From Imposter to Authentic Leader: Overcoming Self-Doubt in Product Management
Every time I stepped into a new role, my manager would introduce me with high praise. They shared strong recommendations, described the big challenge I was there to overcome, and spoke about the success they expected I would help lead.
And in those moments, I always felt a twinge in my stomach: Am I really capable of doing everything they expect me to achieve?
That’s how imposter syndrome showed up for me—not in questioning whether I belonged, but in the weight of living up to expectations.
Studies suggest that nearly 7 out of 10 professionals experience imposter syndrome at some point. For product managers—constantly bridging customers, engineers, and executives—it’s almost inevitable.
The Turning Point
My perspective shifted when I stepped away from work for a season. That pause gave me something I hadn’t allowed myself in years: space. Space to reflect on what really mattered, to reconnect with my values, and to rediscover the strengths I already carried.
When I returned, I didn’t come back as someone who “finally had all the answers.” I came back more grounded, more authentic, and paradoxically—more powerful. Not because I had eliminated self-doubt, but because I stopped trying to outrun it.
Why PMs Feel It So Strongly
For PMs, imposter feelings often arise because success isn’t always clear. You don’t own code, revenue, or design—but you are accountable for outcomes that depend on all three. That ambiguity can make even the most capable PMs second-guess themselves.
Layer on the fact that executives expect you to “see around corners,” yet you rarely have perfect data, and it’s no wonder the pressure feels heavy.
Why Authenticity is the Antidote
Most advice on imposter syndrome is about covering it up: “fake it till you make it.” But masking doubt only deepens it. The real antidote is authenticity.
When you lead with authenticity, you stop trying to meet an impossible standard and start aligning with what’s real—your values, your perspective, and your unique way of leading. That’s where confidence grows, and it’s what stakeholders respond to most.
Three Shifts That Help
Name the doubt. Simply acknowledging the twinge loosens its grip.
Reconnect to your values. When you know what matters most, expectations feel lighter.
Celebrate progress. Confidence builds from recognizing real steps forward, not waiting until you’ve “proven” yourself.
Authenticity in action: I once coached a PM who hesitated to present their roadmap because it wasn’t “perfect.” When they finally shared it—framed around customer value and strategic alignment—the executives leaned in immediately. The details could be refined later. What resonated was the clarity of perspective.
A Final Word
If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, remember this: it’s not a sign you’re unqualified—it’s a sign you care. The very fact that you’re questioning yourself means you hold yourself to a high standard.
In today’s environment, leaders don’t expect you to have all the answers. They expect you to bring perspective, authenticity, and the courage to start the conversation.
The growth opportunity lies in shifting from proving to leading. From trying to earn your seat to owning your seat. From imposter to authentic leader.
Your power doesn’t come from eliminating doubt. It comes from showing up, as you are, anyway.