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

News editor's view: Why advisers should pay attention to student loans

News editor's view: Why advisers should pay attention to student loans

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 12 June

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 June 2026 • 4 min read
Feel Good Friday: Finli Group raises money for dementia charities

Feel Good Friday: Finli Group raises money for dementia charities

Has raised £10,000 and hopes to generate an additional £10,000

Professional Adviser
clock 12 June 2026 • 1 min read
Education minister: Student loan repayment threshold freeze did not break the system

Education minister: Student loan repayment threshold freeze did not break the system

‘These are design choices we have inherited’

Sophia Panayi
clock 11 June 2026 • 3 min read