Mental health webinar "Imposter syndrome & Perfectionism”

Desiree Dickerson on April 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Content: Imposter syndrome distorts the way we see ourselves, our performance, and our capabilities. It drives us to great heights, to excel, to go above and beyond, and it confirms our belief that we need to be perfect or we will fail or not be good enough. Sometimes, it can be hard to see the costs that this carries - because you do great work. But it's all driven by our doubts and fears – our fear of being judged, our fear of failing, our fear of not being good enough, our fear of not belonging. Distorted thinking patterns that stop you from asking that question, raising your hand, saying you don't understand. Distorted thinking patterns that drive behaviours that slow you down and stop you from really showing up. Thinking patterns that we can change.
We explore:

• The true costs of these doubts and fears, and the extent to which they are impacting on your productivity, mental clarity, and your joy for what you do.
• Simple ways to notice when your perfectionism or imposter syndrome is tripping you up.
• Simple ways to reshape your inner critic to be more objective and more compassionate, so that you can thrive thanks to the voice in your head rather than in spite of it.

Registration: possible for scientists working at the Cologne Ageing & Biocampus (for registration link please contact dmorick[at]age.mpg.de)
Target group: PhDs, Master fellows & Postdocs
Venue: online webinar