Even with $16 million sitting in the company account, I felt like a big imposter. It took years before I truly felt like a bonafide entrepreneur. If you’ve ever felt the same, you’re not alone. Here’s how I overcame it.

I used to think entrepreneurship was reserved for people born with it—those who grew up in business-savvy families or inherited some magical "business gene." I didn’t have any of that.

My parents were working-class and never started a business in their lives. Their advice was always practical:

“Get a job. Play it safe. Don’t take risks.”

If you’re like me, you might have grown up believing that starting a business is for the chosen few—the ones with the confidence, the connections, or the pedigree. But it’s not.

For years, I struggled with the question: “Am I really cut out for this?” Even after raising millions and building a product that impacted millions of users, the doubt didn’t disappear. I’d sit in meetings wondering: “Was I just lucky? Am I one bad decision away from everyone figuring out I’m a fraud?”

What changed wasn’t my circumstances—it was my mindset. Here’s what worked for me:

1. Stop Trying to Be “an Entrepreneur”
I let go of the need to fit the “entrepreneur” mold. Instead, I became a professional problem-solver. Every time I faced a challenge, I asked myself:

• What’s the problem?
• What’s the simplest solution?
• Who can help me execute it?

You don’t need to be Steve Jobs or Elon Musk. You just need to solve one problem at a time.

2. Outwork Everyone Around You
When you’re in the trenches, there’s no room for doubt to fester. I kept it simple:

• Work harder than anyone else.
• Learn faster.
• Build faster.

Even on days when I doubted my decisions, I reminded myself: no one is putting in the hours I am. Imposter syndrome fades when you’re obsessed with progress.

3. Get Mentors Who Shatter the Illusion
Joining communities like 7CTOs introduced me to incredible people—people I idolized. And you know what I learned? They’re not special.

Your heroes aren’t superhuman. They’re just like you—figuring it out as they go. Realizing that changed everything.

4. Find The Mentor
Books are great. Courses are helpful. But nothing compares to working 1-on-1 with someone world-class. For me, that person was Kevin Goldsmith, the former VP of Engineering at Spotify.

When someone like Kevin believes in you, it’s hard not to believe in yourself.

If you’re battling imposter syndrome, know that it’s part of the process for most of us. The key is shifting your focus—from doubting yourself to solving problems, outworking everyone, and surrounding yourself with people who help you level up.

What about you? Have you faced imposter syndrome? How did you beat it? I’d love to hear your story.