New research from OS Collectives
Where Do Creative Leaders Draw the Line on Imposter Syndrome?
The pressure is on.
Our creative leaders and founders, where do you stand on imposter syndrome and your inner critic?
What’s the cost mentally and financially to the individual and to the industry?
Credit: Kat Kristof
Is imposter syndrome understood?
Creative Industry:
‘Execs cherry pick the best for the top roles’, with very high expectations and no room for failure.
The Reality:
An overwhelming number of the very top senior creative leaders are silently suffering from imposter syndrome.
86.9% of people in the creative industries experience imposter syndrome
Source: Funding Guru
This outstrips other industries ( Other high marks included media and internet businesses (72.73%), information research and analysis (78.57%) and publishing and journalism (70%).)
Credit: Kat Kristof
How does Social Capital Affect Imposter Syndrome?
Belief Amongst Creators
Imposter syndrome is down to their lack of ability.
The Reality:
Social standing is a driver of imposter syndrome with lower social economic backgrounds affected the most.
This is due to a lack of inclusivity and diversity that leaves creatives feeling they’re not good enough.
The creative sector lacks social mobility to the effect that it would need to hire
1/4 million working-class people
to be as socio-economically diverse as the rest of the economy.
Source: Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Center, Newcastle University & RSA.
Is Imposter Syndrome a Female Phenomenon?
Belief Amongst Investors
Imposter syndrome is a female phenomenon.
The Reality:
Men equally suffer but respond differently to women with social class playing a greater role than your gender
More recent studies are showing that men and women are experiencing imposter syndrome almost equally
49% male | 51% female
Source: The Imposter phenomenon, Langford, Joe: Clance, Pauline Rose.
100%
of all creative leaders spoken to believe speaking up about Imposter Syndrome carries risk.
Stay silent or speak out:
Faced with the reality of pressure for growth and perfection, they would rather stay silent in fear of what executives would say, with fashion leaders most scared to speak out.
‘They want you to feel not good enough,
so you keep striving for perfection’
Creative Director, Top Parisian Fashion House
More Executive Insights:
Who is the real imposter in the room?
The No 1 challenge for female founders is the reality of the male investor conversation. Facing language and behaviour that leaves them questioning their abilities and their vision.
What's the secret to high creative performance?
Leaders say vulnerability and not knowing are the two top skills leaders will need in 2025. But exploring the unknown is a collective action, one that requires timely, open, transparent and vulnerable dialogues that inspire people to show up authentically to bring their unique creative super power forward.
What's the key to a more confident next generation?
Leaders believe educational institutions need to take greater ownership of preparing the next generation of graduating creatives for the setbacks and challenges that come with being a young creative entering the realities of capitalism.
Are creative leaders calling for change?
Growth at all costs at the expense of employee sick days cannot go on and leaders believe the next generation won’t be putting up with it, giving up all together before reaching their potential.
