The Enigma of Imposter Syndrome: Unravelling its Impact on Leadership Identity, Decision-Making and Professional Growth among Female Senior Leaders

Brennan, Joanne (2025) The Enigma of Imposter Syndrome: Unravelling its Impact on Leadership Identity, Decision-Making and Professional Growth among Female Senior Leaders. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Imposter syndrome is the persistent belief that others perceive one’s abilities more favourably. Characterised by self-doubt, fear of failure or being exposed, it is a common occurrence in professionals in high achieving roles.

This study explores the experience of imposter syndrome in seven women who occupy senior leadership roles. It focuses specifically on the influence their experiences have on their leadership identity, their decision-making practices and their professional growth. Despite the extensive body of research in this area, knowledge gaps exist with regard to the lived experience of imposter syndrome and its implications for female senior leaders who achieve success in their careers against the backdrop of feeling like an imposter.

A cross-sectional design that employs reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative narratives, the study sheds light on how women leaders make sense of their imposter experience.

Five themes were developed that illustrate how the imposter syndrome experience intertwines with and contributes to leadership identity, decision-making and professional growth. The results indicate several advantageous effects which have significant implications for leadership development practice.

The findings contribute to the knowledge base about imposter syndrome, suggesting it may be a source of untapped potential in the workplace and paving the way for further research and development.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Sheerin, Corina UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > Economics > Business H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > Leadership H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Leadership H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Classes of Labour > Women and Work
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > Master of Business Administration
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	08 Jan 2026 11:49
Last Modified:	08 Jan 2026 11:49
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9070

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