In this monologue, Dr. Aziz observes that many high‑powered professionals—physicians, leaders, teachers, therapists—who have decades of experience and advanced credentials still harbor a persistent, hidden self‑doubt. They feel “I’m not enough” and worry about others’ perceptions. Although they may label this feeling as “imposter syndrome,” Dr. Aziz argues that merely naming the phenomenon does not eliminate the underlying insecurity.
And that's why I've seen with many clients that I talk to, they're high-powered, they're professionals. They've been in a field for 10, 20 years. I talk to physicians, leaders, teachers, therapists, people who are like highly skilled at what they're doing. They've been doing it for years. They have degrees, they have decades under their belt, and they're still, I don't think I can do this. Oh, underneath, I'm not enough yet. Oh, what do people think? Oh, and they're still in that doubt and insecurity. It's hidden. And they might call a word for it. They say it's imposter syndrome, but naming that doesn't stop it.
