4. Riya Shanmugam, New Relic

Imposter syndrome disproportionately affects women. According to a 2019 study from Heriot-Watt University and the School for CEOs, more than half (54%) of women experience feelings of imposter syndrome, while just 24% of men report the same. These intangible feelings — hesitation, lack of confidence, lack of belonging — lead directly to women being passed over for promotions and salary increases, reinforcing the most insidious aspects of the glass ceiling.

Riya Shanmugam made waves in her editorial about her experience with imposter syndrome. The group vice president of global alliances and channels at New Relic discussed her previous feelings of inadequacies in her prior roles and what she did to overcome them.  

Learn more from her experience here.