SheLeads Health: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon characterised by persistent self-doubt and feelings of fraudulence despite evident success, has emerged as a significant concern among leaders within the UK healthcare sector. This pervasive sense of inadequacy not only undermines the confidence of high-achieving individuals but also poses a risk to their mental well-being and leadership effectiveness.

In this panel discussion, in partnership with SheLeads Health: Women in NHS and Healthcare IT, a vibrant community dedicated to empowering and connecting female leaders within the NHS and Healthcare IT sectors, we explore imposter syndrome from four unique perspectives. Our speakers share their own personal experiences, while sharing the techniques they have used to overcome feelings of inadequacy.

You can watch the full recording at the bottom of this page.

Our Panel

Charlotte Scott – Executive General Manager, MEDITECH UK & Ireland

Charlotte has worked for MEDITECH for over 15 years having started in the UK based team as 1 of 7 staff members to now heading up the UK and Ireland business with nearly 50 people in our team. Charlotte is passionate about ensuring staff feel supported from a mental health and wellbeing perspective, and is delighted that a number of initiatives are driven internally by MEDITECH’s MHFAs and Wellbeing Ambassadors.

In this discussion, Charlotte Scott highlights:

The continuous challenge of imposter syndrome, often amplified by circumstances like medical menopause.
The need to normalise discussions around imposter syndrome, recognising and addressing this common experience.
Her own strategies for coping, including slowing down speech to calm nerves and seeking continual growth despite facing self-doubt.

Terry Murphy – Cognitive Therapist, Strat180

A Qualified Coach and Cognitive Therapist, Terry has worked in the healthtech space for 30 years. People are his business and he is motivated to help others with their life strategies.

Sharing more about his ‘life-changing’ career in healthcare, Terry recognises how imposter syndrome affects the majority of us and invites us to reframe imposter syndrome as “authentic humility” to highlight its positive aspects.

Gozie Oloye – Clinical Systems Analyst, NHS England

Gozie has spent over a decade immersed in the world of biomedical science, navigating the complexities of a bustling hospital pathology lab. Witnessing first-hand the challenges scientists face daily in delivering accurate results in a timely manner, ignited a passion for improving healthcare processes. This drive led Gozie to transition into healthcare IT, where she leverages her scientific knowledge with technology to develop tech solutions that improve diagnosis, treatment and overall patient experience.

For Gozie, imposter syndrome has been tied to biases related to gender and age. Gozie goes onto identify how these experiences have shaped her career path and response to imposter syndrome.

Charlotte John – Former COO, Meditation and Mindset Coach

With over 30 years of frontline NHS and digital health experience, Charlotte has climbed from C-Grade to the C-Suite despite having no formal education. Throughout her career, Charlotte has navigated the challenges of imposter syndrome often feeling like an outsider in spaces where traditional qualifications are expected and required.

Charlotte dives into:

The unrealistic expectations placed on individuals to be “superwoman” or “superman.”
Her own challenges dealing with gender bias and how it has acted both as a barrier and a motivator.
Her strategies to manage imposter syndrome such as recognising personal cycles, gratitude, affirmations, and using support networks to manage imposter syndrome.

Chaired by Helen Mutton – Director of UK Operations at Alcidion

Helen’s career in healthcare IT has been a journey of dedication and growth. As the Director of UK Operations at Alcidion, Helen draws on over 20 years of experience, but her professional path began much more modestly as a chemist counter assistant at Boots in Clacton-on-Sea.

Like many, Helen has faced imposter syndrome, yet she has worked hard to ignore the intrusive thoughts and now leads a team committed to enhancing patient care through innovative solutions. Helen founded SheLeads Health, a LinkedIn group that promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion, as she believes strongly in these values. Her journey has taught her that by focusing on our strengths, building strong relationships, and striving to make a positive impact, we can overcome self-doubt and achieve meaningful progress in our careers.

About SheLeads Health

SheLeads Health: Women in NHS & Healthcare IT is a vibrant community dedicated to empowering and connecting female leaders within the NHS and Healthcare IT sectors. Our purpose is to provide a dynamic platform for networking, fostering meaningful connections, and facilitating professional growth. We welcome individuals of all genders, backgrounds, and orientations to join us in our mission to create a safe and inclusive space where everyone’s voice is valued. By sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and collaborating, we aim to inspire, empower, and drive positive change in the healthcare industry.