How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Female Founder

From “Bad at Math” to Business Numbers

If you’ve ever carried a story about yourself for years, you’ll know how sneaky imposter syndrome can be. For me, it started in grade 11 when my math teacher suggested I drop the subject altogether because my grades were dragging down my average. I swapped math for gym, and that decision eventually led me to a career as a personal trainer, boot camp instructor, and kickboxing coach.

But the story I held onto was: I’m bad at math.

Fast-forward to running my own business, and suddenly I’m calculating conversion rates, COGS, and margins with surprising accuracy. Every time I want to retreat into that old narrative, I remind myself of the evidence: I can handle numbers. That’s how I personally quiet imposter syndrome, by stacking evidence against entrepreneur self-doubt and reframing limiting beliefs.

Inside the Female Founders Journal, there’s a reflection prompt every 30 days: “Is there a past limiting belief that you now have the evidence to reframe or release altogether?” That practice has been game-changing for me and is one of my favorite journaling prompts for imposter syndrome.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling of self-doubt despite clear evidence of success. It’s the voice that says, “You’re not qualified enough,” even when your achievements prove otherwise.

Studies show it’s widespread: a systematic review published in IJIP (2025) found imposter syndrome impacts professionals across industries, often leading to anxiety and burnout. Another Forbes article (2025) called it a “silent epidemic” among leaders, noting that even the most successful CEOs struggle with it.

For women and minorities, the effects are compounded. Research from Springer (2023) highlights how stereotype threat and systemic bias make imposter syndrome even more prevalent in these groups, especially impacting women entrepreneurs’ confidence in their leadership abilities.

Why Female Founders Experience It More Intensely

As female founders, we’re often high-achievers, perfectionists, and visionaries. That combination makes us more vulnerable to imposter syndrome.

Research from Academia.edu shows women and minorities in academia face disproportionate self-doubt due to systemic barriers. In entrepreneurship, it’s similar; many of us juggle authenticity with growth, constantly questioning if we’re “enough.”

Personally, I’ve felt this tension when scaling my business. On one hand, I want to lead authentically. On the other, I sometimes compare myself to entrepreneurs with bigger teams or more funding. That’s when imposter syndrome creeps in and challenges my founder mindset growth.

Four Steps to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

1. Identify the Story: Notice where imposter syndrome shows up. Is it in your finances, leadership, or creative work?
Prompt: “Where does imposter syndrome show up for me?”

2. Stack the Evidence: Alex Hormozi often says: “You can’t have imposter syndrome when you’ve stacked the evidence.” Document your wins, achievements, and challenges you’ve already overcome.
Prompt: “What evidence proves I’ve already handled challenges like a boss?”

3. Reframe the Belief: Replace limiting narratives with empowering truths. Psychology Today suggests reframing and self-validation as key strategies. Instead of “I’m not qualified,” try “I’ve already achieved X, and that proves I’m capable.”

4. Repeat Regularly: Consistency is everything. The Female Founders Journal includes monthly reflection prompts to help you revisit and rewrite limiting beliefs. Over time, this practice builds resilience, self-compassion, and women entrepreneurs’ confidence.

Turning Limiting Stories Into Leadership Wins

Looking back, the girl who dropped math in high school would never have believed she’d one day run a business, confidently handling numbers. That’s the full-circle moment: imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear overnight, but with evidence, reframing, and journaling, it becomes quieter.

Your journal can be your proof. Every entry is evidence of growth, resilience, and leadership. It’s also a record of your founder's mindset growth; showing how far you’ve come and how much confidence you’ve built along the way.

Ready to start rewriting your own limiting stories? Download the Female Founders Journal free 7-day sample and begin stacking the evidence against imposter syndrome while building authentic self-belief.