Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Fake It Till You Make It? Nah, You Already Had It
I started my career in cybersecurity at a time when the field was just beginning to take shape. While it had already gained traction in the financial industry, in healthcare and academia, the focus on security was still very new. In 2013, when I joined the largest university hospital in Pakistan to build and lead its global cybersecurity function, I knew I was stepping into uncharted territory. Cybersecurity wasn’t a priority back then—not in the way it is today.
I was young, ambitious, and eager to make an impact, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have moments of doubt. Leading conversations with leaders, executives, doctors, and even presenting to the board was intimidating. I’d often find myself wondering, Am I an imposter? Do I really know enough to be here? Am I doing this right?
Navigating Self-Doubt
These feelings didn’t come from a lack of knowledge. I knew my stuff, and I was confident in my technical skills. But when you’re standing in a room full of seasoned professionals—executives, healthcare leaders, and clinicians—it’s easy to feel out of place. It wasn’t just about the technical side of things; it was about making them see why cybersecurity mattered and why they needed to prioritize it, often when it wasn’t even on their radar.
What I came to realize, though, is that I wasn’t alone in feeling this way. Many of the people I worked with were also navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing digital landscape. Cybersecurity was new to them, too. While I had the technical expertise, they had an in-depth understanding of the clinical and operational challenges we needed to address.
Once I stopped feeling like I had to have all the answers, I found that collaboration was the key. Building relationships, asking questions, and understanding others’ perspectives not only helped me bridge the gap between technical and operational priorities but also helped me grow as a leader. Imposter syndrome can make you feel isolated, but the moment you connect with others, you realize that they might be navigating similar challenges in their own roles.
Leaning on Mentorship
One of the things I’m most grateful for is having a fantastic boss who became my mentor and sponsor. He believed in me when I doubted myself and was always there to help me think through challenges or refine my ideas. I learned so much from him—not just about cybersecurity but about leadership, communication, and trusting myself. He gave me the space to grow, and that made a huge difference in helping me shake off imposter syndrome.
I also learned the value of talking things out with trusted people. Talking through ideas, seeking feedback, or simply brainstorming helped me build confidence and gain new perspectives. These conversations weren’t just about work; they were about creating a sense of community. Knowing I had people in my corner—people who wanted to see me succeed—made all the difference.
Owning the Room
Over time, I realized that no one expects you to know everything. What truly matters is being prepared, willing to learn, showing up ready to contribute, and owning your space. The more I trusted myself and leaned into collaboration, the more I grew into the role.
Speaking in front of the board or leading discussions with executives stopped feeling so overwhelming because I stopped focusing on whether I belonged. Instead, I focused on the impact I could make. It became less about me and more about the collective effort to prioritize cybersecurity.
For Anyone Struggling with Imposter Syndrome
If you’ve ever felt like an imposter, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I know how hard it can be to silence that voice in your head. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
You don’t have to have all the answers. What matters is your willingness to learn, adapt, and grow.
Collaboration is powerful. Building relationships and seeking input from others can help you gain new perspectives and remind you that everyone is figuring things out together.
Lean on your mentors and peers. Seek guidance from people who inspire you, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or feedback. Support often comes from unexpected places.
Trust your voice. You’re in the room for a reason. Don’t let self-doubt convince you otherwise.
Imposter syndrome can feel isolating, but the truth is, we’re all stronger when we work together. The connections you build and the collaborations you foster don’t just make you better—they make everyone around you better, too.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the moments that challenged me because they pushed me to grow—not just as a professional but as a leader who values collaboration and community. If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: You’re not an imposter, and you’re not alone. Lean on others, trust your knowledge, and remember that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Maliha
Disclaimer: The content on this blog and website reflects my personal experiences, perspectives, and insights. It does not represent the opinions, policies, or strategies of any organization I am currently affiliated with or have been affiliated with in the past. This platform serves as a personal space for sharing ideas, lessons learned, and meaningful reflections.
