As a global, AI-first consultancy, Perficient empowers the world’s most innovative and admired brands to boldly advance business with speed, agility, and pragmatism. Our people are outcome-driven builders who harness cutting-edge AI technology to deliver disruptive, high-impact solutions that transform industries and redefine the digital landscape.
But forging the future is more than embracing technological advancements. It’s about having the confidence and self-assurance to show up, collaborate, and grow. No matter where you are in your career, building confidence and tackling impostor syndrome is part of the journey.
This blog series features insights and actionable advice from our colleagues, thoughtfully curated to inspire, support, and sustain meaningful professional growth. In our previous blog post, we highlighted how colleagues prioritize self-care and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Our third installment focuses on building greater confidence at work and silencing the inner critic.
From Doubt to Belief: Defeating Impostor Syndrome Through Self-Empowerment
If you’ve ever doubted your abilities or felt like a fraud despite your achievements, you’ve likely experienced impostor syndrome. According to McLean Hospital, impostor syndrome involves persistent self-doubt and feelings of incompetence, regardless of past successes. It’s more than an internal battle; it can lead to burnout, erode your sense of accomplishment, and hold you back from realizing your full potential.
When self-doubt creeps in, you’re less likely to pursue new learning opportunities essential for long-term growth. Overcoming impostor syndrome begins with self-empowerment, which means embracing what you don’t know, preparing with intention, and resisting overexertion. Confidence builds when you stop comparing yourself to others and start showing up for yourself instead. It makes you ready to tackle challenges you once thought were out of reach.
“Don’t let impostor syndrome paralyze you,” said Lisa Hunter, director, Sitecore & Optimizely. “When you look around, everyone at Perficient seems brilliant, smart, energized, and ambitious—but so are you! You’re at Perficient for a reason. My advice is to do your homework and figure out what gaps you have.”
Success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a reflection of your skills, experience, and hard work. While external recognition can feel validating, true confidence is built from within. Take time to appreciate who you are and how far you’ve come. Internal validation fuels the self-assurance needed to pursue your biggest goals. Trust yourself, celebrate your progress, and remain open to new growth opportunities.
“Take risks, be decisive, and believe in your decisions,” said Anurag Sahu, senior project manager, Commerce. “I’ve learned that it’s important to be confident and humble at the same time. My experience has also taught me to listen more, talk less, and be open to different opinions and ideas. Be original and curious, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.”
Confidence isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about trusting yourself to figure things out while advocating for your growth. Embracing vulnerability, learning from mistakes, and showing up authentically builds both self-assurance and meaningful connections. Perfection isn’t the goal—you’re here to learn, contribute, and evolve.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” said Carolina Cansino, senior technical architect, App Development. “It’s always better to ask questions earlier than to let them pile up. When you show genuine curiosity, people are usually willing to share their knowledge and lend a helping hand. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and let your personality shine. If you communicate confidently, you’ll get your point across better.”
Transforming Uncertainty Into Confidence Through Experiential Learning
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a skill you build by recognizing your progress, asking for support, and taking action. Small, consistent steps lead to long-term growth and successful results. Like exercising muscles, the more you apply yourself, the stronger your skills and self-assurance become. Over time, those everyday efforts create the biggest impact.
“Whether it’s adopting new technologies or working collaboratively in a team, we always strive to go beyond what’s expected,” said Cecilia Prieto, lead talent acquisition specialist. “Shattering a boundary doesn’t always mean something huge—it can be about taking that extra step, asking an uncomfortable question, or taking on a challenge outside of your routine. For me, it also means being willing to step out of my comfort zone.”
Seeking new challenges creates space for growth and self-trust. As you expand your skill set, you reinforce a growth mindset that boosts adaptability and confidence when navigating the unknown. This versatility also fosters empathy and collaboration, laying the foundation for both individual and team success.
“When managing projects, I dive into whatever technology is needed to stay ahead of the curve,” said Sushma Kulkarni, delivery lead and solutions architect, Data and Analytics. “This lets me relate to my team, appreciate their work, and see challenges from their point of view.”
READ MORE: How Global Collaboration Drives Digital Transformation at Perficient
Confidence Is Contagious: Own Your Growth, Empower Your Team
As your expertise deepens, so does your ability to inspire confidence in others. Leaders who foster trust and empower their teams ignite initiative and ownership. When individuals feel responsible for a project’s success, they recognize their achievements both independently and collaboratively. These experiences not only sharpen self-assurance but also create connections that reinforce purpose and capability.
“At Perficient, I really appreciate the autonomy to solve problems with support,” said Kevin Galli, director, Strategy & Experience Design. “That mindset made me feel confident in tackling bigger challenges early on. My leadership trusts me to take the wheel and drive, and work through challenges as a team along the way.”
While leadership involves uplifting others, it begins with self-empowerment. Own your development by setting clear goals and engaging leaders for support. Treat growth as a marathon by celebrating the small wins that build momentum, boost morale, and turn doubt into confidence.
“If you want something, say it,” said Sarah McDowell, director, Salesforce. “I had a manager who asked where I wanted to be in five years and helped me build a plan to get there. I wanted to be a solutions architect, and she guided me every step of the way. It was my journey, and she was there to support it. Talk about what you want and ask for help. Connecting with others and celebrating accomplishments together makes the work more enjoyable.”
Strong leadership balances independent growth with hands-on support. Humility, openness, and approachability foster psychological safety, encouraging others to ask questions and share ideas. Leaders who prioritize clear communication and cultivate trust give others the confidence to meaningfully grow and contribute their ideas.
“Whether it’s creating a quick diagram during a meeting or reframing a problem in clearer terms, I break things down into chunks so people can understand our goals and act on next steps with confidence,” said John Vylasek, senior solutions architect and data strategist, Data and Analytics. “I take the same approach in client discovery—asking thoughtful questions, listening closely, and creating a safe space for transparency. Being humble and approachable makes it easier for others to do the same. That’s where real progress happens.”
READ MORE: Unlock the Power of Transformational Leadership
Confidence Turns Potential into Purposeful Achievement
At Perficient, we recognize that growth looks different for everyone. Whether you’re starting your career or stepping into a new challenge, it’s normal to occasionally question your abilities. Impostor syndrome is common, but it doesn’t define you. You are capable, resilient, and where you are for a reason. Confidence is a skill built through experience, curiosity, and connection. Every time you show up, ask a question, or take a step forward, you’re strengthening it.
Stay updated for the next blog in our series, where we’ll spotlight Perficient’s award-winning Growth for Everyone initiative and share how our colleagues champion professional development through mentorship.
It’s no secret our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s most innovative companies, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We’re always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people.
Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!
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