Torture and blessing: the impostor phenomenon among Spanish female executives

Purpose This research explores the impostor phenomenon (IP) within the context of gender and leadership, aiming to transform impostor feelings into catalysts for leadership empowerment and positive career outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing grounded theory, this study conducts in-depth interviews with 34 female Spanish senior executives to analyze their experiences with IP. Findings The research reveals that top executive women are not only affected by IP but can also harness it to foster personal and professional growth. It identifies key strategies – such as self-reflection, effective communication and cultivating positive habits – that enable women to transform IP into a lever for enhancing their careers. This approach leads to a proposed virtuous cycle model that empowers women to overcome the negative impacts of IP and advance their leadership capabilities. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on gender and leadership by offering insights into the gendered nuances of IP. By framing IP as a potential catalyst for growth rather than a barrier, the study provides practical tools for human resource (HR) departments to promote gender diversity at senior levels. It also advocates for HR practices to dismantle internal barriers to women’s career progression and address conscious and unconscious gender biases.