Imposter Syndrome: The Unexpected Lesson from a CEO's Perspective
When Failure Becomes a Friend, Imposter Syndrome Loses Its Power
During a recent LinkedIn Live session at the World Economic Forum, I witnessed a moment that crystalized an important truth about professional confidence and self-perception.
Roland Busch, President and CEO of Siemens, was sharing insights about his professional journey - a path marked by transformative leadership and global impact. Throughout the interview, he repeatedly emphasized failure not as something to be avoided, but as an essential element of success.
The Imposter Syndrome Moment
When an audience member asked Busch about his experiences with imposter syndrome, his response was telling. He seemed genuinely perplexed by the question, almost as if the concept was entirely foreign to him.
This wasn't arrogance. Instead, it revealed a fundamental difference in mindset: Busch views failure not as a personal deficiency or flaw, but as an inevitable and necessary part of innovation and growth.
The Failure-Confidence Correlation
My observation crystallized into a simple yet powerful equation:
High fear of failure = Frequent imposter syndrome
Low fear of failure = Rare imposter syndrome
For professionals, especially women in leadership roles, this perspective is revolutionary. What if we could:
See failure as feedback, not judgment
Understand that setbacks are learning opportunities
Recognize that innovation requires risk
Practical Implications
This mindset doesn't mean recklessness. It means:
Embracing calculated risks
Learning quickly from mistakes
Maintaining curiosity over judgment
Viewing your professional journey as a continuous learning process
A Call to Reframe
I challenge you to examine your relationship with failure. Are you treating it as a threat or a teacher?
Link to LinkedIn Live Session: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7283564866525691906/comments/
