Closing the door on imposter syndrome | Dr. Arpinder Bansi | TEDxAyala Avenue Women

In this powerful TEDx talk, the speaker, Dr. Arpinder Bansi, explores the deeply ingrained societal roles that fuel imposter syndrome, especially among women.

Sharing her personal journey from childhood discouragement to becoming a successful engineer, she highlights the persistent bias that women face in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Despite her qualifications and hard work, she was repeatedly told to “know her place,” reinforcing societal expectations of women as caregivers rather than professionals.

Dr. Arpinder sheds light on how these biases, along with systemic gender discrimination, create an environment where women are underrepresented, their accomplishments minimized, and their successes often attributed to men.

She emphasizes how this contributes to the pervasive feeling of imposter syndrome among high-achieving women, who struggle to claim their worth in a world that refuses to validate them.

The talk calls for a shift in narrative: empowering women to own their successes, share their stories, and become visible role models for future generations.

By celebrating female achievements and breaking down gender barriers, Dr. Arpinder urges everyone to change the systemic narrative, paving the way for a more equal society. Dr. Arpinder Kaur Bansi, Founder and MD of Kaur Values Associates Ltd, is a pioneering leader in promoting fairness, inclusiveness, and respect in business and leadership development. Despite being told she was only suited for factory work, she became the first Sikh girl to study civil engineering in the UK, earning a 1st Class BSc(Hons) and PhD in engineering. She had a successful career as a Chartered Civil Engineer, serving on committees and boards.

In 2010, she launched Kaur Values to address the underrepresentation of women and minorities in senior executive teams and boardrooms. Arpinder has received awards for her work on unconscious bias in leadership, including "Inspirational Leader" and "Exceptional Woman of Excellence." Her mission is to empower people to become the leaders the world needs, promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx