Growth Ticker Syndrome

The Opener

In the tech space, there’s a lot of energy. You feel it when you’re at a hackathon, scrolling through Twitter, or listening to people talk about the “next big thing.” It’s exciting and competitive, but it’s also easy to feel a bit lost. Whether you’re a coder, designer, project manager, or someone who’s just entering the field, it’s important to remember this: you have a role to play. And the role you play is uniquely yours.

The tech world is fast, and it’s easy to feel like you’re playing catch-up.

Let’s talk about something almost every developer faces at some point—imposter syndrome. You might be praised for your skills, or maybe you’re starting to get recognized for the projects you’ve worked on. But there’s a voice inside that says, “Do I actually deserve this?” This is the feeling that sneaks up on you, making you question your worth in the field.

Here’s my take: imposter syndrome isn’t a sign that you don’t belong. It’s actually a hint that you’re growing, that you’re pushing boundaries and exploring new things. If you’re in a place where you feel like an imposter, it means you’re on the edge of your comfort zone, where real learning happens. Remember, it’s natural to feel this way—so embrace it, don’t run from it. There’s a difference between being an imposter and having a drive to learn more. When we look at it as “me against me,” there’s less pressure to prove ourselves to others and more focus on becoming better than we were yesterday.

Now to those new to the space, trust me, I can relate….

Here’s the thing—being new doesn’t mean you’re not valuable.

In fact, it’s exactly because you’re new that you bring something fresh to the table (don’t get me wrong. Yeah some POVs may not work out of the box but be open-minded regardless.). Sometimes, we hold back because we think experience is what makes us valuable. That is something though. The real value is in how we see things differently and ask questions no one else is asking.

It’s tempting to think you need to be some kind of “expert” to make an impact. But even as a newcomer, your perspective can shift conversations, spark ideas, and add layers that people with years of experience might miss. Think of it this way: saying “I’m small” just means you’re open to growing, to learning more. But telling yourself you’re too small to matter? That’s selling yourself short. You’re here, and that means you’re ready to start making moves—no matter your experience level.

Now, let’s talk about the stereotypes. There’s this unspoken line in tech between “technical” and “non-technical” people, as if only the coders hold the power to create. But let’s face it, coding alone doesn’t change the world. Tech thrives on vision, on strategy, on that creative spark that comes from everywhere—not just a computer screen. The people who push tech forward aren’t just engineers; they’re the ones who can see the whole picture, connect ideas, and give it all purpose.

And yeah, tech can feel exclusive, especially for women and those from underrepresented groups. The industry isn’t known for making it easy to break in. But here’s the reality: you don’t need permission to belong. When diverse voices come together, the projects are stronger, the solutions are better, and there’s an energy that you just can’t fake. That’s why it matters to create space, to back each other up, to build tech that looks like all of us.

For those who’ve been around longer, there’s something we need to get straight: tech doesn’t progress because of competition alone. Sure, competition fuels innovation. But real progress? That happens when we start collaborating, recognizing each other’s strengths, and working toward something bigger than ourselves.

It’s about dropping the ego and asking, “What can we build together?”

And let’s keep it real—nobody gets everything right the first time. Growth takes time. So if you’re just starting, there’s no rush to “prove yourself.” The fact that you’re stepping into this space, learning at your own pace, and willing to grow—that’s what matters. Take your time. Find your lane. Because whether you’re here to code, design, strategize, or something else entirely, your contribution is already valuable.

At the end of the day, it’s not about how much code you write, how fast you can ship, or even how much you know; it’s about how you think. Innovation isn’t about making things complicated—it’s about finding the simplest, most impactful way to solve a problem. It’s taking everything you know and turning it into something that genuinely matters. So if you’re new, own it. Start small, think big, and know that this journey is about learning, growing, and making the kind of impact that only you can make.