The Imposter Phenomenon: Why you feel like a fraud and what to do about it 🎭

By Dr Kate Atkin.

Starting a new job can be exciting, but it can also bring with it a wave of doubt and insecurity.

Recently stepping into a new job role myself, I found these feelings creeping in, an internal voice whispering, "You’re not good enough" and "You’re just pretending".

That’s why The Imposter Phenomenon by Kate Atkin arrived at exactly the right moment.

Often mislabelled as a “syndrome,” the imposter phenomenon is not a disorder, but a common psychological experience. Atkin expertly dismantles this misconception and offers a grounded, research-backed exploration of what it actuallymeans to feel like a fraud and what we can do about it.

This book is split into three parts:

📖 Part One explores the origins and emotional impact of imposter feelings.

📖 Part Two focuses on practical strategies to overcome these thoughts and build courage.

📖 Part Three offers guidance for managers and leaders to better support colleagues facing imposter thoughts.

What sets this book apart is its compassionate, insightful tone. Atkin combines expert analysis with real-life stories and reflective exercises, helping readers not just understand their imposter thoughts, but begin to challenge and reframe them.

I especially appreciated the emphasis on self-compassion over self-criticism something we all often forget in the pursuit of perfection - but does perfection really exist?

Personally, this has been an invaluable read. It helped me realise that I am not alone in my self-doubt, and that these feelings don’t have to define my capabilities.

The tools and mindset shifts offered here are ones I’ll continue to return to as I grow in my new role.

The Imposter Phenomenon is not just for those struggling with self-doubt. It’s for anyone who wants to better understand their internal narrative, and for every leader who wants to build more supportive, psychologically safe workplaces.

Empowering, thoughtful, and immensely practical this is a must-read for those navigating change, leadership, or simply learning to believe in themselves.

Thank you to the team at Literally PR for running this book-tour. The book is out now and available to purchase.

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