CDW Inclusion & Diversity

Can you share your personal experience with impostor syndrome? What were some of the challenges you faced entering or advancing in tech?

I have moved through various roles and functions throughout my career. Whenever I have taken on something completely new, there is confidence, excitement and energy, but also feelings of self-doubt and not belonging. This was particularly stark at one point early on in my career: when I got my first leadership role and I was leading a team of experienced technical people. This made it intimidating for me to be open in meetings and one-on-ones, because I didn’t want to say something inaccurate. What helped me put aside these insecurities was being curious, asking questions and listening. I spent the first few months learning more about each coworkers’ area of expertise, being careful in offering solutions too quickly. While this was hard as a new leader,  I was eager to help. I worked my way through it slowly, while trusting what I did know.
I still face this when I talk to people that are more technical than me, but hesitate less in asking for clarifications, or requesting simpler explanations if I don’t understand. The approach of curiosity has always been met with people willing to support my learning, and has fueled my career progression in many ways.