Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Throughout my life, I have grappled with the debilitating effects of imposter syndrome. This psychological phenomenon can lead you to feel as though you are never good enough, no matter your accomplishments. When others make you doubt your abilities, you start to devalue your own successes. You might start believing that if you can achieve something, then so can anyone else, which leads you to dismiss the uniqueness of your contributions. Unfortunately, this lack of self-worth often results in others taking advantage of your ideas without giving you the credit you deserve.

This cycle is perpetuated by the belief that sharing your insights and ideas will earn you respect and validation from others. However, when those contributions go unrecognized, it creates feelings of frustration and disappointment.

Personal Examples of Undervalued Achievements

Here are a few instances where I have failed to acknowledge my own accomplishments:

1. Creating an innovative concept for airline business travel that focused on personal consumption, which was later appropriated by both my college and an external tutor who became a globally recognized designer.
2. Developing a comprehensive design strategy for enhancing customer service at a prestigious global bank.
3. Earning two master's degrees.
4. Formulating a classification strategy for intelligent structures and materials.

These examples reflect a broader issue: my achievements often go unnoticed, primarily due to the lack of recognition and validation from others. As a Black man, societal expectations often do not align with creativity and innovation.

Struggles with Recognition

I recall an encounter from the mid-1980s when I approached an engineer with a proposal for an electronic home shopping unit. His dismissive response revealed a deep-seated bias against people like me. Similarly, during a discussion with the head of materials engineering at a leading aerospace company, I faced blatant disregard for my ideas, which were deemed unworthy of attention.

Even my professors were surprised when I shared that British Airways was interested in my design concepts, as they had primarily focused their efforts on assisting my white peers.

Reflections on My Journey

I share these experiences not to seek sympathy but to highlight the importance of recognizing one's own achievements, even in a society that often overlooks them. These challenges have fueled my desire for continuous learning and growth.

Watching the BBC series Small Axe by Steve McQueen provided me with valuable context for my experiences, illustrating that my struggles are not unique but rather indicative of a broader societal issue in the UK.

The first video, "What is imposter syndrome and how can you combat it?" by Elizabeth Cox, explores the nature of imposter syndrome and offers practical strategies for overcoming it.

The second video, "The Surprising Solution to the Imposter Syndrome" by Lou Solomon at TEDxCharlotte, reveals unexpected methods to combat feelings of inadequacy and embrace self-worth.