Is It Imposter Syndrome or a Lack of Access?

The Label That’s Too Easy to Use

When a capable leader hesitates to take the next step, it’s often called imposter syndrome. But in many cases, it’s not a confidence flaw — it’s a systems flaw.

We’ve seen too many leaders held back not because they’re unready, but because they’ve been unseen.

The Real Issue: Lack of Access

When leaders don’t have:

• Visibility with decision-makers

• Feedback from senior leaders

• Opportunities to stretch into bigger challenges

…their confidence never has a chance to grow. And no amount of “just believe in yourself” speeches will fix that.

Why Visibility Matters

Visibility isn’t about self-promotion. It’s about being in the rooms, conversations, and projects where leadership potential is noticed and developed. Without it, even technically strong leaders can stagnate.

How On-Demand Leadership Support Changes the Equation

Scalable, on-demand support gives leaders:

• Access to senior leaders across functions

• Opportunities to contribute ideas in real time

• Exposure to new contexts, challenges, and networks

This isn’t just skill-building — it’s confidence-building through connection.

Takeaway

Before labelling someone with imposter syndrome, ask if they’ve had the access they need to build belief in their abilities.

Want to explore how on-demand leadership support can open doors for your leaders? Book a call with our team to start the conversation.