The Imposter's Survival Guide

Oliver Burkeman explores why so many of us spend our working lives feeling like imposters on the brink of being found out. Where do these feelings come from and are we alone?

The imposter phenomena has been known about for decades and while it's better known by the media label 'imposter syndrome' it's not a mental health problem at all. It's more of a psychological state we all experience to a greater or lesser degree. When it bites people feel that they're a total fraud and at any moment they'll be exposed. This fear can stop them from taking satisfaction from their successes as they feel they'll only have further to fall.

Oliver talks to individuals who've reached the top of their field whether in the arts, business or medicine about how they all feel like imposters from time to time. He'll also examine the latest research that suggests its more prevalent than ever. What's changed about how we live and work today that leaves so many of us with these feelings. And what can be done about them? Is just admitting to one another that we all feel same way enough?

Producer: Peter McManus.