I’ve had my fair share of imposter syndrome. As a first-generation college graduate, who also went to a historically Black college or university, jumping into the corporate world was a bit of a culture shock. I wasn’t sure at first if I belonged or how to fit in. 

Most people, at some point in their lives, feel the same way on their career journey, but according to Cava CEO Brett Schulman, that lack of confidence isn’t a fatal flaw.

Rather, self-doubt can be exactly what you need to become highly successful, he recently told Wondery’s “How I Built This with Guy Raz” podcast.

“I think we all have a little bit of imposter syndrome — which isn’t the worst thing in the world, because it doesn’t allow you to get overconfident and think that you’re invincible,” Schulman said.

Anxiety can keep some people from making a case for a promotion or volunteering to take on a big project at work. Others can find it motivating: If I’m not good enough yet, I just need to learn more, or focus on self-improvement.

“The more successful someone is, the more self-doubt they have, because that’s what drives them,” real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran said at Fiverr’s "Bridge the Gap" webinar last year. “I’ve never met a secure person who was a stellar star.”

If you find yourself succumbing to imposter syndrome, tap into your network of friends, colleagues and mentors who can speak to your abilities and give you the tools you need to succeed, Schulman recommended.

Since I graduated in 2021, I’ve done just that, leaning on my network for guidance and support. Looking back, I see that self-doubt pushed me to apply myself beyond what I thought I was capable of, and now I feel more confident every day. 

CNBC