15 Trending Imposter Syndrome Speakers to Inspire Your Team: Official Rankings
Imposter syndrome is a pervasive feeling that impacts mental wellbeing and limits potential. Discussing it is crucial, with open conversations helping provide support for those experiencing imposter syndrome and encouraging confidence in abilities.
Contents:
- What is imposter syndrome?
- How does imposter syndrome impact the workplace?
- Who are the top 15 trending imposter syndrome speakers?
- Hire an Imposter Syndrome Keynote Speaker Today!
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome, first identified in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes, is defined as the persistent feeling of self-doubt and incompetence despite evident success, education and experience. Also known as perceived fraudulence, it affects many people, making them believe their achievements result from luck rather than talent or qualifications – with a reported 82% of people having experienced imposter syndrome in their lifetime.
Sources: Healthline & Time
How Does Imposter Syndrome Impact the Workplace?
Imposter syndrome in the workplace affects 62% of global employees, causing them to doubt their skills and achievements. This persistent self-doubt can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout, hindering career growth and job satisfaction. It’s common to question your abilities, impacting overall team performance and productivity.
Who are the Top 15 Trending Imposter Syndrome Speakers?
Given the crucial importance of speaking about imposter syndrome, countless powerful keynote speakers share their personal experiences of imposter syndrome and offer top tips to overcome these feelings of self-doubt. Following the scrutiny of official data from 117 events themed on mental wellbeing and imposter syndrome, between 2022 and 2024, expert Keynote Speaker Agent Chris Tompkins has shared his editor's opinion on the Top 15 Trending Imposter Syndrome Speakers!
Alison Shamir
Official Client Ranking – 9.9/10
Alison Shamir is hired as a keynote speaker for imposter syndrome-themed events due to her expertise in confidence, fear and bias-breaking. With a corporate background in technology and media, she offers practical strategies through her Imposter to Unstoppable™ framework. As a Certified Coach in Neuroscience, Alison's evidence-based approach and dynamic presentation style effectively address self-doubt and fear. Her media presence and recognition on platforms like the Today Show and SMH.com.au reinforce her authority. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, she fosters psychologically safe environments, making her an invaluable asset for promoting confidence and tackling imposter syndrome in organisations.
Official Feedback for Alison Shamir:
I have attended many keynote speeches/talks for females and I can honestly say Alison’s was the best as it was so relevant to us. The feedback has been extraordinary. - The British Army
Amy C Edmondson
Official Client Ranking – 9.9/10
Amy C. Edmondson is a sought-after keynote speaker on imposter syndrome due to her deep understanding of psychological safety and inclusive leadership. As the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, she has extensively researched how creating psychologically safe environments can mitigate feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, which are central to imposter syndrome. Her work highlights that competent individuals often suffer from imposter syndrome, and by fostering a culture of openness and support, these feelings can be addressed. Amy's authoritative insights, bestselling books and influential articles make her an expert in helping organisations and individuals combat imposter syndrome effectively.
Jamil Qureshi
Official Client Ranking – 9.8/10
Jamil Qureshi is a sought-after keynote speaker due to his expertise as a high-performance coach, renowned for coaching elite athletes in golf, football and Formula 1. He has helped high-profile sports personalities achieve peak performance under pressure, including mentoring six world-ranking leaders. His skills translate to the corporate world, enhancing workforce performance and change management for major companies like Cisco, Coca-Cola and Emirates Airlines. His understanding of performance psychology allows him to address issues like imposter syndrome, providing actionable insights on overcoming self-doubt and achieving excellence across various fields.
Official Feedback for Jamil Qureshi:
"Jamil went down a storm – and was the top-rated session of the day with a fantastic 9.3/10. He absolutely captured the room, with many leaders saying he was one of/the best speakers they’d ever heard at a work event. He was also the topic of many discussions at the bar in the evening. Please do pass this on to Jamil, he probably gets it all the time – but safe to say, he challenged our belief system(s)!" - May, Head of Colleague Communications, British Gas Energy
Bonita Norris
Official Client Ranking – 9.8/10
Bonita Norris is a sought-after keynote speaker due to her remarkable achievements as an adventurer and her ability to inspire audiences with her experiences. As the former youngest woman to summit Mount Everest, she has faced significant challenges and setbacks. Her experiences on various expeditions have taught her to confront failure and imposter syndrome head-on. Bonita's belief in viewing failure as a motivator rather than an end, and her practice of embracing the possibility of failure to push beyond limits, resonate deeply with audiences. She conveys that persistence and resilience are key, making her an inspiring figure for corporate and motivational events.
Official Feedback for Bonita Norris:
"Bonita did a great job as expected. Thanks for all your efforts in helping to organise this" - Armaan, Senior Consultant, Ernst & Young
Tony Brooks
Official Client Ranking – 9.7/10
Tony Brooks, a renowned Leadership Psychologist and Executive Coach is an expert keynote speaker on imposter syndrome due to his profound understanding of leadership psychology. With a background in psychology and extensive experience, Tony focuses on survival psychology's impact on leadership mindsets. His workshops and coaching have significantly improved organisations' performance and culture. Author of the best-selling "PI Leadership" and host of the Leadership Mindset Podcast, Tony provides valuable insights into optimism, curiosity and overcoming ego. His keynote presentations transform mindsets, making him a sought-after speaker for fostering growth and addressing imposter syndrome in contemporary organisations.
Official Feedback for Tony Brooks:
"I have worked with Tony on a number of occasions and he has always been a delight to collaborate with. He is unfailingly professional, always delivering insightful, engaging content with warmth and authenticity. He has the rare ability to quickly build rapport with people from many different disciplines and backgrounds." - Gemma, SME Engagement Manager, The University of Nottingham
Katie Oman
Official Client Ranking – 9.7/10
Katie Oman is hired as a motivational speaker for her extensive experience as a women's empowerment coach and author. Her expertise in guiding individuals toward personal growth and spiritual development enables her to connect deeply with audiences. Katie's background in communication, lesson planning and storytelling enhances her effectiveness, making her talks both engaging and impactful. She addresses crucial topics like imposter syndrome by drawing on her rich experience in fostering self-love and confidence. Her heartfelt, motivational approach helps individuals overcome self-doubt and embrace their true potential, making her a sought-after speaker for empowerment events.
Official Feedback for Katie Oman:
"Through sparkle coaching I have been able to define areas of my life that needed improvement but I didn’t have a clue where to begin! Katie’s kind and empathetic approach has helped my gain clarity and I’ve been able refocus my mind and I have set wheels in motion to change things that no longer benefit me and already I feel happier and planning for the future! I would recommend sparkle coaching to anyone, my only regret is I didn’t do it sooner!" - Private Client
Daniel Lerner
Official Client Ranking – 9.6/10
Daniel Lerner is a transformative motivational speaker renowned for his expertise in positive psychology, helping individuals achieve excellence by leveraging a healthy psychological state. His insights, grounded in cutting-edge research, aid people in managing stress, uncovering strengths and realising potential. Daniel's background in classical music and deep understanding of human emotion enrich his teachings. He lectures at prestigious universities and works with diverse clients, offering practical applications of positive psychology. Co-author of "U Thrive: How to Succeed in College (and Life)", he provides students with practical advice, making him a compelling speaker on issues like imposter syndrome and performance enhancement.
Official Feedback for Daniel Lerner:
"He has a rich background on so many topics, but what I love about Dan is how he delivers his sessions. They are full of real life scenarios, current research and funny stories. I am not surprised his class at NYU, ‘The Science of Happiness’ is one of the most popular on campus! When you see Dan teach, you immediately sense his intelligence, intellectually AND emotionally. He has worked with corporate executives, elite musicians, and athletes on how to enhance their performance and use positive psychology to build and sustain success. Dan knows how to help people move toward excellence" - True North Sports
Silvia Garcia
Official Client Ranking – 9.5/10
Silvia Garcia is a sought-after motivational speaker due to her extensive background in positive leadership and behavioural science, honed during her tenure as the Director of Global Marketing and Director of The Happiness Institute at Coca-Cola. She excels in improving workplace culture, employee wellbeing and communication. Now a consultant and CEO of Feel Logic, she uses behavioural science and neuroscience to shape the future of work. Her insights on happiness and behavioural science make her well-equipped to address issues like imposter syndrome, addressing the psychological aspects of imposter syndrome along with the pressures and challenges that contribute to self-doubt.
Official Feedback for Silvia Garcia:
"We loved Silvia’s pose. Super interesting content, featuring surprising and relevant stories for our audience. Silvia is one of those lecturers that everyone in the world loves to listen to. Your energy, optimism and vision are contagious and the audience is always filed with inspiration, ideas and practical examples." - Rosa, Head of External Communications, L’Oreal Spain & Portugal
Shawn Achor
Official Client Ranking – 9.5/10
Shawn Achor is a highly sought-after motivational speaker due to his expertise in happiness, gratitude and spirituality, shaped by his education at Harvard and Harvard Divinity School. His deep understanding of positive psychology and human potential allows him to address imposter syndrome by emphasising the importance of mindset and positivity. Drawing on his extensive research and experience, Shawn delivers engaging and impactful speeches that help professionals enhance workplace performance and personal wellbeing. His popular TEDx talks, bestselling books like "The Happiness Advantage" and collaboration with Oprah Winfrey further establish his credibility and influence in the field.
Official Feedback for Shawn Achor:
“An amazing event! It was such fun and so stimulating to have Shawn at Facebook! As we strive to help the world become more open and connected, remaining positive and grateful for meaningful and productive relationships is essential! Shawn’s ideas and research are very insightful to us as we think about our mission. Thank you!” - Facebook
Robert Holden
Official Client Ranking – 9.5/10
Robert Holden's extensive expertise in stress management, mental health and wellbeing positions him well to address imposter syndrome. A pioneer in positive psychology, Robert has a long history of creating impactful programs like Stress Busters and The Happiness Project, both of which were featured in BBC documentaries. His work is highly regarded by healthcare professionals and scientists alike. As a coach for Dove's Real Beauty Campaign and a frequent contributor to Oprah.com, Robert demonstrates a deep understanding of human emotion and the psychological aspects of self-worth, making him an ideal speaker on imposter syndrome
Official Feedback for Robert Holden:
"Your work with us has been a complete tonic - the buzz you have created is terrific. We are uplifted and full of hope for the future" - The Body Shop
Laura Kenny
Official Client Ranking – 9.4/10
Laura Kenny's extensive experience as an elite sportswoman allows her to speak on imposter syndrome with authority. Despite her remarkable achievements, including four Olympic gold medals and numerous world titles, she has faced personal and professional challenges. Overcoming a collapsed lung at birth and asthma, Laura’s journey to becoming Britain's most successful female Olympian involved battling self-doubt and adversity. Her relatable struggles, despite her success, make her an inspirational figure for many. Her ability to connect with young athletes and her public recognition further underscores her credibility and impact as a motivational speaker on this topic.
Official Feedback for Laura Kenny:
"Laura was fabulous and went down very well with the audience. She came across as very genuine and engaged with our interviewer and interacted very well with our guests before and after her session. In summary, she helped us make our event a real success and would be grateful if you could convey to her our thanks." - Pomerantz LLP
Derek Redmond
Official Client Ranking – 9.3/10
Derek Redmond's career, marked by initial success and severe injuries, notably tearing his hamstring during the 1992 Olympics, embodies resilience and determination. His memorable finish with his father’s support, despite disqualification, turned him into a symbol of perseverance. This experience, combined with his achievements and setbacks, uniquely positions him to address imposter syndrome. Derek Redmond's transition to motivational speaking, corporate workshops and psychometric assessment focuses on overcoming adversity and believing in oneself. His story inspires others to persist through challenges, making him an authoritative voice in combating imposter syndrome and fostering resilience.
Official Feedback for Derek Redmond:
"We thought the event was brilliant. Very engaging, the tech worked very smoothly and Derek’s stories really struck a chord with our staff. We had c. 200 attendees. Feedback from attendees so far has been glowing. Thank you for all your support in arranging!" - Ministry of Defence
Jason Robinson
Official Client Ranking – 9.2/10
Jason Robinson's career and life story make him a powerful speaker on imposter syndrome. Known for his remarkable rugby skills, he has faced and overcome numerous challenges. From his early days at Hunslet Boys Club to dominating with Wigan Warriors, Jason’s journey wasn't easy. Despite being offered a contract by Leeds, he stayed loyal to Hunslet Hawks before rising to captain England, breaking racial barriers. His autobiography, "Finding My Feet", details his struggles with childhood issues and alcoholism, showcasing his mental resilience. This background, combined with his sporting achievements, enables him to authentically address and inspire others dealing with imposter syndrome.
Malcolm Gladwell
Official Client Ranking – 9.1/10
Malcolm Gladwell is hired to share his expertise on imposter syndrome due to his reputation as a thought leader in psychology and human behaviour. Known for his ability to distil complex topics into accessible insights, Malcolm’s works, such as "Outliers" and "The Tipping Point", explore themes of success and self-perception. His nuanced understanding of how individuals navigate feelings of inadequacy and the societal pressures contributing to imposter syndrome makes him a compelling speaker. His engaging storytelling and evidence-based approach help audiences understand and manage these feelings, fostering personal growth and confidence.
Official Feedback for Malcolm Gladwell:
"HE WAS AMAZING! 2500 people didn’t budge when he spoke, except to laugh multiple times at his witty remarks. They loved him, and I included myself in that “they.” This was a room full of high-accomplish individuals, and I think everyone considered their evening well spent, having learned from the wisdom and insights he shared and really enjoying themselves in the process. He tied it all back to our organization in the end. We’ve wanted him on our stage for over a year, and all I can say is, it was worth the wait." - Non-Profit Organisation for Regional Jewish Community
Jules Mitchell
Official Client Ranking – 9/10
Jules Mitchell's expertise in happiness and wellbeing, founded on her scientific approach and extensive experience, equips her to address topics like imposter syndrome effectively. Through her ventures like Project Happiness and The Big Happiness Experiment, Jules has developed proven methods to enhance mental resilience and positive thinking. Her understanding of the psychological underpinnings of happiness enables her to help individuals reframe self-doubt and build confidence. By addressing imposter syndrome, she empowers audiences to overcome fear and embrace their potential, making her a sought-after speaker for those looking to improve personal and professional wellbeing.
Hire an Imposter Syndrome Keynote Speaker Today!
If you are interested in hiring one of the expert imposter syndrome speakers listed above, get in touch today! Call one of our dedicated booking agents on 0207 0787 876 or complete our online contact form to begin the process of hiring an imposter syndrome keynote speaker!
This official article on the 15 Trending Imposter Syndrome Speakers to Inspire Your Team was authored by Chris Tompkins, using exclusive data from 117 events between 2022 and 2024.
