Even the most successful leaders face moments of self-doubt. CEOs and entrepreneurs may appear confident on the outside, but behind closed doors, many wrestle with imposter syndrome, fear of failure, or second-guessing their decisions. The reality is, self-doubt isn’t a weakness—it’s a universal part of leadership.
What separates great leaders is how they respond. They acknowledge the doubt, lean on support systems, and find ways to rebuild confidence. And for many, the turning point comes when they can talk openly about those struggles in environments designed for honesty and growth—like Quade Circles, where CEOs learn from each other and gain resilience through shared experience.
Self-Doubt at the Top: You’re Not Alone
Take Peter Harrison, CEO of Schroders. When he first stepped into the role, he admitted he experienced “massive imposter syndrome” despite decades of experience in the financial industry (Financial News). Harrison openly shared that even in one of the world’s largest asset managers, he felt the weight of not belonging. Over time, he reframed that doubt as a signal of growth—leaning into authenticity and proving, through action, that he belonged in the role.
Similarly, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has spoken candidly about his own bouts of self-doubt. In his memoir, he described questioning whether he was the right person to lead Starbucks through turbulent times. Rather than hide it, Schultz used vulnerability as a strength, connecting more deeply with his teams and rebuilding confidence by staying rooted in the company’s mission (CNBC).
And then there’s Maya Grossman, a successful executive and author who has written extensively about imposter syndrome in leadership. She points out that even leaders with long track records of success often ask themselves, “Do I really deserve this?” But through mentorship, peer support, and reframing failure as learning, she found ways to turn self-doubt into a growth driver (Forbes).
Lessons from Leaders Who Faced Doubt
These stories highlight important truths every CEO and entrepreneur can apply:
- Self-doubt is universal. If even Fortune 500 leaders admit to it, there’s no shame in experiencing it yourself.
- Vulnerability builds credibility. When leaders acknowledge struggles, they build trust and connection.
- Confidence is built, not born. Small wins, feedback loops, and consistent practice turn doubt into assurance.
- Support systems matter. Leaders who lean on mentors, peers, or networks rebuild faster than those who isolate.
This is exactly why Quade Circles exist—to give CEOs a trusted, confidential environment to share doubts, hear encouragement, and gain the kind of perspective that turns fear into growth.
How Peer Support Builds Resilient Leaders
While personal practices like journaling or coaching can help, nothing replaces the impact of peers who truly understand the weight of leadership. In a Quade Circle:
- Doubts are normalized. Leaders hear peers share struggles, which reminds them they aren’t alone.
- Encouragement is grounded in experience. Feedback comes from other CEOs who know the challenges firsthand.
- Accountability builds confidence. Circles don’t just discuss growth—they track progress and celebrate wins.
- Shared stories inspire action. Hearing how another leader overcame self-doubt makes it easier to see your own path forward.
This kind of ecosystem doesn’t just help leaders cope—it helps them thrive.
From Doubt to Confidence
Overcoming self-doubt isn’t about eliminating it forever. It’s about building resilience so that doubt no longer stops progress. Every leader experiences moments of questioning; the strongest ones treat those moments as signals to lean into growth, not step back from it.
Confidence isn’t the absence of doubt—it’s the ability to keep moving forward despite it.
Ready to Lead with Confidence?
If you’re a CEO or entrepreneur who has ever felt the weight of self-doubt, you’re in good company. The question isn’t whether you’ll face it, but how you’ll respond.
Join Quade today and experience how a Circle of peers can help you transform doubt into confidence, setbacks into resilience, and leadership challenges into growth opportunities.