There I was, standing on the brink of one of the most important projects for my client, staring at the profiles of my team members. The stakes were high. This wasn’t just another project—it was with one of the top organizations in the world. If you checked the Fortune 500 list at the time, this company sat comfortably around the 30th spot.
The team I was working with was nothing short of intimidating. Five PhDs. And then, there was me.
Why me?
That question echoed in my mind as I prepared for the kickoff meeting. My thoughts swirled with unease. They could have chosen anyone—any number of seasoned professionals with impeccable credentials—but somehow, I was the one standing here, leading this project. And in that moment, I wasn’t doubting my ability to lead. I was simply overwhelmed by the sheer level of expertise surrounding me.
As I wrestled with these thoughts, my internal client counterpart—a colleague I greatly respected—walked into my office. She asked me how I was doing, probably noticing the tension in my demeanor.
“I’m intimidated,” I admitted. “Look at the people on this team. They have an incredible amount of experience. Combine that with the exposure of this project across the organization, it’s just a lot to take in.”
I went on, sharing my thoughts. “The office you gave me is across the hall from a team of seasoned management consultants from one of the world’s top strategy firms. With their experience, I can’t help but wonder—why not one of them?” Opening up like this felt like a risk, especially since I had been brought in to lead the project. But I needed to say it out loud to help navigate my emotions—I felt it was important to be transparent.
Her response was immediate and matter-of-fact.
“We chose you because you have a skill set we don’t have,” she said. “You’ve proven time and time again that you can run incredibly complex projects with a methodology and precision that’s unmatched. On top of that, you have the ability to bring people together and make them work toward a common goal. That’s why you’re here. That’s why we chose you.”
I started to interject, still overwhelmed by my emotions, but she wasn’t finished.
“My guess? The team is just as intimidated by your background and experience—because it’s something they don’t have. And yes, there are seasoned consultants across the hall. But they’re not you. They don’t have your unique combination of skills, experience, and approach. That’s what makes you the right person for this role.”
I sat with her words for a moment, letting them sink in. And then it hit me—the real impostor wasn’t someone else questioning whether I should be there. It was the voice in my own head, whispering doubts that didn’t reflect reality.
The Power of Perspective
That conversation was a turning point. It forced me to reflect on my own assumptions about what made someone “qualified.” I had been so busy comparing myself to the others in the room that I failed to recognize the value I brought to the table. My client wasn’t doubting me—they were excited to have me leading the project. They knew I had something unique to offer, and they trusted me to deliver.
Meanwhile, I was letting my self-doubt distort reality.
It’s a phenomenon many of us have experienced at one point or another, often referred to as impostor syndrome. This feeling—where you question whether you deserve your achievements or fear being exposed as a “fraud”—can be incredibly pervasive, especially in high-pressure situations.
The funny thing is, impostor syndrome isn’t based on external reality. It’s a mental game, fueled by fear and insecurity. In my case, it wasn’t that I didn’t belong; it was that I hadn’t yet taken the time to acknowledge the experiences, successes, and skills that had gotten me to this point.
What I Learned
As the project unfolded, my confidence grew. I began to see firsthand how my skills complemented those of my team members. Yes, we had five PhDs. But we also had me, with my unique ability to cut through complexity, align people around a common goal, and execute with precision.
It wasn’t just that I belonged in the room—I was an integral part of the team’s success.
The project turned out to be successful, not because I single-handedly carried it, but because we worked together as a cohesive unit. Each of us brought something valuable to the table, and together we achieved a result that exceeded expectations.
But the real victory, for me, was internal. I defeated the impostor in my head.
A Message to the Self-Doubters
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong or wondered why you’ve been chosen for a challenge, let me offer you this: You’re there because you deserve to be there. Whether you chose the opportunity yourself or someone else chose you, it wasn’t an accident.
When self-doubt creeps in, take a step back and look at the big picture. What skills, experiences, and perspectives do you bring to the table? Chances are, they’re more valuable than you realize.
Also, remember that no one succeeds in isolation. Just as my team and I complemented each other’s strengths, you’ll often find that collaboration is the key to overcoming big challenges.
And finally, know this: The impostor in your head isn’t real. The doubts and fears it whispers to you don’t reflect the truth. You’re not an impostor. You’re capable, qualified, and exactly where you need to be.
So, the next time you find yourself asking, “Why me?” flip the script. Instead of doubting whether you should be there, remind yourself why you’re the right person for the job. Approach the challenge with pride, confidence, and the belief that you have what it takes to succeed.
The impostor isn’t out there. It’s in your head. And it’s time to defeat it.
See you next week,
Brent, your Rivr Guide
