The Imperfects
The Imperfects
Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg
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Dr Emily - The Phenomenon That Is Imposter Syndrome
1 hour 11 minutes Posted Sep 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm.
– An Emisode!
– Adam Grant is not an imposter
– Origins of Imposter Syndrome
– ‘Syndrome’ is the wrong word
– It all comes back to belonging
– How common is imposter syndrome?
– Fear of being found out as a fraud
– The evolutionary psychology of belonging and self-doubt
– Is self-doubt actually healthy?
– Is your confidence a mask?
– The Dunning-Kruger Effect
– The more you know ….
– Competence vs confidence
– The Imposter Cycle: anxiety, perfectionism, luck
– Becoming your own favourite artist
– Avoidance, procrastination + self-fulfilling prophecies
– Long term consequences ft. Hugh’s anus
– Authenticity as the antidote
– Less growth, less promotions
– Strategy 1: write down your skills
– Strategy 2: name your shame
– Supporting a friend with imposter phenomenon
– Self-doubt in a new role is a good sign
– Strategy 3: mentor a near peer
– Strategy 4: celebrate your success
– Creating a good workplace culture
– Belonging is good for business
– Want more on belonging?
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Show notes
Do you live in fear of being found out as a fraud? That despite your years of competency, achievement and high performance someone will uncover the truth?
Well, you’re in the right place. Our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove is here to tell you that your imposter syndrome is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, it’s not even a syndrome.
💌 Get practical take-aways from this episode, and join 9,400+ others in our newsletter community - https://www.theimperfects.com.au/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/
To get a little bit meta, Dr Emily explains that knowing that you don’t know everything, is a good thing. Especially if you’re starting a new role, or trying something for the first time.
HOWEVER, the long-term consequences of the imposter cycle such as perfectionism, overcompensation, burnout, or even avoidance and procrastination, may impact your willingness to say yes to new opportunities, such as going for that promotion or asking for support.
In this episode, Dr Emily asks Hugh, Ryan and Josh to think about the balance of their competence and confidence, and provides them (and you!) with four practical strategies for combatting this pesky phenomenon.
And then, a weird amount of chat about Vlad the Impaler.
Dr Em, thanks for joining us.
🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode
Adam Grant - The Potential of Your Potential - https://bit.ly/4jc0DFM
Dr Emily - We’re Longing for Belonging - https://bit.ly/4yElLJp
Rana Hussain - Belonging for Connection - http://bit.ly/4odhGY8
Esther Perel - It’s Not Them, It’s You - https://bit.ly/4yxgljs
🎧Things to listen to
The Curiosity Shop with Brene Brown and Adam Grant - https://bit.ly/4gT05mW
📖Things to read
Hidden Potential, by Adam Grant - https://bit.ly/4AemQcv
Hardwiring Happiness, by Rick Hanson - https://bit.ly/3T6IhM0
📺 Things to watch
Mad Men - https://bit.ly/4cLB6zx
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The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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