Unmasking the Imposter: Revealing Your Leadership Superpower

Mary Herbert - Teibel Education Consulting
Robbie Campbell-Lissade - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Newark Campus

Even the most iconic superheroes — celebrated for their strength and courage during perilous times — faced inner battles with feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. Similarly, in higher education, our superheroes — business officers, administrative and academic leaders, — can experience feelings of imposter syndrome, quietly questioning their abilities despite their achievements. The weight of their roles, combined with financial strain, public scrutiny, and rapid change, can erode confidence and cloud judgment. Acknowledging and addressing these feelings is crucial for leading effectively in challenging times.

This interactive session provides space for higher education leaders to name and normalize imposter syndrome, explore how it shows up amid today's demands, and reframe it as a leadership "bat-signal" rather than a flaw. With a blend of self-reflection, group engagement, and practical strategies, you will learn to identify and unleash your superpowers from imposter feelings.

Learning Objectives

  1. Recognize the signs and triggers of imposter syndrome.
  2. Understand the unique pressures that fuel imposter feelings in higher education leadership roles.
  3. Apply practical strategies to shift from imposter feelings to grounded confidence.

CPE Available

  • 1 Credit: Personal Development