Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Course

Why high achievers doubt themselves most — and what the evidence says about changing it

The Challenge :

Imposter syndrome doesn’t affect people who aren’t good at their jobs. It disproportionately affects exactly the people organisations most need to retain and develop — high achievers, deep thinkers, people who care about doing good work.

It shows up as self-doubt that feels disproportionate to the evidence. As a persistent sense of not quite deserving to be in the room. As over-preparation, perfectionism and a fear of being found out that no amount of success seems to quiet.

The research is clear: imposter syndrome is not a personal failing. It is a predictable psychological response to certain environments and pressures — and it can be worked with directly. This programme gives people the tools to do that.

What participants will learn :

Understand what imposter syndrome actually is — and what it is not — through the lens of the original research
Identify their own imposter patterns and the triggers that activate them
Challenge the cognitive distortions that sustain self-doubt using evidence-based psychological tools
Separate feelings of fraudulence from actual evidence of capability
Build a more accurate and stable sense of professional identity and self-worth
Develop strategies for navigating high-stakes moments — presentations, promotions, new roles — with confidence
Understand the organisational and cultural factors that amplify imposter syndrome, and what leaders can do

Evidence Base :

Note: this programme is facilitated with care and psychological sensitivity. Participants are never required to share personal experiences publicly. All reflective exercises are private unless participants choose otherwise.

Licensing available: organisations can license this programme for internal delivery. Ask about our Train the Trainer pathway.

Who It's For:

High achievers at any level who recognise the imposter experience in themselves | New leaders stepping into more senior roles | Women and underrepresented groups in leadership (where imposter syndrome is statistically more prevalent) | Organisations with high attrition among talented people | Healthcare, academia, arts, professional services and corporate environments

Testimonial :

“Koru is a great way of understanding yourself and managing your life. It helps you work out a healthier balance between action and thought and creates both physical and mental harmony. Simple techniques that can be learnt even if you are an experienced manager already. I would recommend the professionalism and wisdom of their approach and people.”

Ruth Spellman Chief Executive, WEA

“Gill and Viv ran a Leadership Workshop for our leaders. It was a valuable introduction with practical steps for managing oneself and others. The session was interactive, supportive, and well prepared. They were professional and easy to work with throughout.”

Larissa Morrish Head of Procurement, Lancaster University

“Koru made a real difference to the effectiveness of our training courses. Their subject knowledge gained the respect of delegates, and their facilitative approach encouraged valuable discussions. They created an environment that allowed ongoing support for participants.”

Dr Hilary Lindsay Chairwoman, ICAEW & CABA Trustee

“My first meeting with Koru was during Wellbeing Week. They instantly made everyone feel at ease. Very organised yet flexible, and created a comfortable and enjoyable environment. I would highly recommend them.”

Coleen Crane HR, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Europe

“Gill and Viv ran a fantastic mindfulness course at the V&A. They are knowledgeable, caring, and responsive to participants’ needs. The sessions were engaging, well-structured, and supported by research. We highly recommend working with them.”

Jenny Phelan Learning Academy Programme Manager, V&A

“We have worked with Koru Development on multiple occasions. Feedback has always been very positive. Their combination of professional content and personable delivery works extremely well. I would warmly recommend them.”

Nina Waters Corporate Services Director, British School of Osteopathy

“Koru’s training session was first class. The day was thought-provoking and highly engaging. I came away with a greater understanding and useful resources. I would highly recommend them.”

Wendy Saunders Head of Development, CABA

“It was a pleasure to work with Gill. She is an inspirational facilitator. The session was worth the investment and I would happily attend further seminars.”

Dr H Turton NHS

“Koru’s session was extremely helpful after a very busy year. They helped us reflect on stress and provided practical strategies. The approach was supportive and created a positive space for growth.”

Dr Philip Dixon Director, ATL Cymru

“I have worked with Gill on stress management projects. She is perceptive, responsive, and thorough. Her sessions are informative and stimulating. I look forward to working together again.”

Nicki Landau Head of HR, ATL

“I learned valuable skills in self-management, negotiation, and working under pressure. I have already applied these in my role and shared them with colleagues. Thank you for the knowledge and experience.”

Zina Habib Project Associate, United Nations, Iraq

“Koru delivered a tailored session for our team in compassionate care. They helped bring the team together, identify strengths, and set goals. I highly recommend them for team development.”

Aruna Ramineni Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician

“We’ve worked with Koru for coaching and workshops. They are efficient, responsive, and professional. We’ve received great feedback from staff and would absolutely recommend them.”

Ellie Cannell Head of HR, IPPF

“Koru are one of the most hassle-free training partners we’ve worked with. Their sessions are tailored, engaging, and effective. We now use them for multiple training needs and highly recommend them.”

Claudia Meyer-Scott Director, Clarasys

“I have never seen such fantastic feedback for an external provider in 25 years. Delegates praised the sessions and many requested follow-ups. A truly valuable experience.”

Yvonne White Manager, Wrexham Medical Institute

“Koru delivered training on Leading and Managing Change. They understood our needs and delivered in a professional, engaging way. All participants found it highly beneficial.”

L Ritchie Human Resources, Combat Stress

“Insightful psychology and engaging delivery helped us understand team dynamics better. The training was immensely helpful and encouraged growth.”

Anna Somerset Head of Fundraising, British School of Osteopathy

“We have been working with Koru Development for a few years and feedback from the Building Resilience course is always excellent. Gill’s training style puts people at ease and her expertise means that delegates walk away with new methods to support their wellbeing. The Growth Mindset course was bespoke and highly relevant. Koru Development offer unlimited after support to learners, which shows how much they care.”

Angela Schlegel Learning and Development Manager, Natural History Museu

“ Having just completed eight weeks with my team working with Gill at Koru, I have already noticed a marked improvement in the resilience and composure of both myself and my team. The combination of easily accessible techniques, supported by proven science and research, helped the team accept and engage with the programme. It won’t be for everyone, but for those that do give it a go, it has the potential to be one of the most impactful pieces of personal development they will do in their careers.”

David Cole COO, UK Sport

" One more testimonial. ‘Gill and Viv of Koru opened up the minds of me and my colleagues to a new vocabulary which described our lived experience, helped us to understand it, and - most importantly - helped us to handle it. Many if not people are resistant to change, but change is increasingly unavoidable. To be happy and successful is to learn how to thrive in an environment of constant change. A growth mindset helps you to achieve this."

Catherine Brown Associate Professor in English at Northeastern University London

Courses :

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Gill Thackray

Gill Thackray is a performance psychologist and author, whose work on imposter syndrome has featured in The Guardian and international media. She brings 20+ years of experience working with high-achieving professionals in healthcare, elite sport, academia and the arts. Gill holds a PGCE and is a member of the Association of Business Psychologists and British Psychological Society.

Viv Dutton

Viv Dutton is a positive psychologist, growth mindset specialist and one of the first practitioners of positive psychology in the UK. Her warm, evidence-based facilitation style makes this programme particularly effective — participants feel safe to engage honestly with material that can feel personally exposing. Viv is a CIPD qualified trainer.

Ready to help your people step into their capability — fully, without apology?

We’ll design the session around your organisation’s culture and the specific pressures your people face.

Book a discovery call