Imposter Syndrome in the Spotlight: Why Even the Best Assistants Doubt Themselves (and How to Overcome It)

Returning to my alma mater, The Latin School of Chicago, to speak with juniors about career growth and pivoting.

When I recently spoke to juniors at my alma mater, The Latin School of Chicago, one student asked me a question that caught me off guard:

“Have you ever battled imposter syndrome?”

My answer surprised them. I said, “No, I haven’t.”

I went on to explain that didn’t mean I always knew exactly what I was doing — far from it. There were plenty of moments when I was figuring things out as I went. But here’s the difference: I never felt like I didn’t belong in the room. I may not have had all the answers, but I trusted my ability to find them.

That’s the distinction between feeling like an imposter and being a beginner. One is rooted in fear and doubt. The other is grounded in curiosity, faith, and resilience.

And for assistants — especially those supporting high-profile executives, celebrities, or industry leaders — that line can get blurry real quick.

When Confidence Meets the Unknown

At my executive's request, my mom joined me at the DuSable Museum for my first day.

Summer 2016. My first day at BET was a perfect example.

My mom was there to witness it — excited, proud, and ready to meet my new executive who had just written a book called Dirty Little Secrets and was hosting a signing at the DuSable Museum in Chicago.

MC Lyte — one of his close friends and one of hip-hop’s most respected icons — was attending as a VIP guest.

My very first assignment?

“Crystal, take care of her.”

Sounds official, right? Except… I had no idea what that meant.

No one handed me a job description. No one told me what “taking care” of a celebrity entailed. But instead of panicking or questioning whether I belonged there, I leaned on the skills that had gotten me that far — observation, empathy, and service.

So, I introduced myself, asked how she was feeling and what she wanted, and she said,

“I just want to sit down, take my shoes off, and eat my nuts.”

Simple enough. I looked around, found the best seat in the house — front row, center — and made it happen. She was happy. I was relieved. And that small moment became a big confirmation.

I ended up working with her several times over the years, and she always called me “Crystal Light” — a nickname she gave me that still makes me smile. It was her way of showing appreciation, and my reminder that small acts of service can leave lasting impressions.

One of several moments reconnecting with MC Lyte over the years — this one at the 2023 BET Her Awards.

I didn’t have to know everything to excel. I just had to be present and serve well.

That’s when I realized something most assistants don’t hear enough: You don’t need to fake confidence. You just need to move in purpose.

Excellence Isn’t About Knowing — It’s About Becoming

In October 2017, I supported a keynote event where David Goggins — the Navy SEAL and motivational powerhouse — spoke at our annual sales retreats.

He was intense, disciplined, and sharp. He shared stories about pain, grit, and the mental toughness it takes to be great. After his speech, he handed out silver coins with his face engraved on them — a symbolic recognition of excellence.

The David Goggins “Attack Life Relentlessly” coin — a rare token of recognition for excellence and resilience.

As he began describing one recipient — “someone who went above and beyond all weekend, serving at the highest level without complaint” — I nodded along, listening. But when everyone started clapping and turning toward the back of the room, I was confused.

His wife tapped my knee and whispered,

“He’s talking about you. Go get your coin.”

I was stunned. Me?

I wasn’t looking for recognition. I was just doing my job — anticipating needs, making sure the event ran smoothly, serving from the shadows.

October 2017 — receiving the coin from David Goggins after supporting his keynote at a BET sales retreat. A reminder that excellence speaks for itself.

But that’s the thing about imposter syndrome: it often convinces us that we’re just doing our job, when in reality, we’re exceeding expectations.

We downplay our greatness because it feels safer than owning it. We confuse humility with invisibility. And we tell ourselves, “It wasn’t that big of a deal,” when in truth, it was excellence on display.

The Lesson in the Lapse

Standing with Master P in front of the very car I had ready for him the second time — a reminder that mistakes don’t define you, recovery does.

Now let’s fast forward to another unforgettable moment — the day I met Percy “Master P” Miller, founder of No Limit Records.

He was a featured speaker for one of our annual men’s summits. His demeanor was all business — no small talk, no fluff. Before meeting him, his manager called and said,

“Just call him Percy.”

Something about that didn’t sit right. So, when I met him face to face, I asked respectfully,

“What would you prefer me to call you?”

He smirked slightly and said,

“You can just call me ‘Master.’”

I looked him straight in the eye and replied kindly,

“I certainly cannot. You’re gonna get this ‘P’ after it.”

We both laughed — the whole team laughed — and just like that, the ice was broken.

Later that day, I had coordinated his driver to wait out front while he fulfilled his speaking commitment. Before going on stage, he mentioned wanting to take his bags to the car. Based on the instructions I’d given, I assumed the driver was outside.

I walked Master P and his team out… but the car wasn’t there.

I’d made a mistake — my expectation had failed me.

In that moment, I could’ve spiraled. "I messed up. I look unprofessional. He’s probably losing trust in me."

But instead, I simply said,

“I’ll fix it before you get off stage.”

And I did. When he came out again, the car was front and center — door open, driver waiting.

He nodded and said,

“You correct things quickly. You don’t make the same mistake twice. You’re about your business.”

That moment stayed with me because it reminded me: Excellence isn’t perfection — it’s correction.

Imposter syndrome thrives on the illusion that real professionals never make mistakes.

But true professionals? They recover with grace.

Why Assistants Are Prone to Imposter Syndrome

Assistants often juggle countless responsibilities behind the scenes — mastering logistics, communication, and problem-solving while making it all look effortless.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the executive suite.

Assistants — especially elite ones — are uniquely vulnerable to imposter syndrome. You are the backbone of high-stakes operations, the calm in the chaos, and yet you rarely get the spotlight.

You work behind the scenes, executing flawlessly while others take the stage. And when recognition does come, you might question if you truly deserve it.

Here’s why imposter syndrome creeps in so easily for assistants:

1. You’re always serving someone else’s vision. It’s easy to forget your own power when your job is to amplify someone else’s.

   
   

2. You operate in high-stakes environments. Every mistake feels magnified — as if one error defines your entire worth.

   
   

3. You wear multiple hats. When you’re switching between travel coordinator, therapist, project manager, and strategist, it’s natural to feel like you’re “faking it” in one of them.

   
   

4. You’re used to being invisible. The best assistants often make hard things look easy — so easy that people forget how hard they actually were.

   
   

But here’s the truth: you can’t be an imposter in a role you’ve earned.

You got there because someone saw something in you — a steadiness, a presence, a spirit of service. That’s not an accident. That’s alignment.

From Imposter to Indispensable: How to Reclaim Your Confidence

Prepared, present, and grounded in purpose.

Your presence is not a mistake or a fluke. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I don’t belong here,” I want you to try something different. Instead of trying to “fake confidence,” start by affirming competence.

Here’s how:

1. Reframe the Fear

When you catch yourself saying, “I don’t know what I’m doing,” reframe it to:

“I’m learning what I’m doing.”

Growth doesn’t require perfection; it requires participation.

2. Document Your Wins

Keep a “Receipts File.” Every thank-you email, text, or note of appreciation — save it. On the hard days, read it back and remind yourself that your impact is real.

3. Build a Support Circle

Find mentors and peers who understand the unique pressure of your role. Sometimes hearing, “I’ve been there too,” is all you need to silence that inner critic.

4. Stop Dismissing Compliments

When someone praises your work, resist the urge to downplay it. Don’t say, “It was nothing.” Instead, try, “Thank you — I appreciate that.” Receiving acknowledgment doesn’t make you arrogant. It makes you aware.

5. Anchor Yourself in Service

Service is not servitude. It’s a strength. The goal isn’t to please — it’s to provide value. When you operate from service, you remove the ego, fear, and self-doubt. You simply show up and do the work.

The Real Antidote to Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome whispers, “You’re not enough.” Excellence responds, “Watch me work.”

Every story I’ve shared — from MC Lyte to David Goggins to Master P — taught me that I never had to pretend to fit in. My service, preparation, and ability to adjust proved that I did.

You don’t overcome imposter syndrome by convincing yourself you’re perfect. You overcome it by remembering you’re purposeful.

When you root your work in purpose — when you lead with humility, courage, and a willingness to learn — you stop chasing validation and start walking in confidence.

Because the truth is, the best assistants aren’t flawless. They’re faithful. They don’t crumble under pressure — they rise through it.

Final Thought: The Power of “I Belong Here”

Confidence means claiming your seat at the table — because you belong there.

To every assistant reading this — whether you’re backstage at an awards show, managing a CEO’s global calendar, or supporting a visionary behind the scenes — remember this:

You are not an imposter. You are an interpreter of chaos, a builder of systems, a keeper of trust, and the calm in the storm.

You’re not supposed to know everything on day one. But if you keep showing up with integrity, initiative, and intention — you’ll realize you always belonged.

Not because someone gave you permission to be there, but because you earned your seat — and you fill it with excellence.