Dealing with imposter phenomenon

Feeling like a fraud? You’re not alone—and you’re not an imposter. Many archivists, conservators and records managers experience self-doubt at some point in their working life. This workshop will offer a range of different evidence-based approaches to help manage feelings of self-doubt and imposter phenomenon, and increase personal resilience.

Overview of course content

• What are self-doubt and “imposter phenomenon”?
• Systemic and environmental influences
• Tools and techniques

Course learning outcomes

• Understand the experience of “imposter phenomenon” and where it comes from
• Investigate practical strategies for managing self-doubt at work
• Build confidence and resilience

Delivery

This half-day course (3.5 hours) will be delivered online via Zoom.

The course will be very interactive, with individual and small group activities. Because of the nature of content, confidentiality will be required, and the training will not be recorded. You do not have to share anything you are not comfortable with, but bear in mind you will be asked to reflect on your own experience of imposter feelings.

The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency framework;

• Working with people
• Developing self and others
• Performance and impact

About our trainer: Sarah Wickham FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and information manager, with qualifications and practical experience in psychology and counselling. She is an accredited coach, with extensive experience across all areas of the UK archive and information management sector. Sarah brings her experience of working with numerous people and organisations through consultancy and mentoring.

Booking and delegate fee:

• ARA Individual Member: £40
• ARA Corporate Member: £80
• Non-member: £100

The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Tuesday 27th January 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Chris Sheridan at chris.sheridan@archives.org.uk