This persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud – even when the evidence says otherwise – continues to affect high performers at the top of their game.
So why is impostor syndrome so common among high achievers? And why does it often intensify as leaders rise higher?
Bodhi Aldridge, a leadership coach with over 20 years’ experience working with CEOs, elite athletes and global executives, believes the answer lies in something deeper than titles or track records.
“One of the drivers behind success is often a limiting belief,” he says. “Many leaders are unconsciously trying to prove they’re good enough. Even after reaching incredible milestones, the fear of being ‘found out’ can linger.”
Ahead of his upcoming Vistage session Overcoming impostor syndrome, Bodhi shared his insights on the hidden costs of self-doubt and how leaders can start to move beyond it.
The invisible cost of self-doubt
Impostor syndrome is more than a nagging inner critic. It can subtly shape behaviour and decision-making in ways that hold organisations back.
“I’ve worked with CEOs who still feel like someone’s going to knock on the door and say, ‘You don’t belong here,’” says Bodhi. “That voice of doubt affects how boldly they lead.”
One of the biggest consequences is risk aversion. Leaders who fear failure—or exposure—may hesitate to act decisively. “They second-guess themselves, delay bold decisions, or stay in their comfort zone,” Bodhi explains.
It can also lead to control. “Some leaders micromanage because they don’t want to be caught out. That fear can cause them to clamp down instead of empowering others.”
The effects don’t stop at the C-suite. When leaders project insecurity, it impacts the team too. “A confident leader inspires a confident culture,” says Bodhi. “But if that leader is disconnected from purpose or weighed down by doubt, the whole organisation can feel it.”
Leadership starts from within
While traditional leadership development focuses on skills and strategy, Bodhi believes true leadership begins on the inside.
“Most leaders operate from the thinking level—logic, analysis, and external data,” he says. “But 95% of our daily activity is driven by the subconscious. That’s where impostor syndrome lives.”
Becoming a more connected leader requires slowing down, becoming present, and listening beyond the mind. “We process life on three levels: thinking, emotional, and intuitive. When we ignore the latter two, we lose our inner clarity,” he says.
Through his coaching, Bodhi helps leaders recognise the beliefs that are driving their actions—often without them realising. “Once they notice the pattern—‘I’m running a belief I’m not enough’—they can begin to shift it.”
This inner shift doesn’t just increase personal confidence. It can also unlock better decision-making, stronger relationships, and a more empowered team.
Why it matters now
As the pace and complexity of business continue to accelerate, external success alone isn’t enough. Leaders need to be grounded, self-aware, and connected to a deeper sense of purpose.
That’s the aim of Bodhi’s upcoming Vistage session on October 22nd: to help business leaders understand the role impostor syndrome plays in their leadership, and to offer tools to move through it with clarity.
“This isn’t about fixing a problem,” Bodhi explains. “It’s about continuous improvement. Roger Federer had a coach right up until the end—not because he was failing, but because he wanted to keep evolving.”
For leaders who want to not only be a leader, but feel like one—confident, clear, and in control—this session is an opportunity to take the next step.
This article comes courtesy of Vistage, built on the knowledge that CEOs who climb together go higher. And with you as an experienced CEO guide leading the charge, the sky’s the limit.
Join Bodhi Aldridge for “Overcoming impostor syndrome” on October 22nd.
