Why Feeling Like a Fraud Means You’re Growing as a Leader

Lighthouse Leadership

Host Evan Hickok explores the “valley of despair,” the grim dip on the Dunning–Kruger curve where confidence plummets just as competence begins to climb.

Drawing on stories from Natalie Portman, Albert Einstein, Tom Hanks, and his own career pivots, Evan shows new managers how that anxious “I don’t belong” feeling signals real growth.

He maps the roller-coaster path from the peak of overconfidence through imposter syndrome to the steady “slope of enlightenment,” and shares mindset shifts that convert self-doubt into learning momentum.

Listeners leave with a practical framework, a free downloadable guide, and the reassurance that struggle is the surest marker of progress. Press Play to reframe your next challenge—or subscribe for weekly guidance on building great teams.

Key Takeaways

• Reframe imposter syndrome as evidence that you’ve reached a new learning threshold. This is a transient; find your learning opportunity and keep moving.
• Identify your spot on the Dunning–Kruger curve to predict next steps.
• Value questions over answers; learning is a leader’s real job.
• Expect confidence dips whenever competence expands—paradoxically a positive sign.
• Practice Teddy Roosevelt’s mantra: “Do what you can with what you’ve got where you are.”
• Leverage personal stories (and free guide) to climb the slope of enlightenment.

Notable Quotes

“Growth doesn’t feel like growth—it feels like struggle.”
“Confidence drops because competence is building—that’s the paradox.”
“Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics; I can assure you that mine are still greater.”
“You’re not lost—you’re learning.”

Resources & Mentions

• Natalie Portman Harvard Commencement Speech (2015)
• Dunning–Kruger Effect study by David Dunning & Justin Kruger
• Albert Einstein’s letter to 12-year-old Barbara (1931)
• Tom Hanks interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air (2016)
• John Mayer song “Why Georgia (YouTube)”
• Theodore Roosevelt, An Autobiography
• My former classmate, scenic designer David Korins (Hamilton, Beetlejuice)
• Free “Climb Out of Imposter Syndrome” guide – available at evanhickok.com

Next-Step Challenge

Sketch your personal Dunning–Kruger curve for a current project, pinpoint your valley moment, and list one skill to practice this week.

Connect With Evan

👉 Learn more at evanhickok.com and follow Evan on LinkedIn for daily leadership tips.