Overworking & Imposter Syndrome Talk Outline

Introduction & Personal Journey (0m00s)

The speaker begins by sharing her journey from a Code First Girls graduate in 2018 to becoming a software engineer, highlighting her non-traditional background in economics and accounting.

"I'm a web developer, this is amazing. Like I'm just gonna go and apply for internships now."

"I do not come from a computer science background. I was actually studying economics and accounting at the time"

The Reality of Imposter Syndrome (3m10s)

She describes her struggles with imposter syndrome, questioning whether she was actually an imposter or just experiencing the syndrome, particularly whilst teaching others to code without having a computer science degree.

"Where's the line between actually being an imposter and having imposter syndrome?"

"I was basically learning how to code and like regurgitate my learnings during the time"

Defining Imposter Syndrome (5m20s)

The talk provides a clinical definition of imposter syndrome and reveals that 70% of people experience it at some point in their lives.

"It's defined as when individuals feel like they've ended up in esteemed roles or positions, not because of their competencies but because of some oversight or luck"

"I was actually failing to internalise my own successes"

Six Ways Imposter Syndrome Manifests (8m20s)

The speaker outlines six key manifestations of imposter syndrome, including the imposter cycle, need to be the very best, fear of failure, discounting praise, fear surrounding success, and overworking.

"The imposter cycle starts off with an achievement-related task"

"If I fail and if I don't know then everyone's going to know that I'm imposter so I can't afford to fail"

The Superman/Superwoman Complex (11m26s)

Discussion of overworking patterns and how perfectionism fuels this behaviour, with personal insights into high-functioning anxiety and the need for external validation.

"If I do everything perfectly and live perfectly, I can avoid feelings of blame, judgement and shame"

"The reality is it was holding me back from actually taking vital steps in my life"

Impact of Identity and Society (15m40s)

The speaker addresses how being a Black woman in tech compounds imposter syndrome, including dealing with "diversity hire" accusations and the pressure to work twice as hard.

"I was taught to work twice as hard as my White counterparts to get half of what they get"

"You are not a real developer and you are just a diversity hire"

Creating Inclusive Work Environments (17m30s)

Examples of supportive workplace practices that help combat imposter syndrome, including feedback culture, psychological safety, and mentorship.

"I just want to pay that forward and set you up for success"

"contributed to multiple incidents"

Practical Solutions and Breaks (20m48s)

Strategies for managing overworking tendencies, including tracking wins, taking intentional breaks, and finding sustainable working patterns.

"Take breaks. I get my best ideas when I'm in the shower or I get my best ideas when I go on a walk"

"sick days are there for a reason, it's actually your right to take it"

Shifting from Know-It-All to Learn-It-All (24m58s)

The conclusion emphasises embracing a learning mindset rather than trying to know everything, celebrating wins, and practising self-compassion.

"we're now shifting from at the pressure of being a know it all to now the being a learn it all"

"Sometimes we can be so hard on ourselves, especially when we're high achievers"