Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Tips for Founders

Let’s talk about something real—imposter syndrome. That sneaky little voice that says, “You’re not good enough,” or “You don’t belong here,” even when you’ve got the wins to prove it. It’s like waiting for someone to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Hey, we know you’re just faking it.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Research shows that up to 70% of people feel this way at some point, and founders? We’re prime targets. Startups are wild—big risks, constant uncertainty, and a spotlight on every move. It’s no surprise self-doubt creeps in.

But here’s the thing: you can overcome it. This article is packed with five down-to-earth tips to help you kick imposter syndrome to the curb, plus real stories from Indian and global founders who’ve been there. Let’s get started and take back your confidence!

What Is Imposter Syndrome (and Why Founders Feel It)?

Imposter syndrome is that nagging feeling that you’re a fraud, even when the evidence—like your skills, hustle, or results—says otherwise. It’s the “I don’t deserve this” vibe that hits when you’re killing it but still feel out of place. For founders, it’s practically a rite of passage. You’re building something from scratch, making decisions with no roadmap, and pushing yourself way past your comfort zone. That’s a perfect recipe for doubt.

Think about it: one day you’re celebrating a big win, the next you’re scrambling to fix a mess. It’s easy to feel like you’re just winging it. But guess what? Even the biggest names in the game have felt the same. So, let’s tackle it with some real, actionable steps.

Tip 1: Admit It’s There (It’s Normal, Promise!)

First things first—don’t hide from it. Admitting you’re feeling imposter syndrome is the starting line to beating it. It’s not a flaw; it’s just part of being human, especially when you’re doing something bold like running a startup.

Founder Story: Arlan Hamilton (Backstage Capital)

Arlan Hamilton, the powerhouse behind Backstage Capital, knows this all too well. As a Black, queer woman breaking into the mostly white, male world of venture capital, she often felt like she didn’t fit in. In a Fast Company interview, she said she’d look at the Silicon Valley crowd and think, “What am I even doing here?” But instead of bottling it up, she owned it. She talked to mentors, leaned into her mission, and turned that doubt into drive. Today, Backstage has backed over 100 companies led by underrepresented founders. Her takeaway? Feeling it doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re pushing boundaries.

Your Move

Next time that “fraud” feeling hits, say it out loud: “Okay, I’m doubting myself right now.” It sounds simple, but naming it shrinks its power. Then remind yourself: every founder’s been here. It’s just part of the ride.

Tip 2: Flip the Script (You’re Growing, Not Failing)

Imposter syndrome loves to feed you lines like, “You’re not ready for this,” or “You don’t know enough.” But here’s the truth: no founder has it all figured out. Startups are about learning as you go, not being perfect from day one.

Founder Story: Ritesh Agarwal (OYO Rooms)

Take Ritesh Agarwal, the Indian founder of OYO Rooms. He started OYO as a teenager with zero formal business training. In a YourStory chat, he admitted to feeling totally out of his depth early on—like he wasn’t cut out to lead a global company. But he flipped it. Instead of “I’m not qualified,” he told himself, “I’m learning every day.” That mindset shift helped him scale OYO into a multi-billion-dollar hospitality giant. His lesson? You don’t need all the answers—just the guts to keep figuring it out.

Your Move

Catch those negative thoughts and rewrite them. Swap “I’m not good enough” for “I’m getting better every day.” Jot down one thing you’ve learned recently—proof you’re growing, not stalling.

Tip 3: Lean on Your People (You Don’t Have to Do This Solo)

Founders often think they need to be the lone hero, but that’s a myth. Having a crew—friends, peers, mentors—can pull you out of the imposter spiral fast.

Founder Story: Brian Chesky (Airbnb)

Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, felt like a total imposter when investors laughed his idea out of the room. On Reid Hoffman’s Masters of Scale podcast, he shared how he leaned on a tight group of fellow founders. They’d swap war stories, remind each other that rejection’s normal, and keep pushing. That support helped him turn Airbnb into a $100 billion company. His big lesson? You’re stronger with a team behind you.

Your Move

Find your people. Join a founder group—maybe a local meetup, an online community, or just a chat with peers. Share what’s bugging you. You’ll be shocked how many say, “Oh, I’ve been there too.”

Tip 4: Cheer for the Little Wins (They’re Big in Disguise)

Imposter syndrome zooms in on what’s going wrong, but you can flip that by celebrating every step forward. Small wins stack up and remind you you’re not a fraud—you’re making it happen.

Founder Story: Radhika Ghai (ShopClues)

Radhika Ghai, co-founder of India’s ShopClues, had a cool trick. She kept a “win jar” where she’d scribble down every success—landing a deal, hitting a goal, even just surviving a tough week. In an Economic Times interview, she said it kept her sane when things got rough. ShopClues grew into a top e-commerce player before being snapped up, and she credits those little victories for keeping her going.

Your Move

Start a “win jar” or a note on your phone. Every day, write down one thing you nailed—big or small. Look back at it when doubt creeps in. It’s your ammo against the imposter blues.

Tip 5: Learn, Don’t Obsess Over Perfect (Mess-Ups Are Gold)

Startups are messy—deals fall through, ideas flop, pitches tank. Imposter syndrome pounces on those moments, but here’s the twist: those aren’t failures, they’re lessons. Focus on what you’re picking up, not what’s “perfect.”

Founder Story: Melanie Perkins (Canva)

Melanie Perkins, co-founder of Canva, got rejected by over 100 investors before anyone said yes. In a Forbes interview, she admitted feeling like a fraud—she didn’t even have a design background! But she saw every “no” as a chance to tweak her pitch. That grit turned Canva into a $40 billion design empire. Her secret? Treat stumbles as stepping stones.

Your Move

After a hiccup, ask, “What did I learn?” not “Why did I screw up?” Write it down. Soon, you’ll see those “fails” as fuel, not proof you’re faking it.

More Founder Tales to Fire You Up

Still think it’s just you? Here’s some extra inspo from founders who’ve wrestled imposter syndrome and won:

• Manny Medina (Outreach): This immigrant founder told Business Insider he felt like an outsider even after building a $1 billion company. His fix? Leaning on mentors and using doubt as a push to prove himself.

• Sara Blakely (Spanx): In a MasterClass session, the billionaire Spanx founder said she grew up celebrating flops as learning moments. It helped her turn a $5,000 idea into a global brand—no fashion know-how needed.

• Kunal Shah (CRED): The Indian founder of CRED shared on Twitter how he often felt like he didn’t measure up in the startup world. His hack? Focusing on what he could control—learning and building.

These stories scream it: imposter syndrome talks a big game, but you’re the one calling the shots.

Let’s Wrap This Up: You’ve Got This

Imposter syndrome might crash your party, but it doesn’t get to stay. Admit it’s there, flip your thinking, lean on your crew, cheer the small stuff, and focus on learning—not perfection. You’re a founder, not a fraud, and you’ve earned your place. The world needs what you’re building, so don’t let doubt steal your thunder.

What’s your next step? Maybe kick off a win jar or ping a founder buddy. Whatever it is, do it today. You’re not alone, and this journey’s yours to own.

How do you shake off imposter syndrome? Share your trick on karthiksake@growthnursery.com—I’d love to hear it!