"I’m going to get fired from Zoho soon—and I’ll definitely need to start job hunting."

This thought consumed me just three months after joining Zoho as a Product Management Associate.

I haven’t studied Product Management. How can I possibly succeed?

Why would people with 5x more experience listen to a Gen Z pretending to be a PM?

I was drowning in self-doubt, convinced I was a fraud. Little did I know, these feelings had a name: Imposter Syndrome.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

In simple terms, it’s the feeling that, despite having the skills and talent to succeed, you’re somehow faking it—and that sooner or later, people will figure it out.

That was me. When I joined Zoho, I couldn’t shake the thought: “I don’t belong here.” Every day, I feared someone would call me out.

Fast forward almost three years, and I can confidently say: I’m doing an amazing job.

Here’s how I overcame Imposter Syndrome—and how you can too.

1. Find a Mentor

Starting something new is overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel lost. A mentor acts as your compass, helping you stay aligned and focused.

For me, mentors came in all forms—some were colleagues, others were virtual mentors from platforms like ADPList. Your mentor doesn’t have to be your manager; they could be:

A peer who understands your struggles

A friend with relevant experience

A professional from mentorship platforms

Finding the right mentor is your first step toward clarity.

2. Learn to Be Sure

Doubt thrives in ignorance. When I felt unqualified, I turned to knowledge as my weapon. I:

Read countless articles about Product Management

Completed micro-certifications

Immersed myself in PM podcasts

Tested my knowledge through quizzes and real-world applications

This approach helped me not only understand my role better but also gain confidence in my skills.

3. Self-Assurance Is Key

No matter how much you learn or what your mentor says, none of it matters until you convince yourself: You belong. You’ve earned this.

Self-assurance is the hardest step, but it’s the one that unlocks true confidence. For me, it meant reflecting on my journey, acknowledging my efforts, and silencing that little voice saying, “You’re not enough.”

Final Thoughts

Imposter Syndrome can feel like a heavy burden, but it’s one you can overcome. Find a mentor, seek knowledge, and—most importantly—believe in yourself.

If you’ve ever felt like an imposter, I’d love to hear your story. How did you overcome it? Let’s share, learn, and grow together.