Impostor syndrome is a persistent challenge in the software industry, often affecting professionals who doubt their abilities despite evidence of success. Personal stories highlight how self-doubt can surface in unexpected areas, influencing daily work and mental health. Strategies for managing these feelings include openly discussing internal challenges, recognizing the value of fresh perspectives, seeking honest feedback from trusted individuals, and cultivating self-awareness through therapy or reflective practices.
In this episode, I talk with Linda Van De Vooren about impostor syndrome, mental health, and growth in testing. Linda shares stories, from eating disorders to the inner critic she named Hannibal Lecter. We look at how doubt hits our work, like writing a test plan that feels too easy. Her tactics: Share openly. Check basic needs. Treat your comfort zone like a rainbow and pick a color you can handle today. Build an honest feedback circle.
"But a lot of people I know, especially in this technical area we are working, they don't have good contact to themselves in this way." - Linda Van De Vooren
In her daily life, Linda Van De Vooren is an amateur (baritone!) saxophonist and an experienced software tester. Living in the center of the Netherlands, she can be found exploring nature, attending concerts, or visiting the theater.
She enjoys working in complex environments and does not shy away from a challenge, whether it stems from technical difficulties or a politically complex environment. In any free time that is left, she is an avid gamer (Nintendo!) and enjoys reading.
The journey of a software tester is shaped by more than technical know-how and frameworks. In a recent episode of "Software Testing Unleashed," Richie sat down with quality consultant and baritone saxophonist Linda Van De Vooren to explore a theme rarely discussed openly in tech: imposter syndrome. Their conversation at the Hustev Conference 2025 wasn’t just a technical deep-dive; it was a powerful, honest reflection on doubt, self-acceptance, and community.
For many, the phrase “imposter syndrome” conjures a fleeting moment of doubt before a presentation or the first day in a new role. But as Linda Van De Vooren explained, it’s much deeper. It’s the persistent belief that your success is undeserved, or that you're only "winging it" and bound to be exposed.
“Imposter syndrome is the conception that you cannot do something despite evidence that you can,” Linda Van De Vooren explained. She shared her experience of feeling like a fraud even when writing a test plan—a task she’s skilled at. The voice of doubt can persist, overshadowing real achievements.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t just show up in our work lives. Linda Van De Vooren shared how her struggles with eating disorders manifested with similar voices in her head, questioning her every action and making daily routines feel foreign. Recognizing the presence of this “internal criticaster”—her term for that negative internal voice—was a transformative step. Naming it “Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs” gave the voice shape and made it easier to recognize when it was taking over.
What’s critical here is the realization that this voice often erupts when basic needs aren’t met: stress, hunger, and exhaustion all cloud self-assessment. As Linda Van De Vooren explained, “Usually I start listening to that voice when my basic needs aren't met, when I'm tired, hungry, or thirsty.”
A major takeaway from the conversation was the value of vulnerability. Linda Van De Vooren found sharing her story at conferences resonated deeply, both with audience members and herself. The worst that happened? A little sympathy and, far more often, gratitude from others fighting the same doubts. Making space for these conversations normalizes struggle and helps us realize we're not alone.
Self-awareness is a recurring theme. Linda Van De Vooren talked about learning to differentiate between useful self-reflection and destructive self-critique. She described the ongoing challenge of self-discovery as “peeling the onion”—with new layers appearing just when you think you’ve reached the core.
Part of this journey included formal coaching and communication training, where she learned how much negative assumptions colored her relationships and career. Actively listening, seeking honest feedback, and challenging her automatic self-diminishment made a tangible difference.
A recurring pattern in tech is believing that ease means lack of value—if a task comes naturally, it can’t be that important. Linda Van De Vooren urged testers to recognize and accept when they’re simply good at something, rather than dismissing their skills.
This also applies to knowing personal limitations: “I know that I shouldn’t test automate... I can talk the talk, but I don’t walk the walk, and I’m very clear about that.” Being honest about strengths and gaps, and surrounding yourself with people who provide honest, constructive feedback, cultivates both personal growth and effective teams.
Many early-career testers, Linda Van De Vooren noted, feel isolated and underqualified. Her advice? Remember that inexperience brings fresh perspectives, which are invaluable in quality work. By vocalizing ideas and asking questions, newcomers enrich projects—so long as their environment values their input.
Richie and Linda Van De Vooren also discussed the importance of choosing carefully whose feedback to heed. Well-intentioned advice from friends or family can sometimes hold you back. Instead, lean on those who see your potential and champion your growth.
Imposter syndrome is stubborn and pervasive, but not insurmountable. By sharing our stories, challenging our internal critics, and surrounding ourselves with encouraging people, we take important steps toward self-acceptance and collective strength. As Linda Van De Vooren put it, “More people should do it.” And she’s right: openness isn’t just for the brave—it’s for everyone committed to real quality, in software and in life.