Imposter Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud,” despite evident success. It’s estimated that 70% of employees experience some degree of imposter syndrome at work, a figure that continues to rise.
To address this pervasive issue, the International Imposter Syndrome Awareness Day (IISAD) was established. Launched on April 13, 2021, by Lisa Ventura MBE, Nat Schooler, and Kim-Adele Randall, IISAD aims to raise awareness about imposter syndrome, provide resources, and support those affected. The initiative has grown into an annual event, with the upcoming IISAD scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2025.
IISAD 2025: Events and Participation
The 2025 event features a comprehensive schedule of discussions and Q&A sessions, each focusing on different aspects of imposter syndrome::
- 9:30 AM: Welcome and introduction by the Founders of International Imposter Syndrome Awareness Day Lisa Ventura MBE, Nat Schooler and Kim Adele.
- 10:00 AM: Q&A with Moona Ederveen-Schieder on “Managing Imposter Syndrome: A Journey to Overcoming and Thriving.”
- 10:30 AM: Q&A with Martina Brandes discussing “Managing Imposter Syndrome: A Coaching Perspective”
- 11:00 AM: Q&A with Andrew Shaw exploring “Managing Imposter Syndrome: A Neurodiversity Perspective.”
- 11:30 AM: Q&A with Dr. Colin Williams on “Managing Imposter Syndrome: A Coaching Perspective.”
- 1:00 PM: Fireside chat with Steven J. Manning discussing “Managing Imposter Syndrome: A Business Perspective.”
- 1:30 PM: Q&A with Cristina Magro on “Managing Imposter Syndrome: A Cyber Security Perspective.”
- 2:00 PM: Fireside chat with Lisa Ventura MBE and Kim-Adele Randall discussing “The Link Between Perimenopause/Menopause and Imposter Syndrome.”
- 2:30 PM: Q&A with Olga Zilberberg on “Managing Imposter Syndrome: A Neurodiversity Perspective.”
- 3:00 PM: Fireside chat with Nat Schooler and Lisa Ventura MBE.
- 3:30 PM: Q&A with Dianna Morikawa discussing “Managing Imposter Syndrome: An AI and Tech Perspective.”
- 4:00 PM: Q&A with Brendan Whitson on “Managing Imposter Syndrome: A Neurodiversity Perspective.”
- 4:30 PM: Closing session with the Founders of International Imposter Syndrome Awareness Day.
How to Get Involved
IISAD offers various avenues for involvement:
- Sponsorship: Organizations can sponsor the event at different levels, ranging from Bronze (£5,000) to Platinum (£30,000). Sponsorship funds are used to secure speakers, promote the event, and develop resources.
- Participation: Individuals can attend the virtual events, engage in discussions, and access resources provided on the IISAD website.
- Donations: Contributions are welcomed to support the ongoing efforts of IISAD. Donations can be made through their PayPal link.
Our website has a host of information and resources about imposter syndrome featuring articles, blogs and podcasts.
Final Thoughts
Imposter syndrome affects a significant portion of the workforce, impacting mental health and professional performance. Initiatives like IISAD play a crucial role in raising awareness, providing resources, and fostering a supportive community. We look forward to welcomeing you to IISAD 2025 to open up the conversation on imposter syndrome and for participants to gain insights, share experiences, and find strategies to overcome their inner imposter.