We’ve all heard the advice: "Just push through the imposter syndrome. Fake it ‘til you make it." But what if that narrative is doing more harm than good?

In a recent heart-opening conversation, I sat down with Paul N. Larsen, an executive coach, speaker, and all-around champion of authenticity, to dig into the uncomfortable yet universal experience of imposter syndrome. And let me tell you he flipped the script in the best way possible.

Here’s what we unpacked, and why it just might change how you lead, show up, and speak to yourself.

Most High Achievers Feel Like Frauds (You’re Not Broken)

Paul shared a striking stat that stopped me in my tracks: 80 to 90 percent of high-performing professionals experience imposter syndrome. Yes, even the ones with awards, titles, and letters after their names. The truth? Feeling like a fraud doesn’t mean you’re failing it means you care.

And instead of trying to silence that voice, Paul invites us to listen to it differently.

“Imposter syndrome is not something to overcome. It’s something to integrate.”

This single shift is powerful. Because when you stop treating imposter feelings as evidence that you’re unqualified, you can start using them as data: signals that you’re stepping into growth, stretching your capacity, and doing work that matters.

Create Psychological Safety—For Others and Yourself

Paul’s work is grounded in creating psychological safety not just in boardrooms and teams, but within your own mind. That means learning to speak to yourself with the same grace, curiosity, and compassion you extend to others.

His go-to tools?

• Gratitude: Recognize the progress you have made

• Affirmations: Speak truth to the fear without spiritual bypassing

• Intentional action: Move forward, even while feeling the fear

This isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about honoring the imposter part of you and reminding it who’s in charge.

From Intention Island to Aligned Action

If you’ve ever felt stuck with a million ideas but no momentum (hi, welcome), Paul talks about how many of us get stranded on what he calls “Intention Island” a place where our goals and dreams live without a bridge to action.

The antidote? Presence, purpose, and playful self-expression.

He offers a gentle roadmap back to yourself by:

• Defining what you stand for

• Taking small, aligned steps that reinforce your identity

• Letting go of the need to be perfect in order to be worthy

Because clarity doesn’t come from thinking harder. It comes from acting with intention.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Paul gave us a sneak peek into his upcoming course on imposter syndrome, and it’s packed with goodness:

• A personal assessment to identify your inner narrative

• An interactive workbook to reframe your mindset

• And one-on-one coaching to guide you through the fog of self-doubt into confident clarity

This isn’t another course full of fluff. It’s a toolbox for anyone who wants to show up more fully in life and work especially when self-doubt tries to take the wheel.

This episode is a reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness, and fear isn’t failure. When we embrace every part of ourselves, including the parts that question our worth, we stop chasing confidence and start living from a place of truth.

🎧 Tune in to the full conversation and learn how to turn imposter syndrome into your greatest teacher.
Because the goal isn’t perfection. The goal is presence.