302544854&set=a.122104755332544854 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105220316/admin/dashboard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_impodsterspodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.impodsters Work with Mellisah Moyo: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01ad7484d49f5c8612
