Ever feel like you’re just one mistake away from being found out—like you’re faking it, no matter how far you’ve come?
That quiet fear has a name: impostor syndrome. And you’re not alone.
In this moving #ThroughlineThursdays conversation, Christopher Swinton, Manager of MSP Programs at BayOne, shares how he worked through his own feelings of self-doubt—particularly in environments where he didn’t feel heard or supported.
From graduate school to whiteboard interviews, Christopher recounts the lessons that helped him move from questioning his worth to owning his seat at the table.
In this video, you’ll learn:
• How impostor syndrome shows up at work—and what to do about it
• Why organizational culture can make or break your confidence
• What to look for in environments that welcome your ideas
• Why walking away from the wrong fit can be the most empowering choice
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Timestamps:
00:08 – Dealing with impostor syndrome early in career
00:30 – Learning to read and adapt to different management styles
01:00 – Advice that changed the way Christopher entered new roles
01:20 – The BayOne interview experience and finding alignment
02:00 – What it means to know your value, even if others don’t
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Ever struggled with impostor syndrome? Share your story below—we’re listening.
[00:08]
Question: “How are you doing with impostor syndrome now? Is it still a constant struggle?”
Christopher Swinton: Honestly, not anymore.
I think once I got my master’s degree, things started to shift. I learned about different management styles, and more importantly, how to navigate organizations more effectively—especially when trying to bring in new ideas
You know, sometimes you walk into a company where the management style is a bit more abrasive. Earlier in my career, I’d take that personally. But over time, I realized—it’s not always about me. There are bigger dynamics at play.
One of my former bosses, Laura Sorrell, gave me some great advice:
When you enter a new organization, take the time to evaluate the environment. Understand what kind of space you’re walking into—because that shapes how you should operate.
That lesson stuck with me.
When I interviewed at BayOne, it was a completely different experience. I had a three-hour whiteboard session with Raw, Yogesh, and Anuj—and right from that moment, I felt aligned. They were genuinely interested in ideas—whether about diversity or process or anything else. It felt natural, it felt exciting.
Since then, I haven’t struggled with impostor syndrome the way I used to.
Sure, not every idea lands—but that’s okay. If one place isn’t ready to receive what I bring to the table, I know there are other spaces that will.
It took time—but I finally feel confident in what I contribute.
