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IWD2021 #ChoosetoChallenge: Imposter SyndromeImposter Syndrome: a psychological condition that compels individuals to doubt their own accomplishments; often paired with a persistent anxiety about being exposed as a fraud or found to be lacking in competence.When the term Imposter Syndrome was coined as a recognisable phrase in 1978, it was highlighted as an issue only women faced. They fall prey to the psychological pattern due to a lack of testosterone, dubbed “the confidence hormone”.A quick Google search today reveals Imposter Syndrome as “women’s silent career killer” and that “over 6 in 10 women suffer Imposter Syndrome in the UK”. Does this mean that nothing has changed between 1978 and 2021? Isn’t it time to challenge this narrative?The original study, conducted by psychologists, Drs Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, asked questions of a sample of 150 women who had proven successes academically and professionally. If we consider the study, we can identify a number of real concerns with the data:The research was focused on women only. Many groups were excluded from the study based on their ethnicity, income levels, genders & professional backgrounds.The sample group included 95 undergraduate women and 10 PhD faculty women at a small, private, Midwestern college. They were primarily white, middle- to upper-class women between the ages of 20 and 45. One third of the sample were also therapy patients. What really stands out is that the sample group simply was not representative of the working world. As a result, the original research did not account for any of the other external biases that existed at that time. In reality, Imposter Syndrome can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, profession or ability. A 2019 UK study demonstrated that up to 49% of men also experience the effects of the phenomenon regularly, and it has a perceived negative impact on their performance and productivity. 75% of all professionals procrastinate in the workplace because of Imposter Syndrome. Was the original research almost a catalyst for woman to acquire a new label (or indeed label themselves) as “imposters” for feeling uncertain at work? As a woman’s problem, it was, therefore, for women to “fix” themselves. What we should be doing is recognising this as a universal issue and work at fixing the problem.What can we do?Imposter Syndrome can only continue to exist through exclusion, bias, and a lack of sense of belonging in the workplace:“Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard.” (Liz Fosslien, Mollie West Duffy)Not nearly as quickly as we would like, for sure, but increasingly, gender diversity at the table is on the increase; there is a 31.9% representation of women at Director level and 37.6% at Non-Executive Director level in the FTSE 250. Twenty-two countries worldwide now have a female Head of State or Government. Incremental progress is being made. Different voices and diversity of thought are now encouraged, applauded and considered invaluable. We won’t all be a part of boardroom hiring, however, which is why our influence at all levels to improve this sense of ‘fitting in’ is absolutely key to winning the battle against Imposter Syndrome. It is our collective responsibility to help foster a workplace culture that is all-embracing, that allows employees to have confidence in their own abilities and impact, and that promotes a sense of belonging.

Our MD, Gavin Best, was keen to encourage support within Veredus for this International Women’s Day and asked a small group of us to consider what IWD actually means to us and how we feel about the struggle for gender equality. Here are a few of our personal thoughts…What is the purpose of IWD?International Women’s Day is about taking the time to celebrate women, past, present and future. It was created to honor those women who have achieved great things – in the name of women across the world, in business, politics, the academic world, the written word, philanthropy; the fight for equality in every corner and cross-section. Where do you see the balance falling presently?However far we have come, sexism remains prevalent. It is pervasive and insidious and interwoven into every aspect of society. Recognising it, addressing it and adjusting our behaviours is a constant battle that requires energy and concentration and effort – and it isn’t just for men to do. As women, we regularly find ourselves falling back into habits and tropes that damage our own plight to encourage gender equality. We conform to social stereotypes and expectations. We don’t challenge harmful behaviours in others. We are negative towards fellow women when we should be positive. These are things that we must invest time and determination into to correct.What’s next?Women often hear the words ‘not all men’ bandied around in response to talking openly about their adverse experiences – but if we, as reasonably intelligent, forward-thinking, considerate, western women, are guilty of sexism, which has existed so long in our culture, it’s virtually impossible for any person – not just a man – to say ‘not me’. Just as when a member of the BAME community says ‘white people discriminate against me’, it is not enough to say ‘not me’. There are three approaches available to youYou can listen and acknowledge, confident that, whilst the complaint is real, you do not contribute to itYou can listen and acknowledge, take steps to be aware of and change any potentially damaging behaviours you recognise in yourself (and encourage others to do so)OR You can centre yourself and your feelings and react in a harmful way – ‘not me!’.Option two is most applicable to the majority of us. Admitting that you are party to the problem, that you contribute to it, that perhaps you even encourage it, consciously or subconsciously, is a huge step forward. What you do with that knowledge is even more important. Whilst we are not standing on soap boxes or burning our bras, more and more we are determined to challenge things that we believe are contrary to this fight for equality, and that is what International Women’s Day 2021 is all about - being supportive, being an ally, choosing to challenge!This week we will be issuing a number of thought-provoking articles in support of women and the various issues they face in the world of business. We hope to spark conversation and encourage consideration for these topics in order to improve collaboration, diversity of thought and inclusiveness in the workplace. Emily Kneller - Veredus