"I have [suffered] it in relation to all the careers in my life - my appearance when I modelled, in mediating, in coaching, in facilitating mindfulness and leadership," she says of the syndrome, which manifests in a person with overwhelming feelings that their success is not deserved. "I remember becoming a mediator and doing my first work thinking, 'They don't know that it is just me, they think I am a professional, but it is just me dressed up as a professional, looking the part."

Ms Thaarup, a renowned mindfulness expert and for more than a decade the founder and chief executive officer of The Mindfulness Clinic, will join brand expert Janelle Gerrard in tackling Impostor Syndrome at the July 3 meeting of the Hunter Business Women's Network.

Ms Gerrard, who will use her lengthy experience in branding and advertising to help participants identify their strengths, says the syndrome is an "epidemic".

"People generally don't talk about it but once the conversation starts they admit to it and often think it is just them," she says, adding that both sexes are prone.

She cites figures in the Journal of Behavioural Science that suggest globally about 70 per cent of people acknowledge a persistent feeling of not being as good as others think they are.

Among snippets of advice she will offer at the event are for sufferers to talk with trusted friends.

"People will probably find they are not alone. It's highly likely you are held in high regard ... so learn to accept praise," she says.

Ms Thaarup says the syndrome is predominant in women because "we still tend to have very masculine models" for success. Research showed that working women were up to 40 per cent more stressed than others.

"Stress no doubt strengthens the grip of the Syndrome as it brings a focus on what is not right and creates internal negative global feelings and thoughts," she says.

The two businesswomen will run workshops on the subject in August.