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)

Don’t read between the title lines

I was excited to see that audible had a book about imposter syndrome, even if it the title hinted at a specific target audience. Young knows the book is meant for women, but hints toward it being helpful for men as well. There are some helpful tips and stories that help. But young has a very strong pro women agenda. Much of the book is about men versus women, not people with imposter syndrome versus people without. Phrases like “the out and out confidence of the ignorant is gendered.” “Men’s unsupported confidence.” “Don’t let male hyperconfidence let you miss out on imposter busting.”
I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable at times, like this is not meant for me. Much of what is said is true, but is generalized off of majority statistics. Women do this and men do this. So I really like parts of the book, but the degree of feminism is prevalent in this book. Not a bad book. But the bias is strong

Powerful.

As a colored, healthcare professional male, a lot of these imposter symptoms hit home for me. Not that race should matter, it was reassuring to learn that this is something that can be challenged, and resolved with time. It was a very well balanced book, that delivered the needed information in a relatable fashion. World peace and mutual understanding.

Useful and Enlightening

One of the few books I managed to finish. Well-read and written. Likely more useful for women overall, but as a man I found much of it quite applicable. I suspect the younger generation of men might find this book relates to them more than the older generations. If the men can push through the chapters that focus heavily on women-specific issues (or happen to relate as a minority) then they'll get much out of it if suffering from the imposter syndrome.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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)

Worth the read!

Loved it! I laughed a lot and it was all things I needed to hear!