The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women

Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It

By: Valerie Young

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

It's only because they like me. I was in the right place at the right time. I just work harder than the others. I don't deserve this. It's just a matter of time before I am found out. Someone must have made a terrible mistake.

If you are a working woman, chances are this internal monologue sounds all too familiar. And you're not alone. From the high-achieving PhD candidate convinced she's been admitted to the program only because of a clerical error to the senior executive who worries others will find out she's in way over her head, a shocking number of accomplished women in all career paths and at every level feel as though they are faking it - impostors in their own lives and careers.

In The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, Valerie Young explains what the impostor syndrome is, why fraud fears are more common in women, and how you can recognize the way it manifests in your life. With her empowering step-by-step plan, you will learn to take ownership of your success, overcome self-doubt, and banish the thought patterns that undermine your ability to feel - and act - as bright and capable as others already know you are.

©2011 Valerie Young (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Young's extremely perceptive and action-oriented solutions shine.... A can't-miss primer for businesswomen everywhere." ( Publishers Weekly)

I belong at the table

I recently got a promotion at work that I felt unqualified for, and spent a lot of time struggling with confidence and not feeling overwhelmed. This book was great. I’m to the point now where I think, I have a lot to offer and deserve success. Even if I don’t know something, so what? I trust my abilities and will learn as I go. A great book for those who are still figuring themselves out.

Great insightful book

This book helped me realize that a lot of things that I have been feeling almost all my life are actually pretty common and sometimes not even true. I would have liked a little more guidance to get rid of those feelings but overall I really enjoyed this book.

Support with a Sprinkle of Overgeneralizing

Good tips on improving self- talk. Can overgeneralize the challenges of women and other genders but the author IS speaking to a particular audience.

A guidance to reach the best in you.

An assessment tool for women. The best book I have read. It enlighten how to unlearn the web of poor behaviour and beliefs society feeds women.

Great for both genders.

As a male, I felt this was an amazing book. I was concerned about how helpful it would be for men based on the title, but it was great. There were points where she focuses on women specifically, but even then you could apply the lessons to men.

I will definitely reread this book as needed, probably at least once a year for the foreseeable future.

Wonderfully insightful for both men and women!

Insightful in explaining both my own and other's behavior. Backed with lots of empirical research and practical concrete steps you can take to improve your own unhelpful habits.

Where have you been all my life?

This book has literally changed my life for the better. I knew I felt like an fraud but had no idea that there were others out there that felt like me or that there was a study about it.

When I listened to the audiobook, I cried and cried out of sorrow, relief and out of finally understanding myself. I can now articulate to my family what I’ve been feeling all these years.

I plan to put the author’s list of things for me to do into action. I know a ton of folks who could benefit from this book, even if they don’t identify with the imposter syndrome. The research behind why women think and behave the way we do, is reason enough to buy the book.

I’m grateful this book came into my purview, it has chased a dark cloud away from me that has been my constant companion for most of my life. Thank you, thank you!

Book is great, narration is annoying

While I enjoyed the book and thought there was valuable information, you should be aware that the narration is a bit over the top and the book can be repetitive. (Overall 3.7)

If you ever think...

If you ever think you don’t fit in or you can’t do something because you feel like am imposter, this book is for you.

Women, we need to help each other feel like we belong. We got this!

Loved it!

Lengthy but worth it for lasting changes. truckful of actionable items and during the length of time it takes to listen to it gives you time to practice.