Confidence
The Two Imposters
Why 85% Battle a Syndrome 'Fake It Till You Make It' Won't Fix
A research-backed keynote that unpacks why Imposter Syndrome affects so many professionals and gives attendees a practical toolkit – not platitudes – to quieten self-doubt and process setbacks with confidence.
Why this talk
Imposter Syndrome: it's where you doubt your ability, you feel like a fraud about to be exposed and you believe your accomplishments are not worthy of attention or respect. According to global research, 70% of us have experienced Imposter Syndrome (and according to my research of over 5000 working UK professionals, 85% of people in the UK have experienced Imposter Syndrome in one way or another).
Imposter Syndrome holds people back from achieving their potential, causes unnecessary stress and in more extreme cases, leads to long term anxiety, self-loathing and depression.
BUT … is it all bad?
Some people would argue that Imposter Syndrome is a sign of self-awareness which keeps you on your toes and an important measure of humility.
In plain words
Imposter Syndrome
Doubting your ability, feeling like a fraud about to be exposed, and believing your accomplishments are not worthy of attention or respect.
What this session covers
The agenda, point by point
Everything your audience will move through – so you can judge the fit before you book.
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Why there are two types of Imposter Syndrome and how they're both different and similar.
- 2
The ten most common causes of imposter syndrome.
- 3
The Imposter Syndrome survival kit: your own toolbox of techniques and insights to send imposter syndrome packing.
- 4
The everyday habits which most people are unaware they do, but which undermine our self-worth.
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The most common thinking errors which skew our judgement of ourselves and others.
- 6
The four emotional stages of receiving negative feedback.
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How to process negative feedback, so you're not consumed by it and can separate the helpful stuff from the unhelpful stuff.
- 8
How to deal effectively with setbacks when your actions were partially to blame, using techniques such as SetBack Square and T.E.S.T.
What your people leave with
Concrete outcomes, not vague good feelings
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Understand the two distinct types of Imposter Syndrome and how each shows up at work
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Identify the ten most common causes driving self-doubt
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Walk away with a personal Imposter Syndrome survival kit of techniques and insights
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Recognise the everyday habits that quietly undermine self-worth
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Spot the thinking errors that skew judgement of self and others
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Navigate the four emotional stages of receiving negative feedback
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Use tools such as SetBack Square and T.E.S.T. to handle setbacks constructively
Who it's for
Teams, leaders and professionals in any sector who want to move beyond 'fake it till you make it' and build genuine, grounded confidence
Mental Health & Resilience Keynote Speaker
Andrew speaks from lived experience – warm, honest and human, with the experience to back it up.
Andrew Pain is a TEDx speaker with 25 years’ HR experience, and his credentials include CPD-accredited keynote programmes; Member, International Coaching Federation; and Campaigner of the Year 2023, Men and Boys Coalition.
- TEDx speaker .
- Host of the Men on Show podcast (60 episodes) .
- Author of the book Honestly, Man .
- Member, International Coaching Federation .
Formats & logistics
Shaped to fit your event.
Andrew tailors every talk to your audience, theme and time slot. Here's how the practical side usually works – tell him the room and he'll shape the rest.
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Talk length
Keynotes usually run 45 minutes to an hour, sometimes 90. Around two hours it becomes a workshop; longer than that is rare.
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Audience size
From an intimate group of 8–12 to a main-stage audience of 200–250. Interactive workshops usually sit around 40–70.
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AV & tech
Andrew works with whatever setup you have. And if the tech fails, the show still goes on – he'll present without slides.
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In-person or virtual
Delivered on-site or online, on the platform you already use – most often Teams or Zoom.
“A true masterclass... thank you for such an engaging presentation and great techniques.”
D Stephenson
Project Manager, Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick
Before you book
Frequently asked
What is The Two Imposters about?
Why Imposter Syndrome affects so many professionals, and a practical toolkit – not platitudes – to quieten self-doubt and process setbacks with confidence.
Is Imposter Syndrome all bad?
Not necessarily. Some people argue it is a sign of self-awareness that keeps you on your toes, and an important measure of humility. The talk explores both sides.
Who is The Two Imposters for?
Teams, leaders and professionals in any sector who want to move beyond 'fake it till you make it' and build genuine, grounded confidence.
Is this talk medical or therapeutic advice?
No. The talk draws on lived experience and is educational – it is not medical or therapeutic advice. If you or someone you know needs support now, the helplines are on this page.
Bring this to your organisation
Ready to talk it through?
Tell us about your event and audience – we'll come back with availability and how The Two Imposters could land for your people.