Impostor syndrome. It’s a phrase that’s become all too common, echoing in the minds of new injectors, seasoned aestheticians, business owners, and even those at the top of their game. At this year’s Medical Spa Show, Erica Barry, NP-C and Libby Dysart, co-owners of a thriving medical aesthetics practice in Washington, D.C., tackled this topic head-on.

If you missed the high-energy, humor-filled, and deeply honest session, the recording is now available to view on-demand. This is more than just an educational lecture. It’s a candid, empowering roadmap for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong in the room, wondered if they were good enough, or hesitated to hit “post” on that business-changing Instagram reel.

Here, we’ll unpack the highlights, insights, and practical takeaways from our session, and show you why you should catch the full recording to experience the real magic.

What Is Impostor Syndrome—And Why Does It Hit Us All?

Impostor syndrome doesn’t discriminate. Whether for new injectors terrified to show up online, seasoned pros questioning their skills at a live training, or ambitious entrepreneurs plotting to open a med spa, that feeling of not being “enough” sneaks in.

This session defines impostor syndrome simply: It’s the voice that tells you you’re inadequate, even when your resume, experience, and results say otherwise. It strikes hardest in professions like aesthetics, where comparison—fueled by social media—can be relentless. The hours of training, the certifications, the wins: somehow, none of it feels quite enough.

But here’s the good news: Everyone feels it, from entry-level employees to top-tier business owners. And you’re never as alone as you think.

Keys to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

1. Confidence Isn’t a Trait—It’s a Skill

What’s the antidote to impostor syndrome? Confidence. And, as we revealed, confidence isn’t some magical personality trait you’re born with—it’s a muscle you can train. 

Confidence is not the absence of nerves; it’s the byproduct of willingness to try, mess up, try again, and slowly get better. This mindset fuels progress at all levels, whether you’re filming your first reel or leading a team of providers.

2. Comparison: The Thief of Joy

In medical aesthetics, social media is both a boon and a nemesis. It lets us showcase our results, learn new techniques, and connect with peers—but also makes us question our worth the moment someone else posts a perfectly edited before-and-after. Don’t get caught up in the filtered experience of social media feeds. Stay in your lane. Admire others, but don’t put them on pedestals that diminish your own achievements.

3. Charisma Ingredients: Presence, Power, and Warmth

Confidence needs to be visible. Whether you’re consulting with a patient, checking in a client, or streaming on Instagram Live, you can stand out by embodying presence (full attention), power (open posture, confident energy), and warmth (authentic listening and kindness).

Environment matters: confidence, like any emotion, is contagious.

Reframing Triggers and Mistakes as Growth Catalysts

What brings on impostor syndrome? New challenges, tough feedback, the feeling of being called out for not knowing everything. Flip the script: these “triggers” can be fire-starters, not red flags. The moments we’re pushed out of our comfort zone are the precise moments we grow the most.

No one knows everything. And moments of vulnerability—even visible mistakes on social media—can work in your favor. Misspelled words, visible lipstick on your teeth, awkward moments: they drive engagement, visibility, and ultimately help humanize your brand.

Remember: perfection isn’t the goal: progress is.

Don’t wait until you’re ready. Every expert was a beginner; every thriving injector once picked up a syringe for the first time. If you show up every day, get 1% better daily, and log 18 focused minutes on a single skill (as supported by Anders Ericsson’s research), you’ll lap the competition.

Practical Tips to Build Confidence

Here are some of the actionable strategies covered in the recording:

• Willingness to Try: Redefine confidence as being simply willing to try something new. Competence comes after repetition, and repetition builds real self-assurance.
• Reframe Your Inner Dialogue: Watch how negativity spreads in a work environment—choose to be the positive, uplifting source instead.
• Leverage Support Systems: Don’t shoulder your challenges alone. Find mentorship, join supportive circles, and be intentional about surrounding yourself (even on social media) with people who empower, not drain, you.
• Take Public Accountability: Track wins, celebrate success, and “humble brag” where appropriate. It’s a self-reinforcing loop for confidence and credibility.
• Sacrifice and Consistency Trump Talent: Greatness is less about natural ability and more about showing up and making strategic sacrifices. Want top-tier results? Trade some short-term comfort for long-term achievement.

Ready to Level Up? Watch, Learn, and Grow

Impostor syndrome isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a badge that you’re growing, stretching, and striving for more. If you’re ready to turn fear into fuel, to stand confidently in your brand (gown, sneakers, or scrubs), and to take the kind of imperfect action that changes careers and lives, this talk is for you.

Access the full recording now. Share it with your team, your friends, or anyone who needs a boost of confidence, and let’s keep the conversation—and the progress—going. Together, we’ll make this the year you leave impostor syndrome behind—and step into your full potential.

Ready to watch? Click here for the full session recording!