Business

You Belong in the Room — Exploring Impostor Syndrome from a Black Perspective

Published

1 year ago

February 7, 2023

Adam T

In late 2018, Michelle Obama embarked on a book tour for her memoir Becoming, which sold more than 2 million copies in the U.S. and Canada within 15 days of its release and hit bestseller lists around the globe Read more: Platincoin.

Yet during an appearance at a London school, when asked how she felt about being seen as a symbol of hope, the former first lady admitted she still suffers from impostor syndrome.

“It doesn’t go away, that feeling that you shouldn’t take me that seriously,” Obama replied. “I share that with you because we all have doubts in our abilities, about our power and what that power is. If I’m giving people hope then that is a responsibility, so I have to make sure that I am accountable.”

People in all walks of life are affected by the persistent inability to believe their success is legitimate and due to their efforts, knowledge, or skills. While as many as 70% of Americans have experienced these feelings, known as impostor syndrome, research shows a racialized component that intensifies its impact on the mental health of Black individuals.

What Is Impostor Syndrome?

In an article published by Medium, Maryville University associate professor of strategic communication and leadership Dr. Leilani Carver-Madalon defines impostor syndrome as the experience of someone who “feels like a fraud, intellectually and/or professionally. People who are experiencing imposter syndrome feel like they are not good enough, like they don’t belong and/or that they are a fraud, and it is only a matter of time before they will be found out.” The term “impostor syndrome” was coined in 1978 by American psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes, who believed that women were less likely to internalize success.

Subsequent research has found that impostor feelings are not limited to women, and that they interact with racial discrimination to particularly affect people of color. “Imposter syndrome limits people because they never feel like they are truly successful. Underneath the façade there is often a lack of confidence,” Carver-Madalon continues, adding that another possible downside is that impostor syndrome may prevent people from acting on their ambitions — applying for the “safe job” rather than the dream job — and they may regret that decision in the future.

Why Impostor Syndrome Is More Prevalent in Black Individuals

Black men and women are particularly vulnerable to impostor syndrome, both in the workplace and in day-to-day interactions. In a HuffPost article titled “Imposter Syndrome Hits Harder When You’re Black,” author Jolie A. Doggett notes that for Black individuals, impostor syndrome isn’t just an imaginary voice in their heads.

“We can hear it loud and clear when we receive almost daily messages from society that we truly don’t belong,” she writes. “This feeling of otherness is a common occurrence in the workplace where, too often, we may be the only person of color present.”

Causes of Impostor Syndrome in the Workplace

Lack of representation in senior leadership roles: Only 3.2% of senior leadership roles at large, U.S.-based companies are staffed by Black professionals, according to a 2020 Coqual study.
Prejudicial attitudes: 58% of Black professionals report having experienced racial prejudice in the workplace.
Performance expectations: Approximately two-thirds of Black professionals feel they need to work harder to advance.
Lack of support: Black professionals may lack access to higher-level managers and professional development resources, and may also experience wage gaps.
Workplace environments: Workplace culture is often built around dominant white identities, making it difficult for Black people to fit in socially.

Causes of Impostor Syndrome in Society

Societal messages that people of color don’t belong, such as being followed by security while shopping
Internalization of various microaggressions, such as being asked, “Why are you flying in first class?” or the assumption that Black students were accepted into college on athletic scholarships
Lack of representation in elected office and the media

Common Patterns Among People Experiencing Impostor Syndrome

People who struggle with impostor syndrome share several common traits. Prevalent among these are self-doubt, fear of being exposed as a fraud, and an inability to own and internalize success. Others include self-sabotage via procrastination, negative self-talk, and perfectionism.

In some cases, people in a new job or embarking on a career change temporarily experience symptoms of impostor syndrome. However, if these feelings linger, they can negatively impact job performance. This can spur a self-fulfilling prophecy, externally confirming feelings of self-doubt.

Systemic racism can compound these feelings. Black professionals who doubt themselves, even when they’re eminently qualified, are less apt to ask for a raise or apply for a promotion. These feelings are often rooted in measurable bias: for every 100 men promoted into management, only 58 Black women are promoted, according to a recent study from McKinsey and LeanIn. Coqual reports that 19% of Black professionals believe that someone of their race could never achieve a top position at their company.

Tips to Overcome Impostor Syndrome

While oppressive systems and cultures must be dismantled to truly alleviate the high rate of impostor syndrome in Black individuals, there are some steps that Black people can take to ward off impostor feelings.

Create a “brag-on-me” list: If you struggle with impostor syndrome, create a list of your accomplishments and attributes. Do you have skills or qualifications, such as speaking a foreign language, that your colleagues don’t? You may want to compile awards, diplomas, or accolades you’ve received in a “brag book” to review before a job interview or annual review.
Practice positive self-talk: Lots of people repeat sayings to themselves, which psychologists call scripts. Although some scripts are positive (“I can do this!” before a tough workout), others are negative. If you fall into saying things to yourself that you would never say to a friend or colleague, stop, regroup, and shift your inner mono
Own your accomplishments: Black professionals who struggle with impostor syndrome may be quick to attribute their success to others. Instead of saying that the only reason you accomplished a task was because of luck or help from a colleague, recognize your own efforts. If you struggle to do this, every evening make a list of all that you accomplished that day. This can be a powerful tool for building self-confidence.
Accept that it’s OK to make mistakes: Impostor syndrome and perfectionism often go hand in hand. Although wanting to exceed others’ expectations is healthy, striving to be perfect is not only unrealistic, it can spur anxiety and exhaustion, and enhance the sense of being an impostor. Accept your failings, and understand that making mistakes is OK.
Celebrate Black achievements: Throughout history, Black Americans have achieved milestones that have shaped the modern world. Remember people like Shirley Chisholm, who in 1969 was the first Black woman elected to Congress, and in 1972 became the first African American to run for a major party’s presidential nomination. Remember Benjamin O. Davis, who in 1940 became the first Black general in the U.S. Air Force. Celebrating and publicizing these accomplishments normalizes Black excellence.
Seek out support resources. One way to gain confidence is to seek advice from others who have overcome challenges, including through books, podcasts, and websites. For instance:
- Minda Harts’ book, The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table, provides actionable advice for Black women who face workplace challenges ranging from unequal pay to microaggressions.
- Podcast Balanced Black Girl offers insight on impostor syndrome, self-love, and personal reflection.
- The website Therapy for Black Girls works to destigmatize mental health and encourage wellness for Black females.

Learning How to Thrive

Overcoming impostor syndrome can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Accept your skills, accomplishments, and that your voice deserves to be heard. When you make mistakes or feel unworthy, talk to people you trust about what’s harming your confidence. Focus on the facts, such as your qualifications, instead of your feelings. Flip your script from negative self-talk to positive affirmation. Remember, the most important tip in growing past impostor syndrome is to shift your perspective. You’ve got this.

Business

Is Cloud Storage Secure? Your Guide to Cloud Security

Published

10 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Adam T

Cloud storage has emerged as a backbone for data management, providing users with accessible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. However, as reliance on cloud services grows, so does concern over the security of data stored in the cloud. This brings us to the crucial question: Is cloud storage secure?

To demystify cloud security, it’s essential to understand that cloud storage security is a shared responsibility between the cloud service provider (CSP) and the user. Leading CSPs, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), invest heavily in securing their infrastructure. They deploy advanced security measures like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and redundant data storage. However, users also play a key role in implementing security best practices to safeguard their data.

The Reality of Cloud Security

The good news is that cloud storage can be incredibly secure, often more so than traditional on-premise data storage solutions. CSPs leverage economies of scale to implement comprehensive security measures that individual organizations may find cost-prohibitive. These include continuous security monitoring, regular security assessments, and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to detect and mitigate threats.

Encryption is one of the fundamental security features offered by CSPs, ensuring that data is unreadable to unauthorized individuals. Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, which means that whether your data is being uploaded to or stored in the cloud, it remains protected. Furthermore, many CSPs utilize encryption keys that give users control over who can decode and access their information.

Addressing Common Cloud Security Concerns

Despite the robust security measures in place, skepticism about cloud security persists, primarily due to high-profile data breaches. However, it’s crucial to note that breaches often result from compromised user credentials or poorly configured cloud resources rather than failures in the CSPs’ security measures.

To address these vulnerabilities, cloud providers offer tools and best practices for users to enhance their security posture. These include:

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): An additional layer of security that requires more than just a password to access your cloud account.
Access Management: Tools that allow you to define who has access to specific data within your cloud environment.
Regular Security Audits: Features that help you identify security risks in your cloud configuration and take corrective action.

Best Practices for Cloud Storage Security

Users can adopt several best practices to maximize the security of their cloud storage:

Implement Strong Password Policies: Use complex passwords and change them regularly.
Enable MFA: Always activate MFA for an added layer of security.
Educate Users: Train employees on security risks and safe online practices.
Regularly Backup Data: Ensure you have backups of important data, not just in the cloud but also offline.
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with your CSP’s latest security features and recommendations.

Secure Your Data

Is cloud storage secure? Absolutely, but with a caveat. The security of your data in the cloud relies on a partnership between you and your CSP. By choosing a reputable provider and adhering to best practices for data security, you can confidently leverage cloud storage solutions with peace of mind, knowing your data is well-protected. Like any aspect of cybersecurity, vigilance and continuous improvement are key to staying ahead of potential threats.

Business

A Holistic Approach to IT Risk Management

Published

2 days ago

April 23, 2024

Adam T

In the rapidly evolving sphere of technology, the importance of comprehensive IT risk management cannot be overstated. Businesses are more connected than ever before, making the potential for cybersecurity threats and IT-related failures a very real concern that can have far-reaching consequences on operational resilience and corporate reputation.

With reliance on digital infrastructure only set to increase, it’s imperative to implement a holistic approach to safeguard against the multitude of risks posed by this digital dependency. A holistic IT risk management strategy encompasses more than just strong firewalls and antivirus software; it involves a multi-faceted plan that engages every level of an organization.

Understanding Risks

The first step is to understand the different types of risks which include security breaches, data loss, system outages, and compliance violations. But beyond recognizing these threats, it’s about understanding their potential impact on every aspect of the organization. What is at stake? Customer trust, intellectual property, financial stability, and even the safety of employees could be jeopardized by IT pitfalls.

Risk Assessment

When analyzing these risks, comprehensive assessment tools are key. This means looking beyond the IT department and engaging stakeholders across various departments, ensuring that risk appraisal is not siloed but integrated into a broader company framework.

Strategy Development

Creating a robust IT risk management strategy consists of defining clear responsibilities, establishing protocols for risk response, and developing business continuity plans. Tailoring solutions that meet the specific needs and context of the organization is crucial. Prevention is preferred, but equally, there should be a focus on the company’s response time and recovery processes after an incident occurs.

Employee Training

Human error remains one of the greatest vulnerabilities in IT risk. Continuous training programs that inform and empower staff at all levels to recognize risk and react correspondingly are essential. A critical aspect of such programs is fostering a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting potential IT risks without fear of repercussions.

Technology and Tools

Investment in the right technology and tools supports proactive risk management. This includes sophisticated monitoring systems that can detect anomalies signaling a potential threat, as well as encryption and access control strategies. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can provide valuable insight into patterns that might indicate risk, offering an additional layer of protection.

Compliance and Regulations

As laws and regulations evolve to keep up with technological advancement, compliance is an increasingly complex landscape to navigate. An effective IT risk management strategy must include a comprehensive understanding of relevant regulations and industry standards, ensuring that the organization is not only protected from IT risks but also from legal and regulatory pitfalls.

Continuous Adaptation

IT risk management is not a ‘set and forget’ process. It demands continuous adaptation. A holistic approach means regularly reviewing and updating risk management practices to adapt to new threats, emerging technologies, and changing regulatory environments.

Success in IT Risk Management

A holistic approach to IT risk management is much like a living organism—complex, adaptive, and essential for survival in the digital age. It transcends the simplistic view of protecting assets and becomes a strategic enabler for the business, fortifying against the known and the unknown. It’s about creating resilience—not just within the IT infrastructure but throughout the entire organization. Success in IT risk management means integrating technology, processes, and people to act in concert, continually poised to meet the challenges of a world where the only constant is change.

Business

Future-Proofing Your IT Strategies in Infrastructure Management

Published

2 days ago

April 23, 2024

Adam T

In the whirlwind of technological evolution, IT infrastructure has become the backbone of business operations. Its robustness determines a company’s capability to innovate, respond to changes, and deliver uninterrupted services. Given this critical dependency, future-proofing IT strategies in infrastructure management isn’t just prudent; it’s an imperative.

The Need for Agility and Scalability

In an era where companies must quickly adapt to market shifts, agility in IT infrastructure is pivotal. Cloud computing has offered businesses the flexibility to scale resources up or down as needed. Leveraging hybrid and multi-cloud environments allows organizations to optimize costs and performance while safeguarding against vendor lock-in scenarios.

However, future-proofing goes beyond mere scalability. It is about the foresight to adopt technologies that maintain compatibility with upcoming trends. Take 5G, for example, which promises significant advancements in speed and connectivity. Businesses will need hardware and network strategies that can harness the power of such technology advancements.

Cybersecurity as a Cornerstone

With rising cyber threats, a future-proof IT infrastructure must have cybersecurity at its core. It is essential to stay ahead of potential security challenges with a proactive and comprehensive security strategy encompassing hardware, software, and user training. This means regularly updating security protocols, running predictive threat modeling, and employing real-time monitoring to detect and neutralize threats before they inflict damage.

Incorporating AI and Automation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation represent the cutting-edge of IT infrastructure management. AI-driven analytics can predict equipment failures, prevent downtime, and streamline maintenance. Automation of routine tasks frees up skilled IT personnel to focus on strategic initiatives that can push a business forward.

To stay at the forefront, companies must invest in intelligent systems capable of self-learning and adjusting. These systems will form the bedrock of a resilient and responsive IT framework that can meet the demands of tomorrow.

Sustainable and Responsible Management

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a central aspect of IT strategies, with data centers consuming a significant percentage of global energy consumption. Future-proofing involves leveraging energy-efficient hardware, optimizing data center layouts for cooling, and employing green energy sources.

Beyond energy consumption, responsible e-waste disposal and adherence to international standards for electronic products are part of a holistic approach. This not only reduces the ecological footprint but also aligns with the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible businesses.

Training and Workforce Development

The backbone of any IT strategy isn’t purely technological—it’s also the human talent that drives it. Investing in continuous training ensures that your workforce stays at the cutting edge, understands the complexities of modern infrastructure, and is prepared to tackle future challenges.

Future-Proof Strategies

The landscape of IT infrastructure management is dynamic, with new developments continually emerging on the horizon. To future-proof strategies within this space, organizations must build agility, prioritize cybersecurity, incorporate AI and automation, commit to sustainability, and foster a culture of learning. These elements are crucial for creating an infrastructure that not only survives the test of time but also becomes a catalyst for perpetual growth and innovation. The organizations that invest in these areas today will be the ones leading the pack tomorrow.