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Love Your Imposter: Be Your Best Self, Flaws and All
DISTINGUISHED Independent Press Awards 2021 - Career Business Book Awards 2021 - Business Self-DevelopmentStudies show that a massive 70% of people feel like an imposter at some point in their professional life. Brand guru and former Chair of Interbrand, Rita Clifton, shares how she learnt to work with her imposter self rather than hide from it in order to succeed in her career. Imposter syndrome can cause a constant fear of being found out that you aren't 'good enough' or called out for being a 'fraud'. It impacts people in different ways and can be debilitating and negatively affect relationships, personal life and careers. So what can you do about it? Love Your Imposter shows you how to take on your imposter self and use it as a driver to come out stronger. Using practical down-to-earth advice based on her experiences, Rita Clifton, tackles the myth that you need to 'fake it until you make it', highlights why authenticity can be your biggest weapon and skilfully makes the case for business being more humane.
- GenresNonfiction
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2020
17 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 30, 2021
This book was tough for me to get through and it’s tough for me to rate as well, so I am rounding up my rating. After reading the title and description of the back, I initially picked up this book thinking that it would be about how to combat feelings of the impostor phenomenon, more colloquially known as the imposter syndrome. I am a psychologist who studied IP for my dissertation, so I am always on the hunt for new, updated material and writings on impostorism to refer to folks that I work with. This unfortunately, was not that.
I think the book title/description/concept seems to be pretty misleading. Given what I thought I would be reading and what it ended up being, there were too many differences to say this was an acceptable book about impostorism. Much of working with impostor thoughts is to accept them and work on strengthening one's self-efficacy. Clifton aims to give advice for that, but ends up almost encouraging her readers to change parts of themselves in an almost unauthentic way.
Throughout reading it, I did switch my expectations so I would have more of a lens in which I viewed this as a self-help book written from the perspective of a highly successful woman who is sharing her life experiences. That did help me as I read through a majority of the book, however I found that her field of work and life experiences ended up being pretty drastic from mine. Some of her advice and points were well warranted and valid, however I wonder how relatable this book is to the average female reader who might not be in the business sector or even aiming to become a CEO or someone in high standing at her workplace.
I think one of the main things that made this book hard to trek through for me was just the overall lack of mention of impostor thoughts, feeling, and behaviors. In handful of times that impostorism was mentioned, it always kind of seemed like an after thought to make the title seem relevant again. There was a moment early on in the book where it was mentioned that Clifton thought no one would even buy the book to read, which to me stood out as a clear moment of impostorism that went unacknowledged by the author. Overall, this book is really more of a self-help book that seems to be geared toward women in the business industry to learn some helpful tips and tricks from a seasoned pro in the field. That is all fine and dandy, but I wish the book description had given me a heads up before I read the whole thing. Additionally, a lot of the self-help related in the text seems to come from motivational speakers and psychological concepts, which in the text almost seem looked down upon when mentioned, so that was something uncomfortable to sit with for me personally.
While I found the personal examples interesting to read and I could see the lessons in them, I did think that a lot of the book felt disjointed to me and like it jumped around a lot. The narrative and where we were going was never very clear. At times the examples also didn’t seem relevant, like how to prepare to be interviewed or to sit on a board for a non-profit. Again, I am in a different line of work so that is probably why. But I do wonder how a random reader would interpret these examples.
I appreciated a good amount of the advice Clifton gave in the book about increasing self-confidence and self-efficacy, a lot of which understandably comes from gaining experience and looking to role models. I think her goal in the text was likely to try to do this. I think one thing to be mindful though of with this text, is that many women reading it might not have the amount of privilege experienced by Clifton, especially if they hold different identities than she does. A lot of that privilege either felt unacknowledged or just never directly addressed in the book, which made it kind of irritating to read, and again, made me confused about who this book was intended for. Clifton also mentioned how she was "headhunted" a lot, which is a concept that I don't think happens a ton now (at least not for good reasons). Many of the opportunities that she got, I can't imagine your average Jane would be presented with.
A redeeming factor for me was that after chapter 9, Clifton did start to name certain privileges a lot more (such as being able to have kids) and she also named how the business world tends to be very aggressive and run by men, which I do think influences how confident women might feel in any setting that seems hostile or male-dominated.
Overall, I think that what Clifton set out to do with this (i.e., naming the experience of feeling like an impostor, naming things that make to hard to be a woman in the business field, and then offering tips) was accomplished. I only wish it were more integrated with the research out there on the impostor phenomenon and made that more of a focus, as that’s what this book markets itself to be. Those interested in learning more about impostor phenomenon/imposter syndrome itself and how to battle it would likely benefit from reading literature from Dr. Pauline Clance, the originator of the concept. I noticed she was not mentioned once in the book or in the references, and that seemed to me to be a gross oversight. Dr. Clance's website is filled with wonderful links and resources, so I'd recommend that resource for impostor thoughts before this one.
I think the book title/description/concept seems to be pretty misleading. Given what I thought I would be reading and what it ended up being, there were too many differences to say this was an acceptable book about impostorism. Much of working with impostor thoughts is to accept them and work on strengthening one's self-efficacy. Clifton aims to give advice for that, but ends up almost encouraging her readers to change parts of themselves in an almost unauthentic way.
Throughout reading it, I did switch my expectations so I would have more of a lens in which I viewed this as a self-help book written from the perspective of a highly successful woman who is sharing her life experiences. That did help me as I read through a majority of the book, however I found that her field of work and life experiences ended up being pretty drastic from mine. Some of her advice and points were well warranted and valid, however I wonder how relatable this book is to the average female reader who might not be in the business sector or even aiming to become a CEO or someone in high standing at her workplace.
I think one of the main things that made this book hard to trek through for me was just the overall lack of mention of impostor thoughts, feeling, and behaviors. In handful of times that impostorism was mentioned, it always kind of seemed like an after thought to make the title seem relevant again. There was a moment early on in the book where it was mentioned that Clifton thought no one would even buy the book to read, which to me stood out as a clear moment of impostorism that went unacknowledged by the author. Overall, this book is really more of a self-help book that seems to be geared toward women in the business industry to learn some helpful tips and tricks from a seasoned pro in the field. That is all fine and dandy, but I wish the book description had given me a heads up before I read the whole thing. Additionally, a lot of the self-help related in the text seems to come from motivational speakers and psychological concepts, which in the text almost seem looked down upon when mentioned, so that was something uncomfortable to sit with for me personally.
While I found the personal examples interesting to read and I could see the lessons in them, I did think that a lot of the book felt disjointed to me and like it jumped around a lot. The narrative and where we were going was never very clear. At times the examples also didn’t seem relevant, like how to prepare to be interviewed or to sit on a board for a non-profit. Again, I am in a different line of work so that is probably why. But I do wonder how a random reader would interpret these examples.
I appreciated a good amount of the advice Clifton gave in the book about increasing self-confidence and self-efficacy, a lot of which understandably comes from gaining experience and looking to role models. I think her goal in the text was likely to try to do this. I think one thing to be mindful though of with this text, is that many women reading it might not have the amount of privilege experienced by Clifton, especially if they hold different identities than she does. A lot of that privilege either felt unacknowledged or just never directly addressed in the book, which made it kind of irritating to read, and again, made me confused about who this book was intended for. Clifton also mentioned how she was "headhunted" a lot, which is a concept that I don't think happens a ton now (at least not for good reasons). Many of the opportunities that she got, I can't imagine your average Jane would be presented with.
A redeeming factor for me was that after chapter 9, Clifton did start to name certain privileges a lot more (such as being able to have kids) and she also named how the business world tends to be very aggressive and run by men, which I do think influences how confident women might feel in any setting that seems hostile or male-dominated.
Overall, I think that what Clifton set out to do with this (i.e., naming the experience of feeling like an impostor, naming things that make to hard to be a woman in the business field, and then offering tips) was accomplished. I only wish it were more integrated with the research out there on the impostor phenomenon and made that more of a focus, as that’s what this book markets itself to be. Those interested in learning more about impostor phenomenon/imposter syndrome itself and how to battle it would likely benefit from reading literature from Dr. Pauline Clance, the originator of the concept. I noticed she was not mentioned once in the book or in the references, and that seemed to me to be a gross oversight. Dr. Clance's website is filled with wonderful links and resources, so I'd recommend that resource for impostor thoughts before this one.
January 2, 2022
Love Your Imposer by Rita Clifton
I attended an online class by Rita midway through last year and found her words so motivational that I had to buy this book. It’s take a while for me to get around to reading it but the Christmas break was the perfect time as it’s given me great motivation to take into the new year.
I haven’t read a career development type book like this before but I found some really useful tips and tricks in Live Your Imposter, meaning the book is covered in annotations ready to be put to use!
I’m glad this was my first read of 2022 and I will certainly get value from it and aim to read some similar books (I’d love any recommendations!)
I attended an online class by Rita midway through last year and found her words so motivational that I had to buy this book. It’s take a while for me to get around to reading it but the Christmas break was the perfect time as it’s given me great motivation to take into the new year.
I haven’t read a career development type book like this before but I found some really useful tips and tricks in Live Your Imposter, meaning the book is covered in annotations ready to be put to use!
I’m glad this was my first read of 2022 and I will certainly get value from it and aim to read some similar books (I’d love any recommendations!)
October 13, 2020
Spoiler alert! I have known Rita for over 40 years (we met at university) and I promised her not to offer any ‘constructive criticism. But the truth is I don’t need to! I so enjoyed reading this book and can hear Rita’s voice in every sentence. This is the art of good writing. More than that, the book is insightful, useful, inspiring and, above all, funny. You can’t ask for more.
As a contemporary, like Rita, now enjoying a ‘plural’ career, so much of what she says resonates. For years I too struggled with those men in suits but managed to break through that proverbial glass ceiling but with nothing like as much success; but neither did I walk over hot coals despite being given an opportunity to do so! Like her I found working for a US-based corporation soul-destroying and walked away from the fall-out of having to fire one-third of the company in 2000. Everything she writes about is real for most of us women who have felt like imposters most of our working lives. And still do from time to time. She has given me some new ammunition – revived self-confidence in who I am and what I can offer - to conquer those middle-aged white men who still dominate the business world!
For younger women setting out on their journeys to become CEO and directors Rita provides some invaluable tips on the how to be their best selves and rule the boardroom, with some great anecdotes. She’s not afraid to laugh at herself and that is refreshing in itself. All women should read this book, whether in recognition of the women they are or the ones they could be. Bravo!
As a contemporary, like Rita, now enjoying a ‘plural’ career, so much of what she says resonates. For years I too struggled with those men in suits but managed to break through that proverbial glass ceiling but with nothing like as much success; but neither did I walk over hot coals despite being given an opportunity to do so! Like her I found working for a US-based corporation soul-destroying and walked away from the fall-out of having to fire one-third of the company in 2000. Everything she writes about is real for most of us women who have felt like imposters most of our working lives. And still do from time to time. She has given me some new ammunition – revived self-confidence in who I am and what I can offer - to conquer those middle-aged white men who still dominate the business world!
For younger women setting out on their journeys to become CEO and directors Rita provides some invaluable tips on the how to be their best selves and rule the boardroom, with some great anecdotes. She’s not afraid to laugh at herself and that is refreshing in itself. All women should read this book, whether in recognition of the women they are or the ones they could be. Bravo!
February 28, 2021
It’s easy to read, full of real-life examples, really enjoyed that the author comes from advertising and branding world so there are quite a bit of behind the scenes situationx from these industries. However, the book seems a bit too much of a compilation of random ideas and topics without very clear cohesive narrative. The author also tends to repeat herself too often. Sometimes I cought myself thinking if it’s really about imposter syndrome or just another coaching self-help book.
October 3, 2020
Not What I Thought
When I saw this book at one of my favorite book review sites, I was intrigued by it because, in my circle of friends, we have had discussions about imposter syndrome. I love the idea that a book would broach that topic. But as I read the book, it seemed to be more about personal branding than imposter syndrome. The first time I actually saw the phrase in the book, I cringed. I don't like the concept at all, and I never have. I can still recall when I first heard of it and thought how inappropriate it seemed to even consider pairing individual people and with the concept of branding. I won’t go into why I so strongly dislike the concept. That this book was so much about that when it had not appeared to be was an enormous disappointment. So, don't pick up this book if you're hoping it will about imposter syndrome. However, if you want to learn more about personal branding, especially if you have a corporate job, this book might be of value to you.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
When I saw this book at one of my favorite book review sites, I was intrigued by it because, in my circle of friends, we have had discussions about imposter syndrome. I love the idea that a book would broach that topic. But as I read the book, it seemed to be more about personal branding than imposter syndrome. The first time I actually saw the phrase in the book, I cringed. I don't like the concept at all, and I never have. I can still recall when I first heard of it and thought how inappropriate it seemed to even consider pairing individual people and with the concept of branding. I won’t go into why I so strongly dislike the concept. That this book was so much about that when it had not appeared to be was an enormous disappointment. So, don't pick up this book if you're hoping it will about imposter syndrome. However, if you want to learn more about personal branding, especially if you have a corporate job, this book might be of value to you.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
January 21, 2022
Not what I expected. This book seems to be more about personal branding (branding is Rita Clifton’s area of expertise) than imposter syndrome.
The intention of the book is great - I stand behind strongly that more business should be run by “good people” and especially women, because business “runs to world”. But execution is below average. The author repeats herself multiple times. The tone is too conversational and everything could have been said in half of the words.
I enjoyed the chapter about the importance of expanding ones skills and becoming a well rounded person and leader.
I struggled through this book but was determined to finish because I gifted it to my friend, setting high expectations and she finished it…
The intention of the book is great - I stand behind strongly that more business should be run by “good people” and especially women, because business “runs to world”. But execution is below average. The author repeats herself multiple times. The tone is too conversational and everything could have been said in half of the words.
I enjoyed the chapter about the importance of expanding ones skills and becoming a well rounded person and leader.
I struggled through this book but was determined to finish because I gifted it to my friend, setting high expectations and she finished it…
August 27, 2023
Enjoyed it overall but not sure it's what most people would expect based on the title. It's more of a "here's my experience and some things I found useful along the way / lessons learned" rather than a structured approach to managing imposter syndrome.
September 28, 2020
When I was a 20-something bright young thing starting in advertising, the women's magazines of the time were full of articles debating whether we women really could "Have It All." One person who has made a pretty damn good job of it is Rita Clifton, CBE. She's someone I can look at and say - yes, she's both personally and professionally fulfilled and very much still at the top of her game. Rita is the author of a new book, entitled Love Your Imposter.
I worked with Rita Clifton in the late 80s and early 90s at Saatchi & Saatchi London. She was my boss on the British Airways account. Reading Rita's book was like leaping into a rediscovered video-tape in a sort of Alice-in-Wonderland fashion: I was back in the crazy world of yuppies and Concorde, shoulder pads, strange new-agey gurus and The Only Way is Up.
Rita always spoke a lot of sense, but never in a preachy kind of way. She led by example, and what an example she was! Reading this book was like listening to her chatting - so different to many business books, with warmth, openness and a sprinkle of self-deprecating humour pervading its pages.
The honesty - and specifically, that you have to work and understand the language of finance to get to the top - is just one appealling aspect of this book. Rather than the glib advice to "be yourself", Rita is very clear that you have to stretch to get on, that there is a skill to knowing when to toe the line, when to fit in and when to stand out, and an art to getting yourself taken seriously. (Oh, those memories from my early career days on being lectured about "gravitas" - not from Rita, I hasten to add). The chapters on finance and numbers were a well-needed kick and reminder to me that I must always keep one eye on solid ground even if the other is floating up in the ether of visions and purposes.
I'm less of a fan of personal branding and the whole personal development shebang than Rita is, but maybe that's telling in itself. At a few points in the book, I had little aha moments about where I've gone wrong, and toppled off the career ladder a couple of times. I even wondered if I have a reverse imposter tendency now and then. The book certainly gave me food for thought, and encouragement that it's not too late, even now ...
I know that Rita worked bloody hard and made sacrifices to get where she is - and this success couldn't happen to a brighter, friendlier and all-round-good-egg sort of person. Thank you, Rita, for giving me the belief that I could make it - even if in the end my choices in life took me in another direction.
I worked with Rita Clifton in the late 80s and early 90s at Saatchi & Saatchi London. She was my boss on the British Airways account. Reading Rita's book was like leaping into a rediscovered video-tape in a sort of Alice-in-Wonderland fashion: I was back in the crazy world of yuppies and Concorde, shoulder pads, strange new-agey gurus and The Only Way is Up.
Rita always spoke a lot of sense, but never in a preachy kind of way. She led by example, and what an example she was! Reading this book was like listening to her chatting - so different to many business books, with warmth, openness and a sprinkle of self-deprecating humour pervading its pages.
The honesty - and specifically, that you have to work and understand the language of finance to get to the top - is just one appealling aspect of this book. Rather than the glib advice to "be yourself", Rita is very clear that you have to stretch to get on, that there is a skill to knowing when to toe the line, when to fit in and when to stand out, and an art to getting yourself taken seriously. (Oh, those memories from my early career days on being lectured about "gravitas" - not from Rita, I hasten to add). The chapters on finance and numbers were a well-needed kick and reminder to me that I must always keep one eye on solid ground even if the other is floating up in the ether of visions and purposes.
I'm less of a fan of personal branding and the whole personal development shebang than Rita is, but maybe that's telling in itself. At a few points in the book, I had little aha moments about where I've gone wrong, and toppled off the career ladder a couple of times. I even wondered if I have a reverse imposter tendency now and then. The book certainly gave me food for thought, and encouragement that it's not too late, even now ...
I know that Rita worked bloody hard and made sacrifices to get where she is - and this success couldn't happen to a brighter, friendlier and all-round-good-egg sort of person. Thank you, Rita, for giving me the belief that I could make it - even if in the end my choices in life took me in another direction.
November 17, 2021
Pass-the-time read.
I'm particularly taken with the idea that we are all brands, and can proactively build, improve on, and market ourselves as such. So I found this book interesting. I also like Rita's tone (read the audiobook and her dulcet tones are A1), but the message never really lands.
"Your appearance should reflect and do justice to the level of quality & professionalism of your work, with some added, distinctive touches to reflect your personality and style"
I AGREE! People often overlook the importance of aesthetics, but any smart leader has looked at the stats and if not, been smart enough to look around. Who captures the attention of the room before speaking? Why so? And when they do, what about the delivery makes it land?
Rita is clearly impressive, by way of what she's achieved in her career to date and I thoroughly liked how willing she was to share what she learned. This may have benefitted more from being a workbook.
I'm particularly taken with the idea that we are all brands, and can proactively build, improve on, and market ourselves as such. So I found this book interesting. I also like Rita's tone (read the audiobook and her dulcet tones are A1), but the message never really lands.
"Your appearance should reflect and do justice to the level of quality & professionalism of your work, with some added, distinctive touches to reflect your personality and style"
I AGREE! People often overlook the importance of aesthetics, but any smart leader has looked at the stats and if not, been smart enough to look around. Who captures the attention of the room before speaking? Why so? And when they do, what about the delivery makes it land?
Rita is clearly impressive, by way of what she's achieved in her career to date and I thoroughly liked how willing she was to share what she learned. This may have benefitted more from being a workbook.
April 25, 2021
Many professional development resources suggest the value of mentorship, and that mentorship can come in many forms, including the wisdom shared in personal biographies, memoirs and written reflections. If you are a female navigating the business world and the complexities of raising a family while maintaining a full time career, meet your mentor, Rita Clifton. She admits she doesn't have all the answers, and the way she articulates her experience helps you know you are not alone. It is okay to be less than perfect as you wade through the emotions, expectations, and the opportunities of work-life balance. The advice in the book is relatable, practical, and human.
May 22, 2022
She does her best to present her story and pass learnings. It's honest. But at many times it just becomes clear that while she's targeting people in early-mid stages of their career, the world that existed when she was early or mid career doesn't really exist anymore. So it's great to read it as sharing of someone who's high, and seems to have genuinely positive intentions, but hard to really take much of it to yourself. So more of memoirs, rather than guide (which it intends to be). But she's a nice person, that for sure. Or at least presents herself as such. And btw - title is misleading as it won't help you overcome your imposter. It actually might rather scare you more.
November 26, 2022
I was fortunate enough while at a former employer to see Rita Clifton speak at a number of events. She was always excellent. Warm, down to earth, bright, engaging and sparkly. We were all slightly in awe of her.
This book is business leadership advice wrapped up in a memoir, driven by the imposter syndrome Rita has had to cope with during her career. It is a call to action for more women to lead businesses, using their imposter syndrome feelings to drive their success.
Rita's warmth, humour and drive shine through as she shares stories from her life and career.
For anyone with ambitions to advance in their career, this is an easily accessible book full of useful advice.
This book is business leadership advice wrapped up in a memoir, driven by the imposter syndrome Rita has had to cope with during her career. It is a call to action for more women to lead businesses, using their imposter syndrome feelings to drive their success.
Rita's warmth, humour and drive shine through as she shares stories from her life and career.
For anyone with ambitions to advance in their career, this is an easily accessible book full of useful advice.
abandoned
May 23, 2024DNF @ 61% (kindle version)
I just can't find the motivation to finish it, especially with so many other books on the waiting list.
I did enjoy reading it to this point, it felt like listening to someone talk about their life over a cup of coffee.
I just can't find the motivation to finish it, especially with so many other books on the waiting list.
I did enjoy reading it to this point, it felt like listening to someone talk about their life over a cup of coffee.
January 31, 2021
Humankind leadership always wins
Rita is the role model for future leaders. This wonderfully personalised tale validates how empathy and humanity unlock genuine success!
Rita is the role model for future leaders. This wonderfully personalised tale validates how empathy and humanity unlock genuine success!
March 22, 2021
So this book wasn’t about what I thought it was about. It’s well written, has some great advice, lessons and stories and was very useful. Just not how I thought 🤦🏻♀️
November 20, 2021
The first 2/3rds of the book were ok. It wasn’t terribly interesting.
But the last 1/3 was excellent! Worth reading for the last part.
But the last 1/3 was excellent! Worth reading for the last part.
March 27, 2023
Women must feel more qualified for what they love.
June 26, 2023
A generous 4, but this is worth reading to get over yourself and get out of your own way.
August 19, 2025
Great book picked up at Books Beyond Borders and speaks to me being perpetually being wrecked by imposter syndrome.
September 5, 2025
I found this book quite boring and not in line with its title.
I kept wondering why she chose that title. Honestly, it was very challenging to finish, and I couldn’t make it through
I kept wondering why she chose that title. Honestly, it was very challenging to finish, and I couldn’t make it through
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews