Growing up, many of us had a mother or grandmother who seemed to work magic in the kitchen. Without a recipe book in sight, she could whip up a meal that brought the whole family together — rich in flavour, perfectly balanced, always enough.
As a child, you watched in awe. This is exactly what I experienced while growing up. My grandma was both a fantastic cook and baker. There were also certain tasks she would not easily share – not because she doubted our abilities but more because it was a labour of love. She wanted to spoil you. However well-intentioned this was, it marked the start of a realisation that I have a long way to go to get there – will I ever become the cook she was?
Now, as a leader, you may find yourself in the proverbial kitchen, expected to deliver something just as nourishing — direction, clarity, confidence. But instead of feeling like the cook, you feel like the kid peeking over the counter, hoping no one notices you do not know what you are doing.
Imposter syndrome is that persistent whisper: “You do not belong here.” It quietly simmers, often beneath the surface of success. You have the title, the team, the track record — but still feel like you are pretending to be the leader others believe you are.
In the kitchen of leadership, imposter syndrome persuades you that everyone else knows the secret recipe — and you are just guessing.
Capability is not about knowing how to make every dish from the start. It’s about building confidence to try, to adjust seasoning as you go, and to learn from a few burnt edges along the way. Your grandmother did not become a great cook overnight. She developed her capability over time — through repetition, feedback, and experimentation. Leadership is no different. It’s less about perfection and more about being present. Less about having all the answers and more about being willing to learn, serve, and lead forward.
Trust Is Grown, Not Garnished
In the same way a great meal is built on trust — trust in the ingredients, the process, and the person behind the stove — great leadership is built on the trust you earn and extend. Trying to appear perfect might seem like the way to earn respect, but in reality, people do not trust what is overly polished. They trust what is real. Think of that home-cooked meal: a little too much spice, a slightly lopsided cake — still full of love, still deeply satisfying. As a leader, authenticity builds trust faster than pretending you never make mistakes. When you are open about your learning curve, when you share credit, when you ask for help — you invite your team to do the same.
One day, without even realising it, you become the one others look to — just like you once looked to your grandmother, wondering how she made it look so easy. The secret was not ease. It was intention, love, and showing up — again and again.
Leadership is not about never feeling like a fraud. It is about making space for the doubt, but choosing to serve anyway.
So tie on your apron, trust your instincts, and remember: every great cook started by watching someone else. Now, it is your turn to lead — with capability, authenticity, and a whole lot of heart.
