In this episode, Sarah explores the confidence gap many women experience at work and why, despite equal competence, women are often less likely than men to back themselves, speak up about achievements, or go for opportunities.

Drawing on compelling research from leadership, psychology, and neuroscience, Sarah explains why confidence shows up differently for women – and, crucially, what you can do about it. She shares three practical, immediately actionable techniques to help you own your achievements, increase your visibility, and build genuine, sustainable confidence at work.

If you’ve ever played down your success, waited to be noticed, or felt uncomfortable talking about your impact, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Why confidence is just as important as competence for career success
2. The research behind the confidence gap between men and women
3. How socialisation, brain wiring, and hormones influence confidence
4. Why “fake it till you make it” doesn’t really work
5. Three practical ways to start owning your achievements with confidence

Show Notes

[01:00] Why confidence matters for leadership and career progression

[02:00] Why confidence shows up again and again in client work

[03:00] Introducing the confidence gap: playing down achievements and waiting to be recognised

[04:00] Research insights: how women and men differ in confidence at work

[05:00] Salary negotiations, career expectations, and why women ask for less

[06:00] Why women only apply for roles when they meet 100% of the criteria

[07:00] The neuroscience of confidence: emotional memory, risk, and rumination

[08:00] How brain wiring and threat-scanning impact confidence and risk-taking

[09:00] Confidence vs competence – and why belief drives action

[10:00] Technique 1: Reframing self-promotion as sharing value and leading well

[11:00] A real-life example of reframing visibility without ego

[12:00] Technique 2: Building an evidence bank to strengthen self-belief

[13:00] How an evidence bank helps silence your inner critic

[14:00] Technique 3: Using confident language that doesn’t dilute your impact

[15:00] Noticing and replacing confidence-eroding phrases

[16:00] Final reflections, next steps, and how Sarah can support you further

Useful Links

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Research on Gender and Salary Negotiation

Research by Institute of Leadership & Management

Rate & Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk

Remember: you’re capable of more than you know.

Shine brightly. Lead boldly. Be unstoppable. ✨