Dr Kate Atkin and Dr Terri Simpkin are shifting the conversation from “imposter syndrome” (a catchy but misleading label) to its correct, evidence-based (but more difficult to say!) name: the impostor phenomenon. Join us on Friday 27th February at 8am UK time for a conversation aobut why this matters - Book your place via Eventbrite
Why does it matter?
Because words have power.
Syndrome unhelpfully suggests something is wrong with you.
Phenomenon tells the truth: this is a well-documented, socially patterned experience that shows up most often in highly capable, conscientious people, especially in contexts shaped by stereotyping, power, exclusion, rapid change, or unspoken rules.
The research is clear: feelings of being a “fraud” aren’t a personal flaw, a confidence deficit, or a mindset problem to be fixed with fluffy affirmations. They’re a response to environments where expectations are opaque, standards keep shifting, feedback is inconsistent, and belonging is conditional.
In other words: this isn’t about individual weakness. It’s about systems, cultures, and narratives that quietly teach people to doubt their legitimacy.
So we’re on a mission to change the story.
Are you tired of self-diagnosing non-existent competence gaps and ready to name what’s actually happening? Terri & Kate translate the evidence base into plain language. They connect the dots between psychology, organisational life, gendered expectations, leadership norms, and the everyday micro-signals that tell people whether they “count” or not. They hold space for humour and rigour, for warmth and sharp thinking. No motivational fluff. No deficit framing. No pretending this is solved by “just being more confident.”
Join us if you want to:
- Replace self-blame with insight and tools to help see your self-worth
- Talk about capability without bravado
- Build cultures where legitimacy isn’t rationed based on stereotypes and bias
- Use evidence to drive kinder, smarter change in oneself and the system
- Help retire a myth that has never been useful or right
Let’s name the impostor phenomenon properly and then get to work dismantling the conditions that keep it alive.
Sign up for the free webinar to celebrate the inaugural International Impostor Phenomenon Awareness Day.
