Overcoming impostor syndrome in tech

In episode 2 of The View on Data, four women in tech share honest stories about self-doubt, resilience, and navigating impostor syndrome in the data industry.

If you've ever wondered whether you're qualified enough for your role, if everyone else is more prepared than you, or if you're the only one struggling, you’re not alone. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in data feeling impostor-y.

Please reach out at podcast@dbtlabs.com for questions, comments, and guest suggestions.

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Why impostor syndrome is so common in data careers

The tech industry, and data roles in particular, attract high achievers. But they also attract uncertainty.

Whether you're an analytics engineer, data analyst, or just starting your career in data, you've likely felt that moment: Do I really belong here?

Lauren Benezra, Paige Berry, Faith McKenna, and Erica Louie from dbt Labs dive into how impostor syndrome shows up in their daily work and why it hits even the most experienced professionals.

What impostor syndrome feels like on a data team

This episode highlights the emotional reality of working in tech, especially as a woman or an underrepresented person. The pressure to be perfect. The fear of being "found out." The exhausting emotional labor of proving yourself again and again.

It also unpacks how impostor syndrome can creep in even after you’ve landed the job or gotten the promotion—especially when you’re the “first” or “only” in the room.

Tools and tactics to fight impostor syndrome in tech

The group shares practical ways to reframe self-doubt and build confidence in your data career:

• Prep with intention: Spend time researching, planning, and writing things out—but set a boundary. Don’t overdo it.
• Use a work journal or brag folder: Track wins, compliments, and proud moments. Refer back when self-doubt kicks in.
• Talk to people you trust: Managers, peers, and mentors can offer a perspective you might not see yourself.
• Use AI tools like ChatGPT: Draft, review, or reframe your work in a way that builds confidence.

The importance of psychological safety on data teams

One of the most powerful themes in the episode is the role of culture in managing impostor syndrome. When companies prioritize transparency, psychological safety, and feedback over perfectionism, it changes everything.

At dbt Labs, the team credits open channels, supportive leadership, and an emphasis on learning with helping them move past self-doubt and grow into their roles.

Reframing your inner critic

Impostor syndrome isn’t just a tech problem. It’s a human problem.

But as this episode shows, it can be managed—especially when you shift how you see it. Feelings aren’t facts. And self-doubt doesn’t disqualify you.

Here are a few closing tips from the team:

• Name your lizard brain. (Seriously. Paige’s is called Karen.)
• Collect positive feedback like receipts.
• Build your own story—not someone else’s narrative.
• Don’t aim to eliminate doubt. Aim to recover faster from it.