Navigating Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Self-Doubt in Your Career

That "Exceeds" Review You Don't Believe? Let's Talk About It.

"I'm not really an exceeds performer. I'm just good at making them think I am."

That's what ran through my head after every stellar review at Kraft. Twenty-seven years there, consistent top ratings, and I was convinced I was fooling everyone.

Classic imposter syndrome. Though back then, I just called it "being realistic."

Now I coach CPG executives who've run $100M businesses, led national accounts, survived brutal supply chain challenges—and they're still waiting to be "found out."

Last week, a VP told me: "I got promoted, but they must have been desperate."

Really? They were desperate for someone who grew share 15% in a declining category?

Here's What Imposter Syndrome Looks Like in CPG

"I got lucky with that Walmart win."
No. You spent six months building that strategy. You navigated their system. You handled their buyer's demands. Luck doesn't last through a line review.

"Anyone could have fixed that supply chain issue."
Anyone? Then why were you the only one who saw it coming? Why did they call you at midnight when it hit crisis mode?

"My team makes me look good."
Of course they do. Because you hired them. Developed them. Created the environment where they could succeed. That's not luck—that's leadership.

"I just happened to be there during growth."
Funny how growth seems to follow certain people. Almost like they know how to create it.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Imposter syndrome doesn't just feel terrible (though it does). It actively sabotages your career:

• You don't negotiate hard enough because you're "grateful they want you"
• You over-prepare for everything, burning yourself out
• You don't apply for stretch roles because "they'll see through you"
• You give away credit constantly while taking all the blame

I watched brilliant CPGers stay in roles 2-3 years too long because they didn't believe they deserved better.

The Three-Step Reality Check

When that "I'm a fraud" voice starts:

1. Name it
"That's imposter syndrome talking, not truth."

2. Evidence check
List three specific results you've delivered. Not activities. Results. That Kroger expansion? The team you built? The crisis you navigated? That happened because of you.

3. Reframe it
Instead of "I fooled them," try "I delivered what they needed." Because you did.

The Truth Nobody Tells You

Your bosses aren't idiots. That promotion committee? They've seen plenty of people who couldn't cut it. They chose you because you earned it.

Those "lucky breaks"? They happened because you were prepared when opportunity showed up.

That team that makes you look good? They stay because of how you lead.

From Fixed to Growth

Stop thinking in terms of "am I good enough?" Start thinking "what am I learning?"

Every executive I know has moments of doubt. The difference? The successful ones don't let doubt make their decisions.

You survived the 2008 recession in CPG. The retail apocalypse. COVID supply chain chaos. Digital transformation. Countless reorgs.

You think you lasted this long by fooling people?

Come on.

Your Move

Next time imposter syndrome whispers "you don't deserve this," respond with evidence:
• The P&L you managed
• The team you built
• The crisis you solved
• The growth you drove

Those aren't lucky accidents. That's you being excellent at your job.

And if you need someone to remind you of your worth while you navigate your next move? That's exactly why I'm here.

Schedule time with me here.

You deserve a CPG Life where you confidently take credit for your successes as much as your mistakes. Break free from imposter syndrome with Polly Rowland's Coaching.

Let's build your confidence together – because you truly deserve it!