Here’s Why We Must Stop Telling Black Women They Have ‘Imposter Syndrome’

Here’s Why We Must Stop Telling Black Women They Have ‘Imposter Syndrome’


Calling all corporate leaders, managers, career coaches, gurus, and advocates:

Stop asking ambitious, capable Black women (with the career receipts to prove it) to swallow an “imposter syndrome” sugar pill laced with deflection, deception, and gaslighting. The subliminal meaning embedded within the popular buzz words implies that the fault lies within us.

Over the years, as a career editor and writer, I’ve published stories that include tips and advice on how to “combat” what is referred to as “imposter syndrome.” It’s a topic that’s ever-trending—something many women say they can relate to.

We all ran with it, just like “Black Girl Magic’’ and “Girl Boss.”

Well, now I’m reformed. Years of propaganda blinded me, and, like Bartimaeus after his visit with Jesus, I am no longer blind to the lies. I can see clearly.

Her Agenda‘s founder, Rhonesha Byng, got me all the way together about “imposter syndrome” and its true meaning for women. After taking a deep dive into this Harvard Business Review article, I found that it’s a term that needs, in use, to be given responsible context.

Getting Real About What Imposter Syndrome Is
First, let’s get into the origins of the concept. Imposter syndrome was reportedly introduced in 1978, a key year for women’s rights activism, by Suzanne Imes and Pauline Rose Clance. It’s defined as an “experience of intellectual phoniness” among high-achieving women, who, “despite outstanding academic and professional accomplishments,” believe they are “not bright.”


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