The figure is surprising, yet it is very real: 93% of women entrepreneurs surveyed as part of Initiative Île-de-France’s “Entrepreneurship and gender inequalities” barometer say they have already felt imposter syndrome.
“Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon linked to self-depreciation and biased self-perception, in which those affected have difficulty perceiving their skills, successes, and potential.“, explained Claire Dahan, clinical psychologist and coach, in a previous article.
A major psychological phenomenon that weighs heavily on their decisions, their confidence, and sometimes even their trajectory.
When doubt becomes an invisible brake
The study, carried out among 615 female managers, reveals that 66% of them say they feel this syndrome “often”, while only 7% say they never suffer from it.
This feeling of illegitimacy does not stay in the head: it has concrete consequences, with:
- 56% of women underestimate the value of their offer or product;
- 45% do not dare to solicit as many clients, partners or funding as they could;
- 46% avoid speaking in public or putting themselves forward;
- 31% confess to having even hesitated to launch their entrepreneurial project for fear of not being “up to the task”.
For some entrepreneurs, these doubts are not only a psychological obstacle: they delay or limit their development.
A syndrome reinforced by sexism and loneliness
This imposter syndrome does not arise in a vacuum: it is sometimes fueled by a difficult structural context for women entrepreneurs. The study shows that 56% of them have already faced discrimination linked to their gender, with sexist or paternalistic remarks, inappropriate advances, or even sexual pressure.
Furthermore, loneliness plays an important role. Women leaders feel a persistent feeling of isolation, particularly in times of stress (39%) or when making important decisions (30%). This cocktail of sexism and isolation contributes to weakening the confidence of female entrepreneurs. But also to nourish a feeling of illegitimacy.
Francine Savidan, president of Initiative Île-de-France, says it clearly: this phenomenon “often hits the most competent profiles, to the point of eroding their confidence in their ability to lead an ambitious and rewarding career”. In addition, 61% of the women surveyed believe that being a woman accentuates this feeling of not being legitimate.
Impressive resilience, but at what cost?
Despite these obstacles, women entrepreneurs demonstrate remarkable determination. 93% of them say they would choose to start a business again if they had to do it again. This level of resilience is striking: it shows that, for many, entrepreneurship remains a desirable horizon, even if doubt never really leaves them.
However, the answers to this malaise are not obvious. Only 14% of female entrepreneurs say they participate in discussion or support groups. On the other hand, more of them request sponsorship/mentoring (31%), networking events (29%) or more psychological support (22%) to better experience their journey.
A call to better integrate psychological support
The observation is clear: imposter syndrome is not simply an individual problem. It reflects collective resistance – sexism, isolation, lack of networks – which hinders the development of female entrepreneurs.
To break this invisible barrier, the barometer suggests concrete levers: developing mentoring networks, promoting psychological support or coaching, and strengthening support systems for those who doubt their legitimacy.
In 2025, if female entrepreneurship is progressing, this psychological report shows that investing in the self-confidence of female leaders is more urgent than ever. Not only for their well-being, but to release all the economic and innovative potential they carry.