A LICENSED IMPOSTOR SYNDROME INSTITUTE PROGRAM
Rethinking Impostor Syndrome™
The proven, research-based solution created by Dr. Valerie Young, delivered to your team by licensed ISI associate Maureen Zappala.
Delivered to 500,000+ people on four continents since 1982
Why Capable People Feel Like Impostors
You're Smart and Successful.
So Why Do You Still Feel Like a Fraud?
The Solution
A Proven Solution, Not a Pep Talk
Rethinking Impostor Syndrome™ is a research-based educational solution, not therapy and not a motivational talk. It teaches people to change how they think about competence, failure, and self-doubt. The approach is:
Aware
Rooted in diversity and inclusion, beyond gender or race.
Actionable
Practical, immediately usable tools for people and orgs.
Far-Reaching
Fits any audience, industry, sector, or profession.
Flexible
On-site or virtual, expanded or contracted to fit.
Adaptable
Integrates into your existing programs and topics.
Dr. Valerie Young's Research
The Five Types of Impostor Syndrome
Impostors hold themselves to unrealistic standards of competence. Five distinct types emerged from Valerie Young’s research, each with its own trigger.
The Perfectionist
Focus is on how the work turns out. One flaw in a stellar performance equals failure.
The Expert
Focus is on what and how much you know. Any gap in knowledge feels like failure.
The Natural Genius
Measures competence by ease and speed. Having to struggle feels like failure.
The Soloist
Cares about who does the task. Needing any help is a sign of failure.
The Superhuman
Measures worth by how many roles you juggle. Falling short in any evokes shame.
"The only way to stop feeling like an impostor is to stop thinking like an impostor."
The Transformation
From Impostor to Humble Realist™
People who don’t feel like impostors aren’t smarter or more capable. They just think differently. This program teaches your people to become “Humble Realists” who:
Set Realistic Standards
They hold themselves to fair, sustainable standards of competence.
Handle Setbacks Well
They respond in a healthy way to failure, mistakes, and criticism.
Keep Going Anyway
They expect self-doubt and fear, and move forward regardless.
Proven Worldwide
Half a Million+ People
Rethinking Impostor Syndrome™ has been delivered on four continents to organizations of every size, from the Fortune 100 to universities and nonprofits.
and hundreds more organizations worldwide
Your Licensed Presenter
Delivered by Maureen Zappala
Maureen is a licensed presenter and associate of the Impostor Syndrome Institute, personally trained by Dr. Valerie Young, creator of Rethinking Impostor Syndrome™ and founder of the ISI.
As a former NASA propulsion engineer who lived with impostor syndrome herself, Maureen brings the science to life with humor, story, and immediately usable tools, tailored to your audience.
Learn more about the program at the Impostor Syndrome Institute →
Bring It to Your Organization
Stop Letting Bright People Play Small.
Book Maureen to deliver Rethinking Impostor Syndrome™ as a keynote, workshop, or in-house program, and give your people the tools to feel as capable as they truly are.