When Pear VC managing partner Mar Hershenson started her electrical engineering PhD at Stanford, she immediately felt way out of her depth. At the time, she had never heard of “imposter syndrome,” but she’s since realized that it significantly impacted her early career. In tennis, she says, you only learn by “playing up,” and competing against stronger players. In any endeavor, she’s found, the way to beat imposter syndrome is to focus on the benefits of “playing up,” and also to over-prepare.
Related

Annie Hockey,
Column
Reimagining Fintech [Entire Talk]
The banking industry poses complex regulatory challenges for fintech entrepreneurs — but the space is ripe for innovation.
Video
44 minutes
Annie Hockey,
Column
Reimagining Fintech [Entire Talk]
The banking industry poses complex regulatory challenges for fintech entrepreneurs — but the space is ripe for innovation.

Elise Densborn,
Splendid Spoon
From Customer to Co-CEO [Entire Talk]
Passion for a brand or industry can be an incredible starting point for gaining entrepreneurial experience.
Video
45 minutes
Elise Densborn,
Splendid Spoon
From Customer to Co-CEO [Entire Talk]
Passion for a brand or industry can be an incredible starting point for gaining entrepreneurial experience.

Dante Disparte,
Circle
Ethical Crypto Innovation [Entire Talk]
To build a better crypto industry, start with ethics.
Video
48 minutes
Dante Disparte,
Circle
Ethical Crypto Innovation [Entire Talk]
To build a better crypto industry, start with ethics.