imagine (someone or something) as (someone or something)
To envision or picture someone or something as somehow different than they currently are. I've only known Carly as a yoga teacher, so I really can't imagine her as an investment banker, but apparently, that's what she used to do. Come on, no negativity—the show hasn't even aired yet, so try to imagine it as a success.
imagine someone or something as someone or something
to think of someone or something as another person or another type of thing. I really can't imagine you as a sailor. When I imagine John as our new president, I really worry about our future as a company.