Feel like an imposter at work? You're not alone

'Being authentic made me credible'

clock • 4 min read

Imposter syndrome affects a lot of people in the workplace and, here, Laura Miller gets under the bonnet of how common the problem is, and the tangible impacts it can have on financial services firms...

You beat off tough competition and got promoted in your first-choice career. Your boss thinks you are great, and you work within your specialist subject. So why do you feel like a fraud? Impostor syndrome - a pervasive belief of intellectual and professional fraudulence, that we're not good enough - affects millions of us, and can trigger anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Anyone can experience feeling they do not deserve their success. But the first studies to discover the phenomenon looked at high achieving women. "Despite outstanding academic and professional accomplishmen...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Ten firms achieved CII Chartered status in second half of 2025

Ten firms achieved CII Chartered status in second half of 2025

Across financial planning and insurance

Jenna Brown
clock 13 January 2026 • 1 min read
FSCS sets £108m budget for 2026/27 as costs fall in real terms

FSCS sets £108m budget for 2026/27 as costs fall in real terms

Compensation scheme plans lower core costs

Sahar Nazir
clock 13 January 2026 • 1 min read
Financial planning career appeals to only 21% of young people

Financial planning career appeals to only 21% of young people

‘Perception gap’ a major barrier to new talent

Isabel Baxter
clock 13 January 2026 • 2 min read