Battling Imposter Syndrome? Here’s How to Show Up as the Real You

If you’re reading this and you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, let me speak to your soul for a moment. As a keynote speaker, I know firsthand how powerful the urge to “fit in” can be. The pressure to conform, to be someone you’re not, can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re stepping into the role of a leadership speaker or keynoter, expected to inspire others with confidence and authenticity.

For years, I struggled with feeling like I needed to play a part. I kept trying to fit myself into a version that the world would approve of—a version that looked polished, had all the answers, and didn’t stumble. On the outside, everything seemed great. But on the inside? I was dying to let go and just be me.

Even After 1,000 Presentations, Imposter Syndrome Still Shows Up

You might think that after delivering over 1,000 presentations, any seasoned keynote speaker would have it all figured out. But here’s the truth that even the most confident leadership speakers know: imposter syndrome doesn’t just disappear. It still shows up, no matter how many times I’ve stepped on stage or how much praise I’ve received.

I still have moments of doubt right before I speak, questioning things like:

• “Will they connect with what I’m saying?”
• “What if I come off as too much?”
• “Is this group really going to buy into the whole confidence thing?”

These thoughts aren’t rational, but they’re real. The same inner critic that plagued me at the start of my career still whispers these doubts from time to time. And that’s the challenge: we all have to decide how we handle those doubts, whether we’re just starting out or are seasoned in the world of keynote speaking.

An Early Presentation That Taught Me a Lesson in Nerves

One of my earliest presentations was to a small group of 15 people, and I remember sitting in a quiet room beforehand, heart racing, thinking through every possible (usually terrible) scenario. I imagined all the ways I could mess up, and that fear of “not being enough” was strong. My mind ran through every possible critique the audience might think, wondering if I was truly cut out for this role as a speaker.

That fear didn’t magically disappear over time. It’s shown up again and again over the years, and the key to handling it hasn’t been about trying to erase the nerves but rather learning to work with them. True authenticity as a keynote speaker doesn’t mean the nerves go away; it means building a healthier relationship with them.

Building a Relationship with Nerves and Self-Doubt

As a leadership keynoter, I often speak on the importance of authenticity in leadership and self-confidence. What I’ve learned over time is that confidence isn’t about being fearless. Instead, it’s about being courageous enough to show up despite the fear. Authenticity lives in those moments when you choose to be yourself, even when your inner voice tries to convince you otherwise.

For anyone dealing with imposter syndrome, here’s the truth: you don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. You don’t need to know everything to add value. All you need to do is keep showing up as your true self, nerves and all. This is a practice, and it won’t be perfect. But each time you step up and embrace your uniqueness, you get stronger, and that strength translates into impact.

Authenticity is a Muscle—It Needs to Be Trained

Think of authenticity as a muscle—it gets stronger with practice. When I share my story in keynote speaking engagements, I always emphasize that real confidence and authenticity aren’t one-time achievements. They’re practices that you revisit over and over again.

Every time you step on stage, join a meeting, or even interact one-on-one with someone, you have an opportunity to practice authenticity. It’s about sharing who you are without apology, about showing the world the real you. And the more often you do this, the less power imposter syndrome has over you.

Here’s How to Train Your Authenticity Muscle

1. Practice Self-Acceptance: Stop holding yourself to impossible standards. Recognize that who you are right now is enough. When you can accept yourself fully, it’s much easier to be genuine in front of others.
2. Show Up, Even When It’s Hard: Authenticity is built in moments of courage. The more you show up as your true self, even when it’s challenging, the stronger your confidence will become.
3. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection: Your audience, whether it’s one person or a room of hundreds, doesn’t need you to be perfect. They need you to be real. Authenticity and connection are far more impactful than polished perfection.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Every time you show up as yourself, acknowledge it. Recognize your courage, and let it fuel your growth.

When I step into a keynote speaking role, I carry these reminders with me. I remember that every step I take toward authenticity, no matter how small, is a victory. And every time I embrace my unique story, I find new ways to connect and inspire my audience.

Showing Up Authentically Inspires Others

Here’s the beautiful thing about authenticity: when you show up as your true self, you give others permission to do the same. People don’t connect with perfection; they connect with authenticity, and every time you lead by example, you inspire others to embrace their own journey.

So, if you’re dealing with imposter syndrome, know that you’re not alone. It’s something every leadership speaker, every keynoter, and every person faces at some point. But you have the power to choose how you respond to it. With practice, you can turn those moments of doubt into opportunities to grow, to inspire, and to make a real impact.

Embrace your journey, trust in your value, and let your authenticity shine. The world needs more people who are willing to show up as their true selves, nerves and all. When you commit to that path, you’ll discover a confidence that no amount of external validation can ever match. And that’s a confidence worth sharing.