This week on IAW’s podcast Unlimited HERizons our host and president, Megan Bozzuto, chatted with a member, Nikki Childers, about shifting your mindset away from imposter syndrome to “why not me.” Nikki is currently the Director of Partnerships at IAW and obtained her JD and MM while working for the Chicago Sky at the WNBA, the Women’s National Basketball Association.
Everybody Feels Similar
Imposter syndrome comes in many different forms. You could walk into the room and be the only woman there, the only person of color, the youngest person, the only disabled person, etc. “We’ve all had these moments where we feel like we shouldn’t be in this room or we were told we shouldn’t be in this room. That’s also with men too. I don’t think it’s exclusive and that’s something I’ve learned later in my career. I don’t have to work 10 times harder but I have to be willing to open myself up and express where I need help to be better integrated,” said Nikki.
Why not you?
Comparing yourself to others is another way imposter syndrome can manifest. You may feel like you can’t manage others because you don’t have the same years of experieced as so-and-so. “If somebody is doing this, what takes us outside of that group? Most of the time the answer is us because we told ourselves that we don’t have the same degree, I didn’t inherit that the same way, or I don’t know the same people. Whatever these things are most of the time that’s our inner voice telling us it. What if the narrative shifted and it was why not me?” explained Nikki.
She also observed the other reason for that shift in mindset is because we believe those attributes or promotions were given to someone. “Instead of waiting for it and feeling so entitled to it, why aren’t you getting it, why aren’t you doing it, why not you? Someone is waking up and working harder than you. Are you willing to have that tough conversation in the mirror?” said Nikki.
Want to listen to Nikki‘s full story and get more advice? Listen to Unlimited HERizons updated weekly with different amazing professional women telling their stories. All IAW members can connect with Nikki Childers in the IAW Community!
