CTRL-ALT-LEAD with David Hinson
Episode: Powering Through Imposter Syndrome
Date: March 27, 2025
Host: David Hinson
Episode Overview
In this solo episode of CTRL-ALT-LEAD, David Hinson, Campus CIO at Boldyn Networks, delves into the pervasive topic of imposter syndrome, especially as it relates to technology and higher education leadership. Drawing on his own experiences transitioning into increasingly strategic and high-profile roles, David explores how leaders can not only recognize imposter syndrome but also actively work through it. The episode is rich with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies for leaders at all stages of their careers.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Challenge of Transitioning to Leadership
[00:05–03:10]
- David opens the episode by discussing the dramatic shift that occurs when professionals move from hands-on or operational roles into strategic leadership positions:
- Relationships change: "Your friends are now your direct reports, or a former friendly peer now has unexpectedly become a frenemy. When the heck did that happen?" — David Hinson [00:55]
- He notes this is one of the "trickiest transitions a professional must master," a common hurdle for anyone advancing in their career.
2. Defining Imposter Syndrome
[03:11–04:15]
- David introduces imposter syndrome as the persistent feeling of self-doubt, even in the face of success and validation.
- “Congratulations, you’ve just experienced Imposter Syndrome.” — David Hinson [01:34]
- He observes that those who seem most confident often experience these feelings most acutely.
- Brief mention of the Dunning-Kruger effect as the opposite problem, to be covered in a future episode.
3. Personal Story: Feeling Like an Imposter as a New CIO
[04:16–07:10]
- David shares a candid story of becoming CIO at Hendrix College at nearly 50, coming from a non-academic background.
- He felt like "learning an entirely different language," needing to shift from running a software company to navigating academia's unique governance and culture.
- "It was both a challenge and a very rude reminder that we all have a lot to learn about all the things that we know absolutely nothing about." — David Hinson [06:20]
- The Hendrix community’s supportive environment allowed him to apply management skills thoughtfully, even while learning.
4. Practical Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
[07:11–12:00] David outlines a detailed set of tactics and mindset shifts that helped him (and which he recommends to others):
Acknowledge & Normalize the Feeling
- Accepting that imposter syndrome is common, especially in new roles.
- "Growth naturally brings discomfort, and feeling stretched is a sign of progress, not failure." — David Hinson [07:42]
Reframe Thinking
- Shifting from "I don't belong here" to "I'm learning and evolving."
- Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, not proof of inadequacy.
Preparation & Competence
- Building confidence through preparation and skill-building.
- "I built confidence by deepening my knowledge and refining my skill sets... taking on first what was right in front of me." — David Hinson [08:50]
Seek Mentorship & Community
- Finding both similar and different mentors for perspective.
- Engaging in or creating professional communities.
- "I created a Geek Breakfast chapter... that continues to meet to this very day." — David Hinson [09:50]
Track Achievements
- Journaling wins, positive feedback, and milestones to counter self-doubt.
- “Tracking your progress...is a needed sanity check to understand where you need to keep continue growing.” — David Hinson [10:35]
Fake It ‘Til You Make It
- Adopting behaviors and mindsets of aspirational role models until they become your own.
- “Confidence follows action. I simply mimicked and adopted the behaviors, habits, and mindsets of several someones who already embodied the role that I wanted to fill. Until finally one day I actually did.” — David Hinson [10:57]
Show Up & Stretch Yourself
- Speaking up in meetings, accepting leadership opportunities outside your comfort zone.
- Owning contributions and always volunteering.
Self-Compassion
- Allowing for mistakes and recognizing everyone is chosen for their role for a reason.
- “I finally trusted that others saw my potential, even and especially when I doubted it myself.” — David Hinson [11:20]
5. Final Reflections on Confidence and Growth
[12:01–13:10]
- David closes with an actionable takeaway: imposter syndrome signals you care about high performance.
- “Imposter syndrome doesn't mean that you're not qualified. It means that you care about doing your absolute best. Because true confidence comes from acting, embracing growth, and giving yourself permission to own your success. And there's no faking that.” — David Hinson [12:30]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- "That which got them there isn't usually what will keep them there." — David Hinson [00:12]
- "Moving from peer to leader is one of the trickiest transitions a professional must master." — David Hinson [00:38]
- "It was quite honestly like I had to learn an entirely different language for achieving shared goals and outcomes, leading through influence rather than dictate, and operating at academic speed rather than at Internet speed." — David Hinson [05:50]
- "Confidence follows action. I simply mimicked and adopted the behaviors, habits, and mindsets of several someones who already embodied the role that I wanted to fill. Until finally one day I actually did." — David Hinson [10:57]
- "Imposter syndrome doesn't mean that you're not qualified. It means that you care about doing your absolute best." — David Hinson [12:30]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:05 — Introduction & the challenge of new leadership roles
- 01:34 — Definition and prevalence of imposter syndrome
- 04:16 — Personal story: On feeling like an imposter as a new CIO
- 07:11 — Practical steps to overcome imposter syndrome
- 10:50 — Journaling achievements and building community
- 12:01 — Final reflections on the nature of confidence and growth
Conclusion
David Hinson’s episode offers an empathetic and practical exploration of imposter syndrome, highlighting both the emotional realities and actionable responses to the experience. By weaving in personal vulnerability, leadership wisdom, and clear strategies, the episode serves as both a guidebook and a source of reassurance for anyone moving up the leadership ladder—especially those in technology and higher education.