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Feeling like a fraud? You’re not alone
Imposter syndrome affects up to 70% of people at some point. From students to CEOs, it doesn’t discriminate. In the first episode of Class in Session, Tru Powell is joined by Jenna, a Forensics and Criminal Investigation student at Arden University, and Josh Morton, Lecturer in Psychology at Arden University, to explore where self-doubt comes from and how to manage it.
To watch the full episode, visit Arden University’s Apple, Spotify or YouTube channels.
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“Fake it till you make it”
Tru opens with a simple question: when was the first time you faked it?
For Josh, it was the start of his PhD, surrounded by highly intelligent academics and quietly wondering if he truly belonged.
For Jenna, it was confidently offering a client a brochure for Abu Dhabi while having no idea where it was.
Light-hearted examples, but they lead to a deeper truth. Both describe that familiar internal voice saying: You don’t belong here. At some point, they’ll find you out.
Where imposter feelings begin
Jenna reflects on growing up believing she was “the practical one”, not the academic one. Her sister excelled at school and became a teacher. Jenna internalised the idea that intellectual spaces weren’t for her.
Today, she’s studying Forensics and Criminal Investigation at Arden, pursuing her long-term goal of joining the police service. Her journey highlights how early comparisons can shape our confidence for years.
Josh experienced similar doubts throughout his PhD, despite objectively earning his place. That disconnect between reality and self-perception is central to imposter syndrome.
Social media, comparison and perfectionism
Both guests identify triggers.
Jenna points to perfectionism and the pressure to meet unrealistic standards, particularly on social media. As a parent, she sees how curated online lives can distort expectations.
Josh explains the psychology behind this. Social comparison is natural, but online we compare our everyday selves to carefully edited highlights. This can lower self-esteem, especially in competitive environments such as academia or tech.
Research originally suggested imposter syndrome mainly affected women, but more recent studies show anyone can experience it. It may manifest differently depending on context. Women in male-dominated fields may feel increased isolation, while some research suggests men may respond by avoiding career risks.
One powerful statistic shared in the episode: 80% of CEOs report experiencing imposter syndrome, compared to 43% of students.
Ask the “stupid” question
A practical theme emerges around participation.
As a distance learner, Jenna sees many students hesitate to speak up in live sessions, worrying about looking unintelligent. Her advice is simple: ask anyway.
Josh recalls struggling through several statistics lectures, convinced he was the only one confused. When he finally admitted he didn’t understand, the entire room exhaled in relief.
Imposter syndrome grows in silence. Often, others feel exactly the same.
Self-compassion over self-criticism
When asked about strategies, Josh emphasises self-compassion. Mistakes are learning opportunities, not evidence of failure. Developing a kinder internal voice is essential.
Jenna shares a personal example. After achieving 78% on a module, she focused on the two marks she missed rather than celebrating a strong first. It took a conversation with her tutor to reframe it. 80% is a publishable standard. 78% is an excellent achievement.
Support networks matter too. Jenna credits her tutor and her husband for grounding her and reminding her to recognise her progress.
Healthy doubt vs imposter syndrome
Josh draws an important distinction. A small amount of self-doubt can be healthy. It motivates us and keeps us grounded.
Imposter syndrome, however, is the inability to internalise success. It’s brushing off praise, attributing achievements to luck and refusing to credit yourself.
The difference lies in what you do with success. Do you own it, or dismiss it?
Accepting praise
The conversation also explores how difficult it can be to accept compliments.
Jenna admits that acceptance is hard if you don’t believe it yourself. Self-esteem plays a role. Josh adds that our self-perception is often less objective than other people’s views of us. Therapy, he suggests, can be a powerful tool for building healthier self-beliefs.
Tru shares her own journey, including receiving an honorary doctorate from Arden University in 2022. Even then, she questioned whether she deserved it. Over time, affirmations from her community helped her accept her achievements.
You belong here
The biggest takeaway from this episode is that imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re incapable. Often, it means you care.
At Arden University, learning is about growth, not perfection. You’re not expected to have all the answers. You’re here to develop them.
As Jenna says, it’s never too late to learn. Put your hand up. Have a go. If you get it wrong, you learn and move forward.
To hear the full conversation with Tru Powell, Jenna and Josh Morton, listen to the complete episode on Arden University’s podcast channels.
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