Breaking Through Imposter Syndrome with Subha Shetty

I had the honor of interviewing Subha Shetty, a remarkable leader in the AI and tech space, to discuss imposter syndrome, particularly as it affects minority women leaders. Our conversation delved into the deep-rooted feelings of self-doubt that can persist despite external success and how those emotions manifest differently for women from diverse backgrounds.

Subha shared her inspiring personal journey, starting from her upbringing in a small, conservative town in South India to becoming a fractional Chief AI Officer and Product Officer at multiple startups in Silicon Valley. Despite her impressive achievements, she openly discussed how imposter syndrome has been a constant challenge, even when she reached leadership positions in companies like eBay and Walmart.

We explored how imposter syndrome is often misunderstood. Subha pointed out that it’s not about a lack of confidence but rather an internal belief that one’s success is undeserved, despite evidence to the contrary. This is something many high-achieving women experience, especially when the representation and relatable role models feel lacking.

One of the standout moments from the interview was Subha's story about a conversation with Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, which transformed her perspective. Nooyi casually mentioned she didn't know much about the CPG industry when she started, but that didn’t stop her from becoming a powerhouse in the field. That moment normalized the struggle for Subha and reinforced the idea that even top leaders deal with self-doubt, making it okay to not have all the answers right away.

Throughout the interview, Subha shared valuable strategies for managing imposter syndrome, emphasizing the importance of preparation, self-awareness, and surrounding yourself with supportive mentors and networks. She reminded us that overcoming imposter syndrome is not about eliminating it entirely but learning how to manage and harness it in a productive way.

If you're interested in hearing more about Subha's strategies and her experiences as a woman leader overcoming imposter syndrome, watch the full interview here.