The Imposter Syndrome Journey of Launching a Start-Up as a Woman
Like many others I enjoyed a wonderful festive period, precious time with family and friends to rest and recuperate from a whirlwind 2024. It also gave me a chance to step back and reflect on the journey of launching Nexa Life Sciences with my fabulous colleague Kirsty Calow!
As I have mentioned before, there have been ups and downs along the way, but the thing that struck me most (and which I haven’t written about before) was a constant battle that has been part of the process. It’s not something I expected when I took the leap, but it is something that as a woman starting a business, I feel is almost unavoidable at times: Imposter Syndrome.
It is that nagging voice in your head that whispers you are not qualified, that you are pretending to know more than you do, or that success is just a fluke. For many women, this voice is louder when you are stepping into uncharted territory, like founding a business in a space that has been traditionally dominated by men (the data is there)
When I first embarked on this journey I was excited, motivated and ready to face the challenge head on. But what I had not anticipated was the constant internal battle with that imposter syndrome. Despite having a wealth of experience in the industry, I found myself questioning whether I was truly cut out to run my own business. I felt the weight of being a woman in an entrepreneurial space, knowing that there are fewer women leading start-ups, particularly in sectors like life sciences, so with that came the feeling that I must constantly prove myself.
I won’t lie there have been moments where I have doubted myself. Starting a staffing business from scratch was not something I had direct experience in, yet I knew it was where I could make an impact. Every day I have had to push past the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing everything and embrace the fact that it is okay to learn as I go. It has been a powerful reminder that no one has it all figured out, no matter how polished the result might look. It is easy to think that others have it all together when, in reality, they are likely facing similar doubts and challenges.
One of the things I have come to understand is that imposter syndrome doesn’t always fade; instead it is how you manage it that makes the difference. The key has been reframing it, not as a sign of inadequacy, but as a signal that I am stepping outside my comfort zone. It is a reminder that growth happens when we challenge ourselves. Every time I have felt like I didn’t belong or wasn’t good enough, I have learnt that these feelings don not define me, they are a signal I’m on the path of growth and expansion. Rather than seeing these emotions as obstacles, I have learnt to view them as milestones that mark my progress.
For so many of us, particularly women imposter syndrome is heightened by the external pressure to be perfect. There is a societal expectation that we need to excel in every role we take on…not just meet the basic standards. As a woman starting a business I feel that pressure even more acutely. I am not just expected to succeed, but to exceed expectations. There is a quiet fear of being judged, of being underestimated, or worse, being the example that confirms all the stereotypes about women in business.
Imposter syndrome is not something to be ashamed of. It is completely normal! It does not make you weak or incapable, it just means you are pushing yourself to do something new and challenging. It means you are taking risks and expanding your horizons. Sometimes as women we need to remind ourselves that feeling uncertain or unsure at times is a natural part of the process. We don’t need to have everything figured out right from the start to be deserving of success.
How to combat? It is not about being perfect, it is about being authentic and true to the mission of what you are building. At Nexa Life Sciences, our focus is on quality, agility and transparency. We are building a business that reflects our core values and I have come to realise that these values, along with the incredible team we have assembled, is what will drive Nexa Life Sciences forward. It is not about pretending to be someone you’re not; it’s about showing up every day, doing your best, and staying true to your vision.
So…to the women out there who feel like they don’t belong at the table or that they are somehow not qualified enough…trust me you are. You are more than capable. I am learning that imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re failing it means you’re challenging yourself to grow and that is exactly where the magic happens. We need to stop viewing imposter syndrome as a weakness or something to hide. Instead let’s embrace it as a sign that we are pushing boundaries and taking bold steps toward the future.
Keep showing up, keep learning, and know that there is a place for you. The world needs your voice, your perspective, and your unique contributions. Embrace the journey, imperfections and all, and trust that the challenges are what make you stronger.
Let’s make 2025 the year we stop shying away from our doubts and instead, use them to propel us to even greater heights.
Suzanne Swan
