Love Your Imposter: Be Your Best Self, Flaws and All

British advertising professional Clifton (Brands and Branding) offers erudite advice on leadership and personal branding in this sincere, helpful work. The death of Clifton’s father when she was 12 years old made her keep her “emotions buttoned up,” which she now views as the roots of the imposter syndrome she would later develop. In explaining how she overcame this, she debunks the “fake it until you make it” myth, instead suggesting one become properly tooled in personal branding, finance, and communication. She recommends focusing on being reliable, exploring “what interests you and what drains you,” avoiding sulking, and finding a fitting industry to work in (but never agonizing about the “perfect job” because “it can all be very arbitrary, at least to begin with”). In a conversational tone, Clifton explains how she has consistently met obstacles and criticism head-on by being willing to live in a state of self-awareness and self-improvement. While mostly concentrating on her own career as an example, she also provides sidebar boxes that prompt the reader with activities and questions. Those wishing to improve their professional marketability will find much insight in this eye-opening testimonial. (Sept.)