Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Building Confidence as a Business Owner – Insights from Obehi Ewanfoh
You have built something incredible. Your business, your project, and your creative venture are taking shape. But there’s a voice inside your head, one that often whispers, “Are you really cut out for this?” or “Who are you to succeed?” If you have ever felt like an imposter, as if you are not worthy of the success you’re building, you’re not alone.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
The term imposter syndrome is used to describe that feeling of inadequacy, even in the face of proven accomplishments. But here’s the catch: The path to success is littered with moments of self-doubt, and the key to overcoming this fear lies in owning your story.
As a creative entrepreneur, particularly within the African diaspora, you might feel a deeper sense of pressure—an unspoken weight that comes from navigating cultural expectations, historical disadvantages, and the quest for belonging in a globalized world.
So how can you confidently overcome this challenge? What steps can you take to silence the voice of self-doubt and step into the role of a successful business owner?
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Let’s explore how embracing your narrative—your unique story—can not only help you conquer imposter syndrome but can also be a gateway to creating the kind of business that speaks to the right audience and drives lasting success.
The Silent Struggle: Imposter Syndrome in the African Diaspora
Have you ever looked at someone else in your industry and wondered, “How did they get there?” or “What makes them so special?” It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your journey with someone else’s, particularly in the world of business, where social media feeds often highlight success, leaving little room for vulnerability.
But this comparison often triggers self-doubt, particularly for entrepreneurs from historically marginalized communities, like the African diaspora.
Imposter syndrome affects millions of entrepreneurs worldwide, but for African entrepreneurs, the struggle can be even more pronounced. According to a study from the Journal of Black Psychology, African Americans, in particular, often experience higher levels of imposter feelings due to a combination of systemic inequality, historical oppression, and social expectations that weigh heavily on their self-perception.
These challenges can be amplified for creative entrepreneurs who are trying to carve out a niche in an industry that may feel disconnected from their cultural identity or heritage.
But how do you break free from these feelings of inadequacy? How do you stop seeing yourself as an outsider in your own business? The first step is realizing that imposter syndrome is not a reflection of your abilities but a natural emotional response that many successful individuals face, regardless of their background.
Owning Your Story: The Key to Confidence
So, how do you combat this feeling of being a “fraud” in your own success? The answer lies in one powerful word: storytelling. Your story, the narrative of your life and business, is not just a tool for marketing; it’s the cornerstone of your confidence.
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When you begin to fully embrace who you are, where you come from, and what your experiences have taught you, you’ll begin to see the immense value in your journey.
Take, for instance, the story of Obehi Ewanfoh, a Nigerian writer, storyteller, and creative entrepreneur. Obehi’s journey is a perfect example of how owning your personal narrative can be a game-changer in overcoming imposter syndrome.
Born in Esan in Southern Nigeria, Obehi started his writing career at a young age, with his first book Round My Mind penned during his junior secondary school years. But his path wasn’t without its challenges.
After moving to Italy in 2004, Obehi found himself grappling with the complexities of cultural identity, language barriers, and a sense of alienation in a foreign land.
It was during this time that he realized that his unique perspective—as someone straddling two continents—was invaluable.
Instead of feeling like an outsider, Obehi began to use his experiences as a bridge to connect with others in the African diaspora, making his voice an essential part of conversations about identity, culture, and belonging.
Today, Obehi is the founder of AClasses Academy, the host of The Obehi Podcast, and an author of over 10 books. His work spans topics such as agribusiness, spirituality, tourism, and African identity, and he has used his platform to empower other creatives and entrepreneurs to find and own their own stories.
By embracing his journey, Obehi was able to create a brand that is not just about what he does but who he is—authentic, unapologetically African, and deeply connected to his roots.
Actionable Step:
Write Your Story. Start by reflecting on your journey. What are the defining moments that have shaped your path? What challenges have you overcome that others in your community or industry could learn from?
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The more you embrace your identity and share your narrative, the more you’ll find your confidence growing.
Embrace Your Expertise: Why Your Knowledge Matters
The next step in overcoming imposter syndrome is realizing that you have expertise that is valuable and unique. You are not an imposter; you are an expert in your field, even if it’s still early in your entrepreneurial journey.
For many African entrepreneurs, particularly those from the diaspora, self-doubt often stems from the belief that their experience is not as valid or valuable as that of others in the industry. This mindset can be deeply rooted in systemic barriers or a lack of representation in certain industries.
However, it’s important to understand that your expertise—whether it’s rooted in African agribusiness, art, technology, or even cultural advocacy, is just as powerful as any other knowledge base.
Obehi Ewanfoh’s diverse body of work is a testament to how embracing one’s expertise, even in niche areas, can lead to widespread success.
From his Storytelling Mastery series to his work in tourism and agribusiness, Obehi has demonstrated that your unique knowledge, especially when linked to your cultural identity, is what sets you apart in the marketplace.
Through The Obehi Podcast, he continues to share insights and amplify voices from the African diaspora, bridging gaps between cultures while reinforcing the value of authentic expertise.
Actionable Step:
Recognize Your Value. Take time to acknowledge what you know and how it can positively impact others. Your skills, knowledge, and experience are not only valuable, they’re essential to the industries you’re in. Build on these strengths, and don’t be afraid to showcase them in your business.
Building a Network: You Are Not Alone
One of the most powerful ways to combat imposter syndrome is to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can support, encourage, and challenge you. When you are part of a network that believes in your potential, it becomes easier to overcome feelings of self-doubt.
Obehi’s career is proof of the power of building meaningful connections. His work with African communities in Italy, as well as his collaborations with other diaspora creatives, has given him a support system that continually reinforces his confidence.
Whether it’s through mentorship or partnerships, having a network that uplifts you can be invaluable when you’re working to build your business and overcome self-doubt.
Actionable Step
Build Your Network. Seek out mentors, partners, and peers who understand your journey and can offer both practical advice and emotional support. Attend events, join online forums, and engage with others in your field. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Starting Small, Thinking Big: The Power of Incremental Progress
The weight of imposter syndrome can sometimes come from the overwhelming nature of entrepreneurship. When you think about all the steps it takes to grow a business, it can feel paralyzing.
In a Forbes article titled Imposter Syndrome: Genuine Psychological Phenomenon or an Excuse? Cheryl Robinson, a contributor covering leadership, career transitions, and professional development, explores imposter syndrome as a well-documented psychological phenomenon.
Robinson notes that this psychological barrier is not isolated to certain individuals. The research underscores its widespread impact across various industries and roles. According to Harvard Business Review, 78% of surveyed business leaders report experiencing imposter syndrome at work, and 75% of female executives have faced it at some point in their careers.
Additionally, nearly 62% of knowledgeable workers worldwide according to Robinson’s article regularly struggle with this phenomenon. But remember, every successful business started small. The key is to break your vision down into manageable, actionable steps.
Obehi Ewanfoh didn’t start with a podcast, a nonprofit, and a book series all at once. He built his career step by step, each small success feeding into the next.
In fact, his work in agribusiness and tourism, two sectors that aren’t always aligned with his cultural roots, became a part of his larger vision for empowering the African diaspora. Obehi’s story is a reminder that success is a marathon, not a sprint.
Actionable Step:
Take Small Steps Towards Your Big Vision. Don’t let the enormity of your goals overwhelm you. Break them down into achievable tasks and celebrate the small victories along the way. Each small step brings you closer to your larger goal.
From Self-Doubt to Legacy: Shaping Your Future
The final step in overcoming imposter syndrome is to shift your focus from self-doubt to legacy. What kind of impact do you want to have on your community, your industry, or the world? When you begin to focus on the larger purpose of your work, the weight of self-doubt begins to fade.
Obehi Ewanfoh’s career is a perfect example of how focusing on building a legacy can propel you forward. His documentary Creating the Blackness of Africa and his writing on African identity are part of his larger mission to shape how the African diaspora is seen and understood in the global context.
By focusing on his long-term vision, he was able to move beyond his own insecurities and create work that would outlast him.
Actionable Step:
Think Beyond Yourself. Shift your focus from short-term success to long-term impact. What legacy do you want to leave behind? As you build your business, think about the difference you want to make in the world, and let that purpose guide you.
Conclusion: Own Your Story, Own Your Success
Imposter syndrome may never completely disappear, but with the right tools, it can be managed and overcome.
By owning your story, embracing your expertise, building a supportive network, taking small steps toward your big vision, and focusing on your legacy, you’ll not only overcome self-doubt, but you’ll build the kind of business that speaks to your values and resonates with your audience.
Obehi Ewanfoh’s journey is a powerful reminder that your story, your personal narrative—is the key to unlocking your confidence and success.
The world needs your voice, your perspective, and your expertise. It’s time to embrace who you are, trust in your abilities, and own your place in the entrepreneurial world.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
