One of the things that arbitral institutions often expect from panel applicants is Fellowship of some sort of professional arbitration institution.
For example:
➡ The Singapore Institute of Arbitrators (SIArb) Primary and Secondary panels both require applicants to be fully paid up SIArb Fellows; and
➡ The Singapore International Arbitration Centre's Panel Standards of Admission require applicants to hold "a fellowship from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators or any comparable professional arbitration institute".
I became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) more than a decade ago.
In addition to being able to use certain post-nominal letters after my name, this gave me the ability to quip "It is always a pleasure to meet a fellow Fellow".
This undoubtedly led to many groans over the years.
But I digress.
As part of the application process, aspiring CIArb Fellows must participate in a Peer Interview.
I had a massive attack of imposter syndrome in the days before my Peer Interview.
I struggled to see myself as a 'Fellow' of a professional organization.
A decade ago, I was lucky enough to look rather young for my age and, of course, I am unapologetically petite.
Although I knew my stuff, it was difficult to shake the idea that no one hearing the word 'Fellow' was likely to be picturing someone who looked like me.
Basically, I was worried about how I would come across during my Peer Interview.
Now, if worrying was an Olympic sport, I would be a worthy gold medal contender.
Catastrophization is one of my specialties.
All I could picture were negative outcomes.
My imposter syndrome was clouding my judgment about myself and my abilities.
Luckily, dealing with attacks of imposter syndrome is one of Amber Allan's specialties.
She dealt with mine back then, following which I not only became a Fellow, but also had the confidence to do all the things to support the Ciarb that I said I would do during my Peer Interview.
In the meantime, Amber became Head of Learning & Development at Stewarts - they are very lucky to have her!
There is no one I could be happier to have speaking about the subject of 'Overcoming Imposter Syndrome' for The ADR Wellbeing Toolbox, a joint initiative by my platform, ARBalance, the Vienna International Arbitral Centre of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (VIAC), and R.E.A.L. - Racial Equality for Arbitration Lawyers.
Whether you are studying, applying for your first internship or associate role, seeking promotion or partnership, pitching for mandates, searching for your first arbitrator appointment, or launching an arbitrator practice, imposter syndrome can stop you in your tracks.
But Amber can help.
Don't take my word for it though, join us on October 4 to hear from Amber herself!
📅 Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
🕛 Time: 12:00 BST | 13:00 CEST | 7:00 EST
🔗 Register here or via the QR Code on the flyer: https://lnkd.in/dGbPk9KF