Imposter Syndrome: Why You Struggle to Claim Your Voice and What to Do About It
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Why You Need to Claim the Identity of Speaker and Thought Leader
Have you ever hesitated to call yourself a speaker or a thought leader — even though you know you have something important to say?
If that hesitation feels familiar, you’re not alone. I see this pattern constantly in the women I work with: brilliant entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals who are already speaking, already leading, already influencing — yet who still resist claiming those identities.
They’ll say things like:
“I’m not really a speaker.”
“I’m not a thought leader — I’m just doing my job.”
“Maybe someday, but I’m not there yet.”
Meanwhile, these same women are delivering keynotes, leading workshops, teaching classes, speaking on panels, hosting podcasts, and shaping conversations in their industries.
So what’s really going on?
In this article and episode of the Speaking Your Brand podcast, we’ll explore why women resist claiming the identity of speaker and thought leader, why it matters so deeply that we do, and how you can begin stepping into that identity with confidence and authenticity.
Why So Many Women Resist the Title “Speaker” and “Thought Leader”
Let’s start with the real reasons — not the surface-level excuses.
1. We Don’t Feel “Ready Enough”
Many women believe they need more experience, more credentials, more polish, or more certainty before they can call themselves speakers or thought leaders.
Yet the truth is, most of the women who say this already:
- Speak regularly at work
- Teach classes or workshops
- Present at conferences
- Lead meetings and teams
- Facilitate discussions and training
They are speakers. They just don’t identify that way.
This is the classic expert trap: waiting until you feel perfectly prepared before stepping into visibility. The problem? That moment rarely arrives.
2. We Compare Ourselves to an Idealized Image of “A Speaker”
When many of us picture a speaker, we imagine:
- Huge stages
- Massive audiences
- Bright lights
- Big personalities
- High-energy performances
And very often… a man.
If you don’t see yourself reflected in that image, it’s easy to think: That’s not me.
But speaking isn’t one style, one voice, or one personality. Powerful speakers show up in many forms — thoughtful, analytical, conversational, warm, quiet, fiery, humorous, reflective.
There is no single way to be impactful.
3. We Fear Disappointment and Failure
Claiming an identity feels risky.
When you say, “I’m a speaker” or “I’m a thought leader,” it makes your work more visible — and vulnerability tends to ride shotgun with visibility.
Suddenly, you’re no longer hiding behind preparation or perfectionism. You’re stepping into a role where:
- Your ideas can be judged
- Your message can be challenged
- Your work becomes real
And that can feel scary.
But here’s the paradox: avoiding identity keeps you stuck.
Why Identity Comes Before Confidence
One of my favorite ideas comes from Atomic Habits by James Clear. He explains that lasting change doesn’t start with goals — it starts with identity.
Instead of saying:
“I want to become a runner,”
You begin with:
“I am a runner.”
That shift changes behavior.
Runners set alarms. They lay out clothes. They build routines. They think like runners.
In the same way, speakers speak. Thought leaders share ideas. Influencers show up.
If you don’t claim the identity, your actions will always lag behind your potential.
When you claim the identity:
- You seek out speaking opportunities
- You pitch yourself for stages and podcasts
- You develop your message
- You practice and refine your voice
Identity drives behavior — not the other way around.
Why Claiming This Identity Matters (Especially for Women)
This isn’t just about your career or business.
It’s about visibility.
When women don’t claim space as speakers and thought leaders, our voices are missing from:
- Conference stages
- Media conversations
- Podcasts
- Bookshelves
- Industry leadership
And when women’s voices are missing, so are women’s perspectives, lived experiences, and solutions.
We need more women shaping public conversations — in business, technology, healthcare, education, politics, and beyond.
Your voice doesn’t just serve you.
It serves everyone who needs to hear it.
5 Practical Steps to Start Claiming the Identity of Speaker and Thought Leader
Here’s where intention turns into action.
These steps are simple, practical, and immediately doable — no massive reinvention required.
1. Put “Speaker” on Your LinkedIn Profile
Yes, it really is that simple.
Add:
- Speaker
- Keynote Speaker
- Workshop Facilitator
- Trainer
Then list your topics in your About section.
This tiny shift does two things:
- It helps event organizers find you
- It helps you start seeing yourself differently
2. Add a Speaking Page to Your Website
You don’t need anything fancy.
Start simple:
- Your speaking topics
- Who you serve
- The outcomes audiences get
- A short bio
- A photo of you speaking
You can always refine it later.
Momentum beats perfection.
3. Post a Photo of You Speaking
Find any photo of you speaking — recent or from years ago — and post it on LinkedIn.
Caption it with something simple:
“Found this throwback from a panel I did in 2018. I loved this conversation and the people I met that day.”
This reinforces your identity — both internally and externally.
4. Build Repetition Into Your Schedule
Confidence comes from frequency.
Ways to practice:
- Podcast guesting
- Hosting workshops
- Speaking inside professional groups
- Training sessions
- Lunch-and-learns
The more you speak, the more natural the identity becomes.
5. Surround Yourself With Other Speakers
Community accelerates identity.
When you’re around women who are speaking, leading, and sharing ideas, you naturally start to see yourself as one of them.
This is why programs like our Thought Leader Academy and in-person workshops create such powerful transformation — you don’t just learn skills, you step into a new self-concept.
A Powerful Story of Identity in Action
At one of our client retreats, a woman who had been teaching and facilitating workshops for years shared something striking.
She said that even after decades of experience, she never truly thought of herself as a speaker.
But after spending several days practicing, sharing, receiving feedback, and being surrounded by other women stepping boldly into visibility, something shifted.
After leading her next workshop, she told me:
“For the first time, I thought: This is what I want to do every day for the rest of my life. I finally understand what it means to claim this identity.”
That is the power of identity.
Your Weekly Nudge of Courage
You don’t need permission.
You don’t need another certification.
You don’t need to wait until you feel perfectly ready.
If you share ideas, lead conversations, teach, present, facilitate, inspire, or advocate — you are already a speaker and thought leader.
The only thing left to do is claim it.
Because the world doesn’t need quieter women.
It needs bold voices.
And yours is one of them. 🎤✨
Want Support Stepping Into Your Thought Leadership?
If you’re ready to develop your message, build confidence, and step into greater visibility, learn more about our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy
And don’t forget to take our free Speaker Archetype Quiz to discover your natural speaking style and strengths: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz
Related Podcast Episodes:
- Episode 371: What to Include in Your Speaker Video Reel and Speaker Page
- Episode 407: Building Your Speaking Platform as an Author (Even If You’re an Introvert!) with Tiffany Hawk
- Episode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany Hawk
- Episode 301: Why We Get Imposter Syndrome and What to Do About It with Melody Wilding
