iscoverImposter syndrome is a common challenge that accountants can battle with, yet four business-leading women are calling on the industry to recognise the crucial work they deliver for clients.
‘You’re not an imposter; you’re an amazing accountant’: Xerocon panel
04 September 2025
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9 minute read
It is no secret that being a small practice owner can be a significantly overwhelming, consuming and challenging experience, which can often take away from the monumental achievements and milestones that come with the journey.
On day one of Xerocon 2025, a panel consisting of four women accountants who pioneer and drive support for other women within the industry, spoke about the commonality of imposter syndrome and the importance and power of overcoming it.
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The panel consisted of Hot Toast founder and CEO, Sarah Lawrance, founder of The Real Thiel, Lauren Thiel, Aspire Consulting founder, Susan Milicevic and Jolene Elliot, founder of Karlaya Accounting and Business Advisory.
All four leaders acknowledged imposter syndrome was something they had all struggled with and the intrusive thoughts surrounding whether they were “good enough” or if they “belonged at the table” often circled.
Lawrance, Milicevic, Thiel and Elliot made it clear to the audience that it was crucial for women in the industry to recognise, acknowledge and take pride in the work they did each day, as they provided value for their clients, their families, partners and most importantly, themselves.
Milicevic shared her career story, noting the best advice she was given when facing the challenge herself was that she “wasn’t alone” and talking openly about the feeling often relieved what sometimes felt like a dominating concept.
“It’s definitely something that when I mention in conversation with other people in business, it sparks triggers. I remember clearly the moment when I discovered imposter syndrome and how I dealt with it,” she said.
“The way it presented itself for me was that when I started my business, I felt like I needed to be the first one there and the last one to leave. When it was identified as imposter syndrome, it was really helpful to know that I’m not the only one that suffers from this and it was helpful for me to label it.”
“You are great at your job and you are good at what you do. I’m just an everyday person, like you, who suffers from these things. Just talk to people about it, it will really help.”
For Thiel, she shared her battle with imposter syndrome stemmed from flipping between being a confident woman to then irrationally questioning her business moves and motives.
Her strategy to overcome imposter syndrome was to lean on those around her for support and help, as this was a strength rather than a weakness.
“I have the knowledge and I have the ability to learn, as you all do. I also have really good mentors around me, and I've hired people smarter than me to help when it’s needed,” she said.
Lawrance echoed this sentiment and added that it was a “super important call out for everyone to realise you’re never going to know everything, and that is okay”.
“It’s okay to pull back and tell your clients you need a minute or that you will get back to them. It’s really great advice, about tapping into, leaning on and using your community.”
Elliot also highlighted the family aspect that it was often expected to give 100 per cent to work and 100 per cent to family, 100 per cent of the time, which was neither achievable nor sustainable.
“You can’t do both, so it’s about working out a balance that suits you. It’s all about the work/life balance and making sure it fits in with you and your flexibility. Life isn’t all about work and you also have to help other people find that balance.”
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