Carly David, a female CEO and retired sex worker with 25 years of professional experience, recently shared insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon characterized by doubting accomplishments and fearing exposure as a fraud. David, who founded PS: Group in 2018, discussed her personal journey and strategies for managing imposter syndrome, particularly within the adult industry.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a thought pattern where individuals doubt their achievements and harbor an internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. This feeling can manifest in various aspects of life, including professional and personal relationships, as well as work accomplishments. It is described as a nagging feeling of not being good enough or the fear of being found out as inept, despite evidence of success.

According to Mary, 23, who has experienced imposter syndrome at work, the condition can lead to a "never-ending spiral of personal, critical thoughts." Mary noted that her inner voice would suggest she was a fraud for finding a task easy, or that she did not deserve positive outcomes. This self-doubt can affect both professional and personal life, leading to a belief that good things are "gifted" rather than earned. Mary also described feeling embarrassed when finding tasks easy while others struggled, and in competitive career situations, believing she was less confident or experienced than peers.

The Calm Editorial Team also defines imposter syndrome as a feeling of not being worthy of success, where even impressive accomplishments can seem to fall flat. Understanding and addressing this syndrome is presented as a first step toward fostering a more supportive mindset regarding skills, accomplishments, and self-worth.

Strategies for Overcoming Self-Doubt

Carly David outlined several strategies she employs to combat imposter syndrome. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the syndrome, a realization that came to her during the last XBIZ LA conference when she doubted her ability to network and contribute meaningfully. This acknowledgment allowed her to understand that imposter syndrome was hindering her growth and opportunities.

David also highlighted acceptance, focusing on self-compassion and self-awareness. She learned to appreciate her accomplishments as results of hard work, determination, and expertise, and recognized that failure and self-doubt are inherent parts of the journey to success. Facing internal and external challenges is crucial for growth.

Mentorship and support networks have also been pivotal for David. She sought guidance from successful individuals who had faced similar challenges, finding inspiration in their stories of resilience. Building a peer support network allowed her to validate her feelings and gain fresh perspectives.

Taking risks and stepping out of her comfort zone became a mantra for David. She embraced challenging opportunities, noting that pushing boundaries increased her confidence. Successes, once recognized and owned, served as antidotes to imposter syndrome. Practicing gratitude also helped David appreciate her journey, reflecting on accomplishments to see how far she had come. Gratitude, she noted, boosts self-esteem and fosters a positive mindset, reminding her that she is not alone in her fears.

Mary, 23, also shared strategies, including identifying triggers for imposter syndrome. She asked herself what made her feel a certain way and when the self-critical voice began to rise. Mary also found that comparing herself only to her past self helped her move forward, allowing her to see her progress and hard work. This technique, referred to as "retrospective reminders," involves looking back to acknowledge how much has been achieved and how much one has grown.

A speaker who has led workshops on imposter syndrome for over three decades, addressing an estimated 500,000 people, noted that audiences often seek immediate relief from imposter feelings. However, the speaker clarified that feelings are the last to change. The key difference between those who feel like impostors and those who do not lies in their thought patterns during triggering situations. The speaker suggests that learning to think like a "non-impostor" is the path forward.

Imposter Syndrome in the Adult Industry

David noted that imposter syndrome can be particularly acute in competitive industries, and especially challenging in the adult industry, which lacks a formal roadmap to success. She emphasized that creators are still underrepresented at the executive level, leading her to question if her achievements were due to inherited privilege, luck, or genuine merit throughout her 25-year career. As a female CEO, David believes that embracing vulnerability is a strength and that leaders should share their experiences to create a more inclusive environment. She advocates for sex workers' rights and decriminalization.

David, with over 20 years of experience in mainstream marketing, transitioned from entertainment to advertising agencies before founding PS: Group, a creative agency for the adult industry, in 2018. She encourages sharing stories to help others overcome imposter syndrome and achieve their full potential, emphasizing that achievements are the result of hard work and dedication.

Key Facts

  • Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon involving self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud.
  • Carly David, a female CEO and retired sex worker, founded PS: Group in 2018.
  • David has 25 years of professional experience and over 20 years in mainstream marketing.
  • Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome include recognition, acceptance, mentorship, risk-taking, and gratitude.
  • Imposter syndrome can be particularly challenging in the adult industry due to a lack of formal success pathways.
  • David advocates for sex workers' rights and decriminalization.