James Beard Award Winner Karyn Tomlinson Opens Up About Imposter Syndrome

Karyn Tomlinson, a celebrated chef who recently secured the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest, opened up about her career journey and the obstacles she faced in the predominantly male culinary industry. During a candid interview, she delved into her experiences with imposter syndrome, a condition where individuals question their abilities and fear being exposed as frauds despite their achievements.

Imposter syndrome, a term introduced in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, is widespread in professional settings. Many high-achieving individuals, especially women, often credit their success to luck or charm rather than their competence. Tomlinson's path is a clear example of this phenomenon, as she embarked on her professional cooking career in her mid-20s, much later than many of her peers who had begun as dishwashers in their teens.

Tomlinson's culinary journey led her to France, where she enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris at the age of 25, with no prior cooking experience. She found it humbling to work alongside chefs who had years of experience. This sense of being an imposter lingered even when she landed a position at Fäviken, Magnus Nilsson’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Sweden, renowned for its inclusion on the World’s 50 Best list.

Despite her notable achievements, Tomlinson grappled with self-doubt. She confessed that she was hesitant to admit her lack of knowledge or seek assistance from colleagues she did not get along with. Over time, she built her confidence through humility and the encouragement of supportive individuals in her life. Winning the James Beard Award marked a significant turning point in her career, helping her overcome feelings of self-doubt.

Tomlinson underscored the importance of having supportive people in one's life who can offer encouragement and remind individuals that everyone struggles with self-doubt, even those who appear to be at the pinnacle of their careers. She emphasized that sometimes, all it takes is one voice of encouragement to believe in oneself and the ability to learn and grow.

Tomlinson's narrative serves as an inspiration for many in the culinary industry and beyond, illustrating that humility and the support of others can help overcome imposter syndrome and achieve remarkable success. Her journey highlights the importance of perseverance and the value of a supportive network in navigating the challenges of a competitive and male-dominated field.