Navigating imposter syndrome

As part of our ‘Step up’ strand, we’re offering training to help individuals coming back into the industry after a break, moving into a new role or responsibility level, or improving skills in unscripted TV. 

In this session, we will be exploring practical responses to the pernicious and all-too-common phenomenon of imposter syndrome, helping you build genuine and dependable confidence in the workplace.

"I don't deserve this."

"I feel like a fraud."

"It's only a matter of time before I'm found out."

"I'm only here because I was lucky."

"Someone must have made a mistake."

"I'm not ready for this."

"If I can do this, it can't be that hard."

"Who would want to listen to what I have to say."

Do you relate to any or all of the above? If so, don’t worry: you’re not alone. Research shows more than 70% of us experience ‘symptoms’ of imposter syndrome like these on a daily basis. 

In this two-hour session designed to support those experiencing imposter syndrome, we'll explore what it is and some of the common ways it can subtly but powerfully undermine our confidence, holding us back in our working (and wider) lives.

Participants will learn tips, tools and practices to help them respond more creatively and resourcefully to the limiting thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviours of imposter syndrome. There will be time to share your reflections and experiences, and to ask questions. To be clear, there will be no pressure for anyone to contribute who does not wish to. 

If imposter syndrome casts a shadow in your life come and join this lively, engaging and inclusive session. 

Who it's for

Anyone working in unscripted TV who has experienced the debilitating and self-limiting thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviours of imposter syndrome, from early career professionals to seasoned managers and leaders.

The majority of the Unscripted Skills Fund online short course offering is for those at early career stage and above. As a result, we generally require applicants to have at least three credits (unless working in a traditionally uncredited role). If you strongly feel you would still benefit from the training, please email USF@screenskills.com so we can assess if an exception should be made.

We are committed to ensuring all our courses are accessible to everyone. This course is designed to be as interactive as possible. Please email the above address if you have any access requirements and we will be delighted to help, be that clarifying the form such interaction is likely to take or discussing reasonable adjustments.

Trainer

After careers in academic publishing, international development and business consultancy, Sarah Durrant trained to become a Co-Active CoachTM with the Coach Training Institute (CTI) in 2012-13. Since 2012 she has run a successful coaching practice working one to one and in groups facilitating personal and professional growth and transformation.

What it covers

The emphasis in each session will be on:

• Creating a safe and courageous space in which we can be present to others as they share their experiences, and in turn be witnessed and honoured as we share ours
• Inviting our curiosity, openness, vulnerability and courage in the name of our and others’ growth and learning
• Tailoring proven materials and practices to meet the needs of each group
• Evoking lasting and meaningful transformation 

There will be opportunity to:

• Deepen your understanding of what imposter syndrome is and how it can show up by exploring common ‘imposter’ thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviours 
• Share your own ‘imposter’ experiences and ask any questions arising, in a safe, compassionate, courageous and supportive environment;
• Explore a range of empowering skills, tools, and practices.
• Receive individual and group coaching/mentoring around issues and areas which are particularly alive, ingrained, stuck or in some way unhelpful

How to apply

This session will take place online via Zoom. Click ‘apply for ticket’ and follow the instructions to apply for your place: you must login or register before you are able to complete your application.

Places on these free online courses are limited and applications are often highly competitive. To stand the best chance of securing a place, please be sure to consider the following:

• When asked to list your three most recent credits, please include the programme title and your job role.
• When asked what you hope to gain from the course, please be concise but ensure you cover the specific elements of the topic you would like to gain knowledge of and what gaps in your skillset you believe the course may address. A rewording of the course title or a general comment on career progression does not tell us much about how this course would benefit you.

If you are no longer able to attend, we ask you to please use the 'decline ticket' function on the right hand side of the page so that we can release your place. Our sessions are often oversubscribed, so we’d like to give other freelancers the opportunity to fill available spots. Thank you for your consideration.

This session is supported by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce thanks to contributions from broadcasters, SVoDs and production companies.

This course would normally cost participants to attend, but thanks to this support, we are able to offer it to you for free. If you fail to attend, we reserve the right to request reimbursement of costs, unless your place can be taken by someone else.