Ro Inclusion & Diversity

Can you share your personal experience with impostor syndrome? What were some of the challenges you faced entering or advancing in tech?

Imposter syndrome has been a challenge throughout my journey in tech, particularly when I moved to a new country and had to navigate the stress of grad school. When I came to the United States, I had just enough money for my first semester’s tuition and two months of living expenses. I knew I had to find work immediately and was fortunate to land a part-time position with a kind professor, who later gave me a graduate assistantship to build a project for him.

While this was an incredible opportunity, I had to navigate self-doubt. I questioned my ability to deliver what he was asking for, and couldn’t understand why he trusted me enough to invest his time and resources. Even though I successfully completed the project and earned recognition, I still felt like I didn’t belong.

Self-doubt has followed me my entire career. Even after delivering on important tasks, the fear creeps back in when I’m assigned something new because I wonder if I can meet the same expectations again. This hesitation has also held me back in group settings. Surrounded by senior leadership, I would often stay quiet, afraid of saying something ambitious or overcommitting.

What strategies have you found effective in managing and overcoming impostor syndrome? How has Ro fostered an inclusive culture that’s allowed you to feel supported in your role?  

Over time, I’ve learned that overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing process. One of the key strategies that has helped me is taking time to reflect on both my successes and failures. Through this reflection, I’ve come to realize that many of the core skills I’ve developed over the years — problem-solving, adaptability and technical execution — have become muscle memory. These skills have become so ingrained that I can rely on them regardless of the nature of the work I’m doing. This realization has helped me build confidence in my abilities and trust the foundation I’ve worked so hard to establish. While I still face moments of uncertainty, I now focus on my strengths and continue pushing myself to contribute, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Ro’s diverse and open culture provides a huge opportunity for me to practice these strategies with confidence. Having the space to connect with my manager, “people partners” and senior leaders on a regular cadence has helped me understand the different ways I can contribute to the organization’s success while continuing to reflect on and develop my skills.

What advice would you give to other women in tech who may be experiencing impostor syndrome in their careers?

Imposter syndrome often surfaces in different ways — whether through self-doubt, not valuing your contributions, or not appreciating your own success — and these feelings are more common than many of us realize. They often stem from personal experiences, environments or the way we were raised. For me, I was raised in a conservative environment and taught to be cautious and avoid risks, which made me more hesitant to trust my voice. When these moments of doubt creep in, it’s important to reflect on them. Be honest with yourself, identify what you enjoy doing and consistently invest in those areas to make you stronger and more confident.

I’ve learned that it’s OK to reach out for support and seek mentorship. Finding someone at work who’s willing to invest their time and give you honest feedback can be invaluable and can shape the course of your career. Preparation, being organized and relying on AI tools for content revisions have helped me structure my thoughts and have more confidence in my voice.