Source: Fortune
Summary
Emily Lyons, founder and CEO of Femme Fatale Media Group and Lyons Elite, shared her experience with imposter syndrome despite her business success. She recalled crying in a parking lot when she first made real money, not out of happiness, but fear of losing it. Lyons’ anxiety stemmed from her childhood experiences with financial stress. Despite her achievements, she struggled with self-doubt and feelings of being a fraud. Her story illustrates the psychological phenomenon of imposter syndrome, which can affect successful business people, especially women entrepreneurs.
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The numbers tell one story. Emily Lyons’ bank account showed commas, but her mind showed fear. She was terrified of losing the money she had earned. The anxiety didn’t disappear with success; it magnified. Lyons had to reframe her wealth and learn to deserve it. Her case study highlights the challenge of imposter syndrome, where self-doubt persists despite evidence of competence and success. The phenomenon is not exclusive to women, but research shows that women transitioning to entrepreneurship often face it.
Lyons’ story shows that success doesn’t heal, it just gives resources to start. She is not alone in her experience; other successful female entrepreneurs, like Katrina Lake, have also spoken about imposter syndrome. The phenomenon can be addressed with cognitive restructuring, mentorship, networking, and social support.
Author: Evan Null
