“Who Am I to Coach?!” How to Quiet Imposter Syndrome (For Good)

Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought: “Who am I to coach others?”
Yep. That’s imposter syndrome talking.

It doesn’t care if you’ve got certifications, glowing testimonials, or years of experience. It whispers: “You’re not good enough,” “They’ll find out you don’t know what you’re doing.”

I’ll let you in on a secret: Even the best coaches deal with imposter syndrome. Myself included.

Why Imposter Syndrome Is So Common for Coaches

Imposter syndrome shows up when you:

1. Start something new (e.g., your coaching business).
2. Care deeply about what you’re doing.
3. Compare yourself to “bigger” or “better” coaches.

It’s not proof that you’re not good enough; it’s proof that you’re human.

How I’ve Tackled Imposter Syndrome (And How You Can Too):

1. Separate Feelings from Facts.
   • Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one. Write down:
     • Your training, wins, and unique strengths as a coach. Keep the list visible.
2. Focus on Your Clients, Not Your Ego.
   • Coaching isn’t about you. It’s about holding space for others. Shift the focus: “How can I serve?”
3. Stop Comparing and Start Connecting.
   • There’s room for every coach to shine. You’re not competing; you’re contributing.
4. Practice Confidence. (It’s Like a Muscle.)
   • The more you coach, the more confident you’ll feel. Messy sessions teach you as much as great ones do.
5. Get Support and Mentorship.
   • Find someone who has been where you are and learn from them. (Have we met yet? This is what I do!)

Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re a bad coach—it means you’re a coach who cares. That’s a strength. Own it.

Ask me about my new program for coaches, The Mindful Coach!

Talk soon,

Olga