8 Tips To Move Beyond Imposter Syndrome

A Way forward for (hopeful) ted speakers

By Devin D. Marks | Published Feb 14, 2025

Surprisingly (or not), high-performers invited to become TED speakers regularly battle . In my years working with the best-of-the-best, I’ve been struck by the consistency of... self-doubt.

Big ideas are funny, fickle taskmasters. They weigh on us — irrespective of our accomplishments, credentials, or battle scars. They often make us question the worthiness of our ahaaas.

Early on in my career, prepping thought leaders for TED Talks, I noted a consistent undercurrent of negative self-talk.

At first, I thought it was an aberration. How can THIS double-Ph.D. MIT Media Lab genius be so uncertain about the potency of her idea? Why is this engineering school dean second-guessing the value of his insight set for reimagining the future of undergraduate engineering? But like anyone, they look in the mirror with a skeptical or critical eye.

Over time, I began to recognize those insecurities and doubts for what they are: a self-limiting mindset.

Then I began taking note of some great talks on the same topic bubbling up.

I’m sharing three of those that I regularly reference in my client work — whether with hopeful TEDsters or those I coach in a more general way through disruptive leadership seasons.

1. TEDxSydney’s MIKE CANNON-BROOKES

2. TEDxNewYork’s ADAM GALINSKY, Ph.D.

3. TED Talks Live’s DENA SIMMONS, Ed.D.

My eight recommendations derived from those talks and other TEDster learnings follow:

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF.

Watch this short TED-Ed video, “What is imposter syndrome and how can you combat it.” (But first read Jon Acuff’s insight below.)

2. HARNESS IT.

As TEDx-er Mike Cannon-Brookes declares, use it to (positively) motivate action. (Talk link above and here.)

3. ASK BEYOND COMFORT.

TEDx-er Adam Galinsky shares how to speak up for yourself beyond what’s comfortable. (Talk link above and here.)

4. LOVE ME WALL.

Assemble your wall of kudos and accomplishments to visually trigger affirmations of your merited value.

5. COLLECT CONSIGLIERES.

Maintain a circle of been-there, done-that mentors as an informal sounding board.

6. RE-WORK YOUR STORY.

That negative story loop in your head must change. Begin affirmations that affirm your successful talk.

7. PAY A PRO.

Work through it with someone credentialed who offers input that’s research- and experience-based.

8. PAY IT FORWARD.

Assume others also grapple with this stuff. TEDster Dena Simmons points out that regardless of one’s background, words of encouragement (and shared vulnerability) matter. (Talk link above and here.)

One final insight is helpful to share. Not long ago, Jon Acuff said that someone asked him, “How do I get over imposter syndrome?” He responded with this insight:

"Getting over it isn’t the goal. Rather, accept that it stays with us; 'going through it' is more on point."

I like that. It connects.

It isn't an "overcoming" relationship, but rather one of harnessing and moving with the energy of imposterism.

I apply the same truth, as I play sherpa to my clients and their big ideas (well) worth spreading!

DEVIN D. MARKS is known as The TED Talk Whisperer. His firm, CONNECT to COMPEL, has served 100s of TED, TEDx, and short-talk speakers — including Harvard’s Dr. Robert Waldinger for his all-time Top 10 TEDx Talk. The result: 100s of millions of views for clients. He helps niche experts, authors, and leaders spread world-changing ideas. 

You can reach Devin at 617.804.6020, or DM him here. His newsletters are here.

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