Written by Lisa Skeffington, Psychotherapist
Lisa Skeffington is a psychotherapist and thought leader shaping the future of mental health. She is the founder of the Empowered Momentum Community and hosts coastal escapes empowering high-functioning mid-life women to authentically remove the mask they wear in their outwardly successful life; author of the book From Anxious to Empowered.
The glass ceiling is often described as an invisible barrier preventing women from rising to the top of their professions. But what if, for many successful women, the true barrier is not external but internal? What if the limits they perceive in their careers stem not only from societal structures but also from deep-seated beliefs formed in childhood?
This is the hidden truth behind imposter syndrome: the nagging feeling of being a fraud, the persistent self-doubt despite evident success, and the quiet fear that, at any moment, someone will uncover the truth that you are not as capable as they think. It’s not just in your head. It’s in your history.
How childhood shapes imposter syndrome
For many women, these limiting beliefs are not random; they are deeply rooted in childhood experiences. The way we experience our environment and the way we were treated growing up shape our core sense of self-worth. Micro-traumas, those seemingly small but cumulative wounds, etch limiting beliefs into our subconscious, creating a foundation of self-doubt and an internalized need to prove our worth.
Overburdened with responsibility: Some women were expected to be “the good girl,” to take care of others, to perform, and to be responsible beyond their years. They learned that their worth was tied to how much they did for others, not who they were.
Fear of abandonment: Others grew up in homes where love was conditional, where approval had to be earned, or where they felt emotionally neglected. This created a deep-rooted fear of rejection, making them hesitant to assert themselves later in life.
Perfectionism as a survival strategy: Many women learned early on that making mistakes was unacceptable, leading to a relentless drive for perfection that feeds into the imposter narrative.
Exposure to criticism or narcissistic caregivers: Growing up under constant scrutiny, with caregivers who invalidated their feelings or dismissed their achievements, set the stage for an adulthood riddled with self-doubt.
These early experiences lead to the unconscious belief that they are only “as good as their last success” and that failure is catastrophic. This fuels imposter syndrome, making high-achieving women question their own capabilities and attribute success to luck rather than competence.
The glass ceiling: A reflection of inner barriers
While external systemic barriers undeniably exist, gender pay gaps, lack of female representation in leadership, and workplace biases, there is another, more insidious glass ceiling: the one within.
Many women remain trapped in toxic work environments not because they lack talent but because they struggle to navigate and challenge those dynamics effectively. In male-dominated industries or workplaces led by narcissistic or toxic leaders, the issue is not merely gender inequality but also the ability to communicate powerfully, set boundaries, and navigate challenging personalities.
Mastering communication to shatter the internal glass ceiling
For women struggling with imposter syndrome, the key to freedom is mastering communication both internally (redefining beliefs) and externally (asserting oneself in difficult environments).
Re-train your inner voice: The subconscious mind holds onto childhood narratives, but they are not truths. Learning to recognize and rewrite these inner scripts is the first step to breaking free. Instead of “I’m not good enough,” the new narrative becomes “I deserve my place.”
Master boundaries with confidence: Toxic bosses and gender bias become less oppressive when a woman learns to assert clear boundaries and communicate her value with certainty.
Navigate workplace politics with emotional intelligence: Instead of being derailed by workplace toxicity, women who master effective communication can strategically manage workplace dynamics without being diminished by them.
Own success without apology: Women must shift from deflecting praise to owning their expertise unapologetically. The world does not reward the most capable, it rewards those who confidently showcase their capability.
The Empowered Momentum Community
Overcoming imposter syndrome is not a solo journey; it’s a transformational process that thrives with the right support. The Empowered Momentum Community was newly founded to help high-achieving women break free from self-doubt, step into their power, and master communication to navigate any challenge with confidence.
As a free member, you gain access to a supportive network of like-minded women, insightful discussions, and exclusive content designed to help you rewire limiting beliefs and develop unwavering self-belief.
For those ready for a deeper level of transformation, the VIP membership offers unparalleled live weekly support sessions, access to a program of online events and in-person coastal escapes, alongside tailored strategies to help you:
Master communication in high-stakes situations
Set and enforce boundaries with confidence
Navigate toxic workplace dynamics effectively
Overcome self-doubt and claim your expertise unapologetically
The path to empowerment
For professional women ready to break free from Imposter Syndrome, the path to success is not about waiting for external validation or for the system to change. It is about dismantling the inner limitations that were established long before they stepped into the workplace. When women learn to communicate with power, both to themselves and in the boardroom, the glass ceiling is no longer a barrier; it becomes irrelevant.
The future belongs to those who no longer seek permission to rise. It belongs to those who own their worth, speak their truth, and take up space, empowered and unmasked, without excuse or apology.
Join the Empowered Momentum Community today and step into your power with the proper support you need to break through Imposter Syndrome for good.
Read more from Lisa Skeffington
Lisa Skeffington, Psychotherapist
Lisa Skeffington, Psychotherapist of the Year 2024/25, is the leading light for wounded women worldwide. Her own personal story, from trauma to triumph, led her to dedicate her support to mid-life women and their families to heal their emotional wounds so that they feel enough as they are, break free from anxiety, and communicate confidently in healthy relationships. Over her 25 years in mental health, she has developed a unique psychological approach with a seamless blend of psychological therapies, which she calls psychodynamic mentoring. Based on the UK Dorset coast, Lisa runs exclusive coastal escapes and one-day events helping women to remove the mask and thrive in their lives today, without excuse or apology.
