Battling Imposter Syndrome as a Product Manager

And my secret to conquering the imposter syndrome I encounter everyday.

This photo is equally creepy and relevant. |Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Today’s product managers often wrestle with imposter syndrome. I know it because it’s usually one of the first things my clients mention to me on our first call. That persistent feeling that their success isn't truly deserved. That somehow they stumbled into this role more by luck than merit.

It’s a common troupe, but it feels so rampant in product management.

Why product management today is a breeding ground for imposter syndrome

Unlike more traditional¹ career paths, product management doesn't come with a neatly paved educational route (a reminder of my my clunky path in). People rarely go to school for product management (yet). The product pioneers emerged from engineering fields. Remember when interviewing for product roles at Google used to require a C.S. degree!

Today, there’s a diverse influx of folks coming into product, coming from MBA programs or consulting firms and beyond. This diversity, while enriching, can make it challenging for someone like me, with my B.A. in Journalism (go Badgers!), to feel like I truly belong.

Confronting My Limiting Beliefs

Imposter syndrome, at its core, is a limiting belief. I, like many others I meet now, initially thought the solve to my limiting belief was to stack up on courses and certifications. Years ago, I found myself on the smartest product team I’ve ever been a part of. All women, all with Ivy league MBAs in hand.

It was only then that I found myself contemplating whether an Ivy League MBA was my next logical step. To test the waters (yes, I’m a queen of experimentation), I enrolled in a trio of classes at Harvard Business School online, only to discover that it didn't quite solve my imposter syndrome dilemma. It only made me deeply resentful of financial accounting and statistics. 

Beyond certifications

What I’ve come to really understand is that overcoming my imposter syndrome isn't a checklist of qualifications, certifications or courses. It’s time, repetitions, and actual experience. There's nothing like getting hands-on experience to dispel the notion that success is unearned.

But it's not just about time.

More than anything, I've come to realize that self-awareness is the key. Admitting and communicating my knowledge gaps has been my game-changer. It's easy to preach "fake it till you make it," but it takes real strength to say, "I don't know, but I'm willing to learn." 

My solution to conquering imposter syndrome

My secret to conquering imposter syndrome is quite simply owning what I don't know. It's about embracing the discomfort of my limitations, communicating them openly, and actively working to bridge those gaps. There's power in vulnerability. Saying "I don't know, but I'll find out" has become a mantra of growth for me. It’s one of the most popular talks I’ve ever given!

Today, I find myself embodying new identities, a product coach, a team consultant and an instructor. I might not have a stack of formal certifications, but I'm investing in myself and putting in the time to challenge my own limiting beliefs each and every day. Fortunately, it seems to be working out just fine. 

How do you experience imposter syndrome?

How do you quiet your limiting beliefs?

1. What is traditional really?