Trump your imposter syndrome to win big!
For many women in traditionally male-dominated industries, especially business, science and engineering, the echoes of “imposter syndrome” reverberate back and forth against the glass ceiling of their professional lives.
And even when they achieve soaring success, the nagging doubts can remain in the backs of their minds long after any thunderous applause has ended.
This was the case for former professional poker player Liv Boeree, a former World Series of Poker bracelet winner – one of only 21 women to have won one – and who cashed almost $4m in live events – placing her in the top 25 English poker players of all time – before retiring to focus on her first love, science.
Yet despite standing as a paragon of multidiscipline success, Boeree admits she suffered from imposter syndrome at many points in her high-flying careers, often questioning herself about her “right” to be working with and competing against older, more confident and occasionally more aggressive men.
Boeree’s professional story is a compelling testament to overcoming these internal monologues of inadequacy, as she articulates the importance of role models, the power of mentorship, and the critical need for systemic change in society’s perception of the ‘ideal’ scientist or engineer.
Her insights are drawn not only from her own poker battles but also from her efforts to carve a successful career as a fresh and engaging voice to bring our latest understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to the masses.
In our exclusive Unfiltered interview Boeree reveals the subtle ways imposter syndrome manifests, often masquerading as humility or the “luck” of good timing, overshadowing the grit and intellect that truly pave the way to success.
Boeree’s experience is far more than a personal account; it’s a rallying cry for women wrestling with the gnawing doubt that undercuts their achievements and belonging in these traditionally male-dominated disciplines. Through her unique lens, we see a vision for a more inclusive future, one where women are not just participating in STEM fields but are at the forefront, leading and innovating.
