How Identity Has Influenced a Founder's Career at Parichute
Kyle, founder of Parichute, openly discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome as a young female founder in male-dominated spaces, stating "it can definitely be intimidating," and the need to constantly remind oneself of their value and accomplishments. This experience underscores the importance of self-belief and perseverance in overcoming gender-based biases in the professional world.
Overcoming Challenges, Imposter Syndrome, Confidence Building, Leadership, Entrepreneurship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kyle Crognale
Founder
Parichute
Kent State University, 2017
N/A
Creative Writing, Journalism
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Overcoming imposter syndrome is crucial for success, especially as a female founder in male-dominated environments.
2. Don't let a lack of a traditional business background or prestigious education define your capabilities.
3. It's vital to believe in your own value and find ways to boost your confidence when others may not recognize it immediately.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as female, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
It can definitely be intimidating to be a female founder, attending board and investor meetings where I might be the only woman present. I'm also often 10, 15, or 20 years younger than many of the people on the board.
Initially, I felt so intimidated and underqualified. I had imposter syndrome, feeling like I didn't belong. I thought about not having a master's degree, not going to Harvard, or not attending business school, and all the other things I hadn't done.
I had to check myself and remind myself that I've achieved amazing things and that what I'm doing is making a difference. These people believe in me, which is why I'm in the room. I'm adding a lot of value to this team, so I need to believe in myself as much as they believe in me. I have to constantly remind myself of this.
Imposter syndrome is very real, and it takes a lot of hard work to overcome it. But don't feel like you can't accomplish something because you're part of the minority gender in your workplace, or because you're younger, or because you attended a college that doesn't seem to compare to others people mention.
That doesn't make a difference. You are bringing value, and that's why you're on the team. Just remind yourself of that. It can be intimidating, and I don't want anyone else to feel the things I've felt as a young female entrepreneur without a business background. I have a TV background.
Some people have definitely looked at me like I was just a pretty face, someone who could read from a teleprompter. Meanwhile, I'm on a mission to help anyone and everyone I can. To me, that's more important than anyone's ego.
So, I think it's important to remind yourself of your value. If other people aren't reminding you of that, you need to find a way to boost your own confidence and set out to achieve the goals you originally set for yourself.