What Opera Taught Me About Imposter Syndrome and Leadership
You stand on stage, under the lights. Or perhaps, in your clinic, at the head of a team meeting. You’ve put in the hours, you’ve mastered your craft, you’ve built something significant. But then, a quiet voice whispers: "Do you really belong here? Are you truly qualified for this?"
That's imposter syndrome, and it's a silent epidemic among high-achievers, leaders, and even successful chiropractic clinic owners. You’re a brilliant clinician, a sharp business owner, and yet that nagging doubt can make you feel like a fraud, waiting to be "found out."
You might be surprised to learn that some of the most profound lessons I’ve learned about conquering this feeling – and stepping into true leadership – didn’t come from a business textbook, but from the opera stage.
The Unseen Parallels: Clinic vs. Concert Hall
On the surface, a chiropractic clinic and an opera house couldn't be more different. One is rooted in evidence-based healthcare, the other in dramatic performance. But I've found remarkable parallels, especially when it comes to the psychological pressures of being "on" and leading.
As a professional opera singer, I've faced the raw, undeniable reality of performance anxiety, intense scrutiny, and the constant demand to embody a role with conviction. Every single performance, every audition, every rehearsal is a test. You’re putting your voice, your technique, your very soul on display.
In your clinic, you're doing something similar every day. You're "performing" as the expert, the leader, the decision-maker. You're under pressure to heal, to guide your team, to ensure the numbers add up. And the bigger your chiropractic practice becomes, the higher the stakes feel.
The feelings of imposter syndrome often surface when:
You're stepping into a new role: Moving from practitioner to full-time clinic owner or leader.
The stakes are high: When a new hire starts, or you're considering a big expansion.
You compare yourself: Looking at other successful clinics and feeling like you "should" be further along.
You fear judgment: Worrying what your team, your peers, or even your patients think.
My Journey from Stage Fright to Strategic Flow
I've stood backstage, heart pounding, convinced I wasn’t good enough to sing the role. I’ve felt the weight of a team's expectations in my clinic, wondering if I had all the answers. The constant pressure to be perfect, to never show a crack, was exhausting.
What opera taught me was that vulnerability isn't a weakness; it's a superpower. Learning to truly embody a character meant embracing imperfection, acknowledging the fear, and still stepping forward. It meant understanding that the "role" of the leader, or the "role" of the performer, isn't about being flawless, but about being authentic and committed to the purpose.
I realised that the internal battles I fought on stage – the imposter syndrome, the performance anxiety, the fear of failing – were the same battles holding me back in my business. And just as I learned to navigate those internal landscapes in music, I could apply the same principles to my chiropractic business leadership.
It's about shifting from:
Perfectionism to Purposeful Action.
Fear of exposure to Courageous Vulnerability.
Being the flawless individual to Leading an empowered team.
How to Lead Beyond the Imposter Voice
Conquering imposter syndrome isn’t about eradicating self-doubt entirely – it’s about learning to lead effectively despite it. It’s about building a solid foundation of self-belief that’s stronger than the whispers of inadequacy.
Here are some insights from the stage and the clinic that can help:
Acknowledge the Role (and the Human): You are a leader, a clinic owner, a visionary. That's a role you embody. But beneath the role, you're a human being with fears and doubts. Acknowledge both. The most powerful leaders aren't flawless; they're relatable.
Focus on the Impact, Not Just the Performance: In opera, it’s not just about hitting the high note; it’s about telling the story and moving the audience. In your clinic, it’s not just about the perfect adjustment; it’s about the patient’s transformation, your team’s growth, and the positive impact you have. Shift your focus to the deeper purpose.
Build Your "Backstage Crew": Every great performer has a team – a conductor, a director, fellow singers, a stage crew. As a chiropractic business owner, you need your own support system. This might be mentors, other clinic owners, or a coach who has "walked the walk." You don't have to carry the weight alone.
Practice Vulnerable Leadership: When appropriate, share your journey, your challenges, and your learning curves with your team. This builds trust and shows them it's okay to not have all the answers. It makes you human, and ironically, more powerful.
Rehearse Your "Game": Just as an opera singer constantly rehearses to build confidence, identify your "game" (your purpose, your desired impact) and consistently practice the actions that move you towards it. Repetition builds competence, which erodes doubt.
The transition from a highly skilled practitioner to a confident, purpose-driven chiropractic business owner is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, journeys. You don't have to let imposter syndrome hold you captive. Instead, you can learn to conduct your own symphony, leading your clinic with authenticity, courage, and a profound sense of belonging.
It's time to step into your spotlight.
Ready to Conduct Your Own Symphony of Success?
If you're a chiropractic clinic owner ready to silence the inner critic and lead with unstoppable confidence, let's talk.
