#1 CEO Secret: Everyone Has Imposter Syndrome

Every founder, entrepreneur, CEO I know…at some point…when their guard is down…has alluded to the fact that they:

• got lucky

• don’t know what they’re doing

• might not be the best person for the job

• are envious of someone who is “better” or “ahead” of them

Don’t believe me?

Here’s a peak behind closed doors:

• One of the most inspirational speakers I knew, who founded a company and took it public, got extremely nervous backstage before speaking!

• CEO who built a $10M ARR business said, “I don’t know what I’m doing. I hope no one finds out.” He was joking. But not really…

• Founder who built a $500k business in 6 months says, “I stumbled into this.”

• Miley Cyrus being nervous and listening to a Britney Spears song as her reassurance. (Also an early ‘00s banger. You’re welcome. )

This is not false humility.

These are incredibly successful humans who have doubts about themselves and their accomplishments.

So what’s their secret?

How do they overcome insecurities?

Here’s the thing — they don’t overcome them.

They do it anyway.

They don’t let the fear or doubt stop them.

They do the thing —customer meeting, public speech, company launch, capital raise— with conviction and courage despite their insecurity.

They lean into their strengths, work on their weaknesses, and act with confidence even if they don’t always feel it.

Why do I share this?

If you feel insecure, it’s NOT a sign that you can’t, shouldn’t, or don’t belong.

It’s a sign that you have big ambitions and you match the profile of a typical CEO.

Everyone feels insecure, including amazing people that you respect and admire.

They are doing it anyway.

And so can you.

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What would happen if you DID IT ANYWAY???