Transforming How Individuals Navigate Imposter Syndrome

ImposterPlay Lab focuses on the environments that fuel imposter syndrome. We use serious, hands-on simulation to make complex workplace dynamics visible—allowing professionals to step into real scenarios, test language, and build immediate, actionable strategies.

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Telling Professionals to
“believe in themselves” doesn’t quite work

Self-doubt is often shaped by things outside of our control: institutional language, unequal access to networks, and rules that are never clearly explained. ImposterPlay Lab shifts the focus from fixing the individual to decoding the environment. We combine research with game-based learning so participants learn by doing—building real agency and strategic awareness grounded in everyday professional pressures.

Our Core
Programme Areas

ImposterPlay Lab designs and delivers research-led, activity-based training programmes that help people understand the hidden rules of professional environments and build the confidence to navigate them.

Embracing the
Imposter Mindset

Recognise the roots of imposter feelings, challenge self-doubt & develop a more ambitious sense of professional agency.

Networking
Mastery for ECRs

Participants practise realistic networking scenarios, including conference conversations, pitch moments and high-stakes professional encounters.

Decoding Professional
Success in Higher Education

Demystifying how UK academia works. It helps early career researchers understand funding systems to institutional expectations.

Across Borders:
Working in the UK

An online programme that helps international researchers engaging with the UK academic system from outside the UK build with confidence.

Policy Making
Board Game

An immersive, game-based policy training experience co-designed with the Institute for Government.

Violence and Abuse
Non-Narrative Learning

A card simulation designed to help make different forms of violence & abuse visible without requiring participants to rely only on verbal disclosure.

    We Push Beyond
    Standard Professional Development

    Research-led expertise

    The programmes are grounded in academic knowledge, research culture, leadership development, policy insight and applied social research.

    Executive-level facilitation

    The work is designed and delivered by an experienced leader who understands how institutions operate, how professional cultures shape confidence, and how to translate complex ideas into accessible, high-impact learning.

    Immersive learning

    Participants do not just listen to information. They practise scenarios, reflect on real professional challenges and build confidence through active participation.

    Systems-aware
    confidence development

    The work reframes imposter feelings as something shaped by environments, cultures and hidden rules, not simply individual psychology.

    Practical tools participants
    can use immediately

    Each session is designed to leave participants with clear strategies, language, confidence-building techniques and action plans.

    Tailored delivery

    Programmes can be adapted to different audiences, including early career researchers, doctoral students, international researchers, university staff, policy-facing professionals, leadership cohorts, public sector teams and corporate learning audiences.

    Memorable methods

    The company uses roleplay, actors, board-game simulation, cards, reflective tools, group discussion and facilitated practice to make complex topics engaging and memorable.

    Strong fit for professional
    development and institutional change

    The programmes are especially relevant for research culture, researcher development, doctoral training, equality and inclusion, leadership development, policy engagement, employability, public service practice and organisational learning.

    Dr. Melissa Jogie

    Founder, Lead Instructor

    Dr Melissa Jogie is the founder of ImposterPlay Lab. She has built a career translating complex institutional challenges into practical programmes, partnerships and learning experiences that help people and organisations think, act and lead differently.

    Academic Fellowships & Affiliation

    More about Melissa

    Empowering Leaders,
    Researchers & Changemakers

    Universities

    Doctoral training

    Research & Dev Teams

    Early career researchers

    Funders

    Local Government Teams

    Public Sector Organizations

    Housing Services

    Leadership Development Programmes

    Charities

    Equality Teams

    Corporate Learning Teams

    Human Resources

    Policy Teams

    A better
    environment for
    your team starts
    with a conversation.

    Whether you are preparing a cohort of scholars, new leaders, or cross-sector teams, let’s discuss how we can adapt the lab for your organization.