<p>Imposter syndrome is something we talk about constantly in veterinary medicine — but what if we’ve been thinking about it all wrong? </p><p>In this episode of <em>Choose People Love Pets</em>, Dr. Brianna Armstrong and Phoebe Valdez explore a powerful reframe: what if imposter syndrome isn’t a sign that you don’t belong… but evidence that you’re growing? </p><p>Through personal stories — including Brianna’s experience pitching her veterinary startup Skye Paws while still in vet school — they unpack how discomfort, self-doubt, and even anxiety often appear at the exact moments when identity expansion and leadership growth are happening. </p><p>Together, they introduce the idea of “growth syndrome” — a framework for understanding why high-achievers and veterinary professionals often feel like imposters when stepping into new roles, leadership opportunities, or unfamiliar challenges. </p><p>If you’ve ever wondered: </p><ul><li><p>“Do I actually belong here?” </p></li><li><p>“What if they find out I don’t know what I’m doing?” </p></li><li><p>“Why does growth feel so uncomfortable?” </p></li></ul><p>This conversation offers a new perspective — and practical tools to help you reframe the experience. </p><p>What You’ll Hear in This Episode </p><ul><li><p>Why imposter syndrome may actually be a sign of growth </p></li><li><p>The story behind Skye Paws and navigating first-time visibility </p></li><li><p>How veterinary training shapes our relationship with competence and confidence </p></li><li><p>The three elements of “growth syndrome”: </p></li><li><p>Novelty </p></li><li><p>Visibility </p></li><li><p>Identity expansion </p></li><li><p>Why waiting to feel ready keeps us stuck </p></li><li><p>How to build confidence by trusting yourself through growth </p></li><li><p>Practical strategies for navigating high-stakes new experiences </p></li></ul><p>Key Takeaways </p><ul><li><p>Confidence does not come before action — it comes from action. </p></li><li><p>You don’t feel like an imposter when you stay small. </p></li><li><p>Growth often feels uncomfortable because your identity is expanding faster than your evidence. </p></li><li><p>Leadership requires becoming a beginner again. </p></li></ul><p>Follow for more:  </p><p>FB: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480229406&amp;mibextid=LQQJ4d" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480229406&amp;mibextid=LQQJ4d⁠</a>  </p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/choosepeoplelovepets?igsh=MTVzZjc4ZHE4MWd2NQ%3D%3D&amp;utm_source=qr" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠https://www.instagram.com/choosepeoplelovepets?igsh=MTVzZjc4ZHE4MWd2NQ%3D%3D&amp;utm_source=qr⁠</a>  </p><p>LI: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/choose-people-love-pets/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/choose-people-love-pets/⁠</a>  </p><p> </p>