Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Claiming Your Seat at the Table

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Claiming Your Seat at the Table
Katie Bodiford,CAE
NWIR Executive Director

If you’ve ever hesitated to raise your hand for a leadership role, apply for a promotion, or even speak up in a meeting—despite knowing you’re fully capable—you’re not alone. That quiet, nagging feeling that you’re “not qualified enough,” “not experienced enough,” or that someone will eventually discover you’re not as capable as they think you are?

That’s imposter syndrome, and it affects women at every stage of their careers. But in male-dominated industries like roofing, its impact can be even stronger—and even more limiting.

What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the internal belief that your success is due to luck, timing, or external factors—and that at any moment, someone will expose you as a fraud. It doesn’t matter how many degrees you earned, how many projects you’ve run, or how many roofs you’ve inspected in your career. Logically, you know you’re competent. Emotionally, you question whether you truly belong.

Women—particularly those working in fields where they’re in the minority—experience this at disproportionate rates. Research shows that when we don’t see many people who look like us in roles of authority, we subconsciously doubt whether we are meant to be there.

Why It Shows Up in the Roofing Industry
Roofing is filled with talented, smart, hardworking women—but for many, the path hasn’t been traditional or obvious. Many women enter the industry “sideways”: through family businesses, transitions from other roles, or because someone took a chance on them. That path can easily make you question your legitimacy—even when your performance speaks for itself.

And because the industry has historically been led and shaped by men, women often feel pressure to prove themselves twice over.

So, when an opportunity comes along—whether it’s a leadership role on your team, a speaking opportunity, or even a volunteer role with NWIR—the instinct can be to step back instead of stepping up. Not because you’re not capable. But because imposter syndrome is whispering, “You’re not ready.”

But, here’s what’s interesting. Women often wait until they meet 100% of the qualifications before pursuing an opportunity. Meanwhile, research shows many men step forward when they meet only 60%. This means brilliant, experienced, passionate women sit on the sidelines—even when they could be shaping the future of their companies, their communities, and our industry.

You don’t need:

• 20 years in roofing
• A perfect career path
• A technical background
• Every answer to every question

What you need is the willingness to learn, to grow, and to trust that your experience—both lived and professional—has already prepared you for more than you realize. Leadership isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about asking good questions, seeking diverse perspectives, creating space for others and, most importantly, showing up. These are strengths women excel in—and the very qualities that make NWIR such a powerful, collaborative community.

As we approach our 10-year anniversary, know this: NWIR wasn’t built by people who had every qualification. It was built by women who believed in possibility. And as we look ahead to an even brighter future, we need more voices at the table—including your voice.

Whether you’ve been in the industry for 20 years or two months, whether you’re on the roof or in the office, whether you’ve led teams or are just finding your confidence—there is space for you here.

Serving on a committee, volunteering at events, mentoring another woman, or even stepping into national leadership isn’t reserved for the select few. It’s for women who care deeply, who want to make a difference, and who are ready to grow alongside an unstoppable community.

You are not an imposter. You are not under-qualified. You are not “lucky.” You are exactly where you’re supposed to be—learning, leading, and shaping our industry with your strengths, your perspective, and your story.

So, the next time an opportunity comes your way, don’t wait until you feel fully ready. That moment may never come. Instead, step in boldly—and trust that you’ll grow into it. NWIR is here to support you every step of the way.

Because the roofing industry needs you.

Our future needs you.

And you absolutely deserve your seat at the table.

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Ready to throw your hat in the ring? NWIR has numerous committees that need members and leaderships positions for which you can apply. CLICK HERE to take the next step!