1️⃣ Understand the Triggers — It’s Not Just You

Here’s why impostor syndrome can feel more intense for Vietnamese talent working with U.S. employers:

• 🔹 Communication style differences: In the U.S., direct and assertive speech is valued. In Vietnam, modesty and indirect feedback are often preferred.
  ➡ Result: You may think you’re “less confident” when it’s just a different style.
• 🔹 Fast decision-making: U.S. meetings may feel high-speed, with quick brainstorming and on-the-spot decisions.
  ➡ Result: You may feel “slow” — but you’re actually being thorough and thoughtful.
• 🔹 Self-promotion expectations: U.S. teams expect you to speak about your achievements openly.
  ➡ Result: If you’re used to humility, you may understate your impact and feel overlooked.

📌 Mindset shift: These aren’t weaknesses — they’re simply different playbooks. You can learn the U.S. rules without losing your authentic Vietnamese approach.

2️⃣ Fight Feelings with Facts

Impostor syndrome lives in emotion, not evidence. To beat it, collect proof of your value.

💡 Action Steps:

• Create a “Victory File” — Save client compliments, successful project screenshots, and positive feedback from Slack or email.
• Track hard numbers — Hours saved for a client, sales generated, user engagement increases.
• Review regularly — Before important calls, read your victories. It boosts confidence instantly.

Example: Ngoc, a virtual assistant in Ho Chi Minh City, kept doubting her contribution to a U.S. marketing firm. After tracking her work, she realized her lead-generation efforts increased client sales by 18% in just 3 months. Facts like that silence self-doubt fast.

3️⃣ Decode U.S. Communication — and Adapt Smartly

You don’t need to “become American” to succeed. You just need to adapt where it matters most:

• 📢 Speak up early in meetings: In U.S. culture, early participation shows engagement.
• 📜 Be concise: Focus on the “so what” — what’s the result or next step?
• 🗣 Disagree respectfully: Try “I see your point, but here’s another perspective…” instead of “I think you’re wrong.”

Example: Phuong, a remote project manager, started summarizing updates in bullet points instead of long paragraphs. Her U.S. team noticed the change and complimented her clarity — making her feel like a key contributor.

4️⃣ Build Your Confidence Network

Confidence is contagious. Surround yourself with people who see your value.

Ways to find allies in a U.S. company:

• Participate in non-work Slack channels (like #pets or #music).
• Schedule 15-minute coffee chats with team members.
• Join mentorship programs — many U.S. companies offer them.

Having even one supportive colleague can change the way you view yourself.

5️⃣ Shift from Comparison to Collaboration

Comparing yourself to native English speakers or senior team members is a losing game. Instead, focus on what you bring that they don’t:

• Knowledge of Asian markets and consumer behavior.
• Cultural sensitivity for international projects.
• Cost-efficient problem-solving skills.

💬 Collaboration mindset tip: In your head, replace “I’m behind” with “I’m bringing something different to the table.”

6️⃣ Train Confidence Like a Muscle

Confidence isn’t a personality trait — it’s a habit.

Small daily practices:

• Speak once per meeting, even if it’s just to agree or ask a question.
• Volunteer for a low-risk, high-visibility task.
• Practice your meeting intro until it feels natural: “Hi, I’m Lan, the marketing coordinator from Vietnam. I specialize in email campaigns and user engagement.”

The more you practice, the more your brain sees you as capable — because you keep proving it.

🛠 Bonus Tool: The “Impostor Emergency Plan”

When impostor thoughts hit before a big U.S. team meeting, try this 3-minute reset:

• Breathe: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4.
• Review 3 wins from your Victory File.
• Affirm: Say out loud — “I earned my spot here. My work adds value.”