Debevoise & Plimpton LLP hosted a three-part Impostor Phenomenon series designed to introduce the concept of imposter syndrome, identify its cause and impact, and provide participants with the tools to combat it. The series was led by Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin, co-founder and partner of Dynamic Transitions Psychological Consulting and coauthor of Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt and Succeed in Life. The Imposter Phenomenon series was open to lawyers, summer associates, and professional staff.

The series opened with an overview of Imposter Phenomenon (alternatively known as imposter syndrome), including how it impacts leadership and manifests as a result of socio-cultural and environmental factors. The first session introduced daily actions one may take to address imposter syndrome as well as effective coping strategies. During the second session, Dr. Orbe-Austin explained how to utilize her book as a tool to encourage open dialogue and to collaboratively develop a language to support each other in countering imposter syndrome. Many book clubs met virtually over six weeks to encourage personal growth and resiliency to confront and overcome imposter phenomenon. The closing session focused on the critical skills, tools and habits that are integral to maintaining one’s progress overcoming imposter syndrome.

The sessions were moderated by Debevoise’s Director of Learning & Development, Henry Brown, and associates Norma Angelica Freeland, Zila Acosta-Grimes, Courtney Bradford Pike and Amy Aixi Zhang.