Within the realm of personal and professional development, imposter syndrome can sneak in when you least expect it. In the hybrid and AI-integrated workspaces of 2026, self-doubt can be pervasive for any working professional, lurking in the shadows even when you are experiencing significant achievement or success within your career.
Imposter syndrome was first identified in the late 1970s and is characterized by feelings of inadequacy and a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud. Despite the evolution of the modern workplace, this “phenomenon” continues to creep into professional lives regardless of years of accolades.
Shiela Mie Legaspi, president of virtual assistant company Cyberbacker, has dealt with imposter syndrome herself and helps her employees break through feelings of inadequacy to find purpose and passion. “Everyone should have an equal opportunity for growth, whether in their personal lives or their professional career,” she says. “I see it as my role to help people grow into their careers and embrace their success.”
Understanding Imposter Syndrome in 2026
Imposter syndrome is often found in high-achieving individuals, something to which Legaspi can relate. “I started with Cyberbacker as a virtual assistant,” she shares. “In 2018, I was promoted to director of operations and became president in 2019. I had persistence and unwillingness to give up, and I surrounded myself with great people.”
Legaspi credits the support of her team and Cyberbacker CEO Craig Goodliffe with helping her scale the company and create over 3,200 jobs worldwide. However, as noted in recent Harvard Business Review analyses, many people still struggle to see their promotions as anything other than luck, attributing success to external factors instead of their own perseverance.
Reframing Negative Thoughts
“To recognize imposter syndrome, you have to know where it comes from,” Legaspi remarks. “You have to challenge those limiting beliefs you have about yourself and learn to tell yourself that you deserve the success you have received.”
Reframing involves cognitive restructuring—replacing dysfunctional patterns with functional ones. When you feel like a fraud, replace those thoughts with positive affirmations about your specific skills. “Positive self-talk helps people cultivate a growth mindset,” Legaspi explains, a concept famously championed by Dr. Carol Dweck.
Building Self-Confidence through Recognition
Legaspi and her team focus on employee recognition to counteract self-doubt. “Everyone wants their effort to be recognized by their boss,” she says. Beyond management, individuals should genuinely celebrate accomplishments at home. Goals should be realistic, supported by strategic plans to reach them.
Constructive feedback is another vital tool. While difficult to hear for someone mired in self-doubt, acting on validation and critique from managers helps build tangible confidence in one’s professional standing.
Practicing Self-Compassion
“Work can be difficult, so it’s important to practice self-kindness,” says Legaspi. In high-pressure environments, a single mistake can feel like a fireable offense. By embracing imperfection and vulnerability, you develop a supportive inner dialogue. For those looking for guided practices, Dr. Kristin Neff’s resources offer scientifically backed methods to weather workplace stress without feeling like a fraud.
The Power of Mentorship and Connection
“Build a strong network of mentors and allies,” Legaspi advises. Sharing challenges with others often reveals that your peers feel the same way. This communal transparency calms the fear that you are “out of your depth” and fosters a culture of authenticity.
Conclusion: Moving Beyond the “Fraud” Narrative
Overcoming imposter syndrome is not a one-time fix but a consistent journey of self-discovery and resilience. As Shiela Mie Legaspi demonstrates through her trajectory at Cyberbacker, success is built on persistence and the willingness to ask for direction. By understanding the origins of our self-doubt and implementing cognitive strategies to challenge them, we can liberate ourselves from the “imposter” grip and focus on our true evolution. In 2026, the most successful professionals aren’t those who never feel doubt—they are the ones who refuse to let doubt dictate their worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is imposter syndrome a mental health diagnosis?
A: No. It is not a clinical disorder listed in the DSM-5, but rather a psychological phenomenon or experience that can lead to anxiety and burnout if left unaddressed.
Q: Can high-level executives still experience imposter syndrome?
A: Absolutely. Research shows that imposter syndrome often increases as one moves higher in their career, as the pressure to perform and the “visibility” of potential failure both increase.
Q: How can I help an employee who is struggling with self-doubt?
A: As Shiela Mie Legaspi suggests, focus on clear, genuine recognition of their specific contributions and encourage a culture where asking questions is seen as a strength rather than a sign of inadequacy.
