Imposter syndrome is a pervasive issue in academia and research, affecting individuals across all career stages. It manifests as feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy, despite evidence of competence and achievements. This panel discussion, featuring psychologists and women researchers, delves into the challenges of imposter syndrome and offers strategies for overcoming it to foster a healthier, more fulfilling work life.

Academia is an environment of high expectations and relentless competition. For women in particular, systemic biases and underrepresentation in leadership roles can exacerbate the pressure to prove themselves. One significant aspect of combating imposter syndrome is understanding its psychological underpinnings. Psychologists on the panel will explore how societal, cultural, and personal factors intertwine to perpetuate this phenomenon, and will offer evidence-based insights on how individuals can reframe their self-perception.

As we strive to develop the next generation Women Leaders in the engineering field, the researchers on the panel will share their lived experiences of navigating imposter syndrome in their careers. Their stories highlight the challenges of self-doubt in specialized fields and demonstrate the importance of resilience, mentorship, and community support. Ultimately, addressing imposter syndrome requires a collective effort to cultivate more inclusive, supportive environments, thus it is fundamental to share this topic with female and male colleagues of different levels and age.

This panel aims to spark an open dialogue about imposter syndrome in the IEEE community, providing not only awareness but also actionable steps to empower academics and researchers to thrive in their careers.