The Imposter Hiding in Plain Sight: Why Even Experienced BAs Feel Like Frauds
Unmasking the common secret fear of not being good enough, and why it's a sign of deep commitment, not incompetence.
Hello BAE Community Members,
It's Tuesday, and this morning, I want to talk about something many of us wrestle with, often in silence. It lurks in the quiet moments before a big presentation, whispers doubts during a complex stakeholder meeting, and sometimes, even screams at us when we've just delivered a huge win.
It's the feeling that you're not quite good enough.
That somehow, you've tricked everyone into believing you're more capable, more knowledgeable, or more experienced than you truly are. It's that nagging fear that, any moment now, someone's going to discover you're... well, an imposter.
If you're reading this and nodding, you're not alone. In fact, if anything, you're in incredibly good company.
The BA's Unique Imposter Trap
As Business Analysts, we operate in a unique space. We're the bridge-builders, the translators, the ones who are supposed to "know a little bit about everything" and connect disparate worlds.
We're expected to understand complex technical details, grasp intricate business processes, navigate tricky interpersonal dynamics, and then magically synthesize it all into clear, actionable requirements.
That's a monumental ask for anyone.
The very nature of our role — constantly learning new domains, adapting to ambiguity, speaking different "languages" between tech and business, and often being the "glue" that holds things together — can unfortunately become a breeding ground for Imposter Syndrome.
We're always pushing our boundaries, always in a state of learning, and that constant state of flux can trick our brains into thinking we're perpetually "not quite there yet."
I've been there. More times than I can count. That flutter in the stomach before a client workshop, wondering if I'd covered every single angle. That moment of self-doubt after a complex discovery phase, second-guessing if I truly grasped every nuance. And I've seen it in countless BAs I've coached – from those just starting out to seasoned veterans leading multi-million dollar projects.
It's Not a Flaw, It's a Feature (of Being Human)
The most important thing to understand is this: feeling like an imposter isn't a sign of weakness or incompetence. Quite the opposite, in fact. It's often a hallmark of high-achievers who are deeply committed to their craft, constantly learning, and acutely aware of the vastness of knowledge. It means you care. It means you're pushing yourself.
It's the "person behind the professional" grappling with the very human fear of not being enough in a demanding world. It's the part of you that’s vulnerable, that feels the pressure, and that just wants to do a good job. And that part deserves incredible kindness and understanding, especially from you.
Recognising this feeling is the first step towards disarming it. Because when you know it's a common experience, when you understand it's a signal from your human brain rather than a factual assessment of your abilities, you can start to relate to yourself with more compassion. You can begin to see that your worth isn't tied to constant perfection, but to your journey, your effort, and the unique contributions only you can make.
You are not alone in this. And the capacity for growth, authenticity, and self-love that comes from embracing this humanness is truly transformative.
Practical Action You Can Take
The "Evidence Journal": For one week, make a quick note (digital or physical) of every small win, positive feedback, or moment where you felt competent.
Reread it when the imposter whispers.
All the best,
Esta
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