08/06/2025

'Imposter Syndrome' Isn't What You Think

This is a good thing

Impostor syndrome — more accurately called "impostor phenomenon" — is often used to explain why capable people doubt themselves at work, despite clear evidence of their success. But what if we’ve misunderstood key parts of the story, including its definition? And what if having thoughts that one might be an impostor isn’t entirely negative?

A new integrative review, recently published in the Academy of Management Annals, challenges long-held assumptions and offers a more constructive perspective.

Sean Martin, a professor at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, co-authored the paper with Basima Tewfik of MIT Sloan — who led the project — and Jeremy Yip of Georgetown. Drawing on nearly 50 years of research, the authors argue it is time to reframe the conversation.

Please select this link to read the complete article from UVA–Darden.