The Truth About Imposter Syndrome at Work | Leadership, Self-Doubt & Psychological Safety

Imposter syndrome at work is more common than most people admit, especially among high performers, emerging leaders, perfectionists, and people who care deeply about doing excellent work. In this episode of Edge of Excellence, Jess DeForge and Bryon Beilman sit down with iuvo team members Derek Murphy and Ken Hillstrom for an honest conversation about imposter syndrome, workplace self-doubt, leadership, career growth, and psychological safety. Together, they explore what imposter syndrome really is, how it differs from normal self-doubt, why it often shows up during career transitions or high-pressure moments, and how perfectionism can fuel the feeling that you are not good enough, even when the evidence says otherwise. This episode also looks at the role leaders and organizations play in reducing imposter syndrome by creating workplace cultures where people feel safe to ask questions, learn, take risks, make mistakes, and grow. In this episode, we cover: What imposter syndrome is and how it shows up at work The difference between imposter syndrome and normal self-doubt Why high performers and perfectionists often struggle with imposter feelings How imposter syndrome can impact confidence, communication, and career growth The importance of mentorship, feedback, and peer support How leaders can build psychological safety on their teams Why growth often feels uncomfortable before it feels empowering If you have ever questioned whether you belong, worried that everyone else has it figured out, or struggled to balance humility with confidence, this conversation is for you. Learn more about iuvo: iuvotech.com