Tech Talks: Imposter Syndrome

Welcome to eSimplicity’s Tech Talks blog series! Tech Talks is a series launched by eSimplicity’s technical writing interns to discuss various topics within the tech industry. From personal experiences within the company to emergent innovative technologies, eSimplicity aims to gauge diverse perspectives and shed light on engaging topics within the tech sector!

As women continue to thrive in and rise through senior management positions across various industries, imposter syndrome has been a daunting feature of many women’s lives. To be exact, imposter syndrome can be described as “a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. ‘Imposters’ suffer from chronic self-doubt and a sense of intellectual fraudulence that override any feelings of success or external proof of their competence” (Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 2019). In 2011, the International Journal of Behavioral Science noted that an estimated 70% of people will experience at least one episode of imposter syndrome in their lives (View of The Impostor Phenomenon 2011).

Casey Harris and Jean Sa-Nganet chose to share their thoughts and personal battles with imposter syndrome. As two women leaders on the executive team at eSimplicity, they provide insight on how to combat imposter syndrome within the tech industry.

Casey Harris, eSimplicity’s Director of Culture and Strategic Partnerships, believes imposter syndrome is an all-too-familiar feeling for women in the technology field. Although Harris was previously the director at a different organization, she says her ability to succeed had to be proven. When there was a vacancy within her department, Harris was told by management that she would be mentoring a new candidate and was not strategic enough for the position herself.

“About two days later, I came back [and] I had a five-page strategic plan for the department as I was going to run it — to show management I was indeed strategic,” Harris said. “I got the job… and I was the youngest director at the organization.”

In contrast, Jean Sa-Nganet, eSimplicity’s Senior Technical Recruiter, said she had not heard the term “imposter syndrome” before. But upon hearing the definition of imposter syndrome from one of the interns, she immediately related and found the term that expresses some of her personal experiences in college. Sa-Nganet recalls comparing herself to others in college, especially her male peers, and attributing her hard-earned success to luck.

“As women, we internalize a lot of things rather than recognizing we do deserve [our accomplishments],” Sa-Nganet said. “We should recognize that we do deserve it and that all the hard work [is] worth noting.”

While imposter syndrome appears to be a common experience among women of all ages pursuing a career in technology, both these executives have strategies to combat these sentiments. For Harris, she says her trick is utilizing feelings of inferiority as fuel to achieve more.

“I think a little bit of imposter syndrome is probably healthy,” Harris said. “Once you become aware of your way of thinking and aware that other people don’t think that way [and that] it’s fine if you’re not perfect… I think that you’re much more suited to succeed and combat the negative effects of imposter syndrome.”

Similarly, Sa-Nganet attributes her ability to ward off negative comparisons to others in her field to her sturdy support system. Her advice is to face tough times head-on as they come and rely on those that support and encourage one another.

“I believe everything happens for a reason,” Sa-Nganet said. “Have a solid foundation of people around you.”

As a final note, Harris encouraged interns to strive for professional development rather than perfection. She noted that seeking advice from mentors and supervisors helps maintain a positive professional self-image.

“Asking for feedback is not a bad thing and it’s fine to get reassurance,” Harris said.

A special thank you to Casey Harris and Jean Sa-Nganet for sharing their personal journeys and professional experiences.

Citations

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome. Harvard Business Review. (2019, December 2). https://hbr.org/2008/05/overcoming-imposter-syndrome#:~:text=Imposter%20syndrome%20can%20be%20defined,external%20proof%20of%20their%20competence.

View of The Impostor Phenomenon. (n.d.). https://so06.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/IJBS/article/view/521/pdf.