Reverse Impostor Syndrome

Reverse imposter syndrome is a perception problem where you know you deliver excellent work but others don't see it. Wes Kao discovered the term after realizing his own achievements were hidden behind closed doors, limited visibility, and a lack of external signals. The core insight is that confidence alone isn't enough; you need a brand that matches your internal track record.

Tech leaders who stay in the trenches often see their most strategic contributions locked away from managers, peers, and customers. When promotions, project assignments, or senior leadership attention depend on visible impact, this invisible excellence becomes a career blocker. The article shows how the mismatch between internal competence and external perception leads to frustration, resentment, and missed opportunities.

The practical fix is to treat visibility like a systematic PR campaign. Speak about strategy more often, share outcomes with a broader audience, and frame work in terms that resonate with executives. Wes recommends regular updates, concise narratives about results, and learning to position yourself as a strategic operator rather than just a great doer. He backs this with examples of clients who shifted from being unseen to earning promotions and high-profile projects.

Beyond tactics, the piece challenges the stigma around personal branding for engineers. It argues that authentic self-promotion is a responsibility for operators who want their outsides to match their insides. By adopting these habits, leaders can close the perception gap and ensure their work gets the recognition it deserves.