In this episode, I do something different. Instead of interviewing CEOs, creatives or coaches, I bring together four AI systems (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Grok) and ask them about confidence.

Each system has processed more human writing on psychology, performance and self-doubt than any individual ever could. I wanted to know: where would they agree? Where would they diverge? And would they tell us anything we don’t already know?

What emerged was both reassuring and unsettling. Reassuring, because across their different “personalities,” there was striking agreement: confidence is self-trust built through action, not bravado or certainty. Unsettling, because they all surfaced the same modern risk — that in a world saturated with AI, we may quietly outsource the very judgement that real confidence depends on.

This conversation explores what confidence actually is, why so many capable people wait to feel ready, how judgement and vulnerability shape self-trust, and what will matter most for human confidence in the decade ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Confidence is self-trust under pressure. It isn’t loudness, certainty or bravado. It’s the belief that you can handle what happens, even when you don’t control it.
• The biggest misconception is that confident people don’t doubt themselves. In reality, they feel doubt. They simply don’t treat it as a stop sign.
• Confidence is embodied. It lives in the nervous system as much as the mind - shaped by repetition, physical cues, breath, posture and exposure to manageable discomfort.
• Judgement and vulnerability both shape confidence. Anchoring your self-worth internally while using feedback as information (and sharing vulnerability with discernment) strengthens trust rather than weakens it.
• In the age of AI, confidence is shifting. The skills that matter most now are discernment, adaptability, creativity, emotional intelligence and presence. The qualities technology cannot replicate.
• The greatest risk to human confidence is outsourcing judgement. Real confidence still has to be built through experience, failure and the discomfort of thinking for yourself before reaching for the fastest answer.
• Real confidence remains “old-fashioned.” It is still built through failure, reflection, discomfort and lived experience, something no algorithm can shortcut.

About the Panel

This episode features four AI systems trained on vast bodies of human language and research:

• ChatGPT developed by OpenAI, designed to engage in conversation and reflect patterns in human thinking and behaviour.
• Claude created by Anthropic, focused on helpful, honest and safety-oriented dialogue.
• Gemini built by Google, designed to process and synthesise information across domains.
• Grok developed by xAI, positioned as a more direct, irreverent voice in the AI landscape.

While none of them experience confidence, each analyses it through patterns in language, behaviour and research at scale offering a mirror to what humans repeatedly reveal about themselves.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of In Confidence, I’m joined by my long-standing supervision group: a circle of experienced executive coaches and coaching supervisors from across Europe. We’ve been meeting regularly since 2020, and our conversations are shaped by years of shared reflection, practice, and learning together.

We explore confidence not as a performance or personality trait, but as a lived and relational experience that shifts depending on context. Drawing on our coaching work with clients at all levels, from early career professionals to C-suite leaders, we unpack what often sits beneath “confidence issues,” including fear, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, the need for acceptance, and early life experiences.

We also reflect on how societal and cultural ideas about confidence can do more harm than good, especially when confidence is equated with volume, speed, or dominance. Throughout the conversation, we return to the importance of self-awareness, compassion, embodiment, values, and psychological safety both in leadership and in our own lives.

Finally, we reflect on how supervision itself has shaped our confidence, offering a space where we can be honest, uncertain, and curious, and where confidence grows through both comfort and challenge. I close the episode by inviting listeners to move from insight to action with small, doable steps over the coming weeks.

About the Guests

Ciara Woods is a Master Certified Coach (ICF), accredited Coach Supervisor (CSA), and host of the In Confidence podcast. With over two decades of experience, she works internationally with leaders from emerging talent to C-suite across sectors including FTSE 100 and NASDAQ 100 companies, professional services, public sector organisations, and elite sports teams. ciarawoods@me.com

Luciano Boccucci is a Master Certified Executive Coach and Coaching Supervisor who supports leaders to grow with authenticity and courage. His work invites people to explore new ways of thinking, embrace uncertainty, and translate awareness into purposeful action and meaningful impact. www.nostopevolution.com

Mark Dearnley is an Executive Coach and accredited Coach Supervisor with over a decade of experience in organisational change, leadership development, and talent management in multinational organisations. He works with senior leaders, emerging leaders, coaches, and professionals, and also coaches elite combat sports athletes, including world champions. https://www.coachingsupervisionacademy.com/accredited-supervisors-directory?cnSelected=ZI4j9QuaonrJWkYSyiT4

Nadine Hemmer is an EMCC Global Master Practitioner executive coach and accredited coach supervisor with over 25 years’ experience supporting executives and teams across European institutions and companies. A psychologist specialising in cognitive and behavioural therapy, she focuses on cultivating psychological flexibility to support sustainable performance, clarity, and strong relationships. www.nadine-hemmer.eu

Naina Oliver is a trainer, facilitator, and executive and team coach with around ten years’ experience, following an earlier career as a BBC journalist, presenter, and recruitment business owner. Her work centres on understanding and supporting people, with confidence as a recurring theme in both her professional practice and personal journey. naina@remarkablehumans.co.uk

Simona Cattabiani is a Professional Certified Coach working internationally with business executives and leadership coaching programmes. She works systemically and holistically with the whole person, integrating rational, behavioural, emotional, and embodied dimensions to support leaders navigating today’s emergent challenges with meaning and purpose. http://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-cattabiani

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In this solo episode, I reflect on the first season of In Confidence and the key principles that emerged from conversations with world-renowned leaders, creative innovators, and expert practitioners. From senior executives to celebrated fashion designers, the season revealed that confidence is not innate — it is cultivated through self-awareness, self-acceptance, and purposeful action.

Through these conversations, season one uncovered three foundational principles of confidence: knowing yourself, accepting yourself, and taking responsibility for your actions. Across diverse experiences, guests highlighted that confidence is developed through repeated practice, reflection, and learning from real-world challenges — not through perfection or bravado.

In this episode, I also weave in reflections from younger voices, my family, and book club members, showing how these principles play out across generations and everyday life. Their experiences reinforce that confidence is built through experimentation, curiosity, and engagement with others.

Key Takeaways

• Know yourself: Understanding your strengths, triggers, and environment creates clarity and grounded confidence.
• Accept yourself: True confidence comes from embracing your authentic self and stopping the pursuit of perfection.
• Take responsibility: Growth requires owning your actions, managing your energy, and taking meaningful steps even when outcomes are uncertain.
• Confidence through action: You don’t need to feel fully ready — small, deliberate steps often generate confidence.
• Community and mentorship matter: Learning, reflection, and shared experiences accelerate confidence development.
• Learning and experimentation: Confidence thrives through curiosity, adaptability, and persistence, whether in leadership, creativity, or everyday challenges.

About This Episode

This solo episode reflects on the lessons from season one and previews the direction for season two. It draws on insights from senior leaders, renowned creatives, and expert guests, supplemented by examples from everyday life, demonstrating that confidence is a skill that can be cultivated by anyone, anywhere.

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In this special bonus holiday episode, I’m joined by five remarkable women from my Transatlantic Book Club (TABC), a group that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and spans six cities (Brussels, Chicago, London, New York, Toronto, and Quito) across five countries (Belgium, USA, UK, Canada, and Ecuador).

What started as an imagined escape (audiobooks on commutes, one hour a month online) has become something far richer. Over five years and 50 books, this group has explored everything from literary classics to contemporary fiction, and memoirs to magical realism. Along the way, we’ve discovered not only new authors and genres, but new ways of thinking, speaking, listening, and trusting ourselves.

In this conversation, we reflect on how confidence shows up in the books we’ve read (often quietly, often indirectly) and how the simple, consistent practice of reading together and sharing our perspectives has shaped our confidence over time. From finding your voice, to challenging groupthink, to feeling seen and heard no matter what’s happening in your life, this episode is a celebration of curiosity, connection, and the confidence that grows when we give ourselves space to think.

Key Takeaways

• Confidence has many definitions, from quiet self-trust to stepping beyond your comfort zone, and is shaped by experience.

• Reading builds confidence over time by exposing you to different genres, ideas, cultures, and writing styles that expand perspective.

• Finding your voice matters: Having a safe space to articulate opinions builds confidence in how you think and speak.

• Discomfort is part of growth: Some of the richest insights come from books we don’t like or agree with.

• Confidence isn’t always loud: It can show up as resilience, curiosity, integrity, kindness, or staying true to yourself.

• Being seen and heard regularly is powerful: Consistent connection can create belonging, self-belief, and trust.

• Small commitments compound: Reading one book a month can have ripple effects across confidence, empathy, creativity, and life.

Books Discussed

1. 1984 – George Orwell
2. Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy
3. Aria – Nazanine Hozar
4. The Catcher in the Rye – J. D. Salinger
5. The Great Circle – Maggie Shipstead
6. If I Had Your Face – Frances Cha
7. The Island of Missing Trees – Elif Shafak
8. Klara and the Sun – Kazuo Ishiguro
9. Lessons in Chemistry – Bonnie Garmus
10. Manhattan Beach – Jennifer Egan
11. The Shadow of the Wind – Carlos Ruiz Zafón
12. This Is Going to Hurt – Adam Kay
13. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow – Gabrielle Zevin
14. Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens

Other Books Read

15. The Mothers — Brit Bennett

16.  The Aunt Who Would Not Die — Shirshedndu Mukhopadhayay

17.  Stranger City — Linda Grant

18.  Hamnet — Maggie O’Farrell

19.  The Sympathizer — Viet Thanh Nguyen

20.  Malibu Rising — Taylor Jenkins Reid

21.  The Dutch House — Ann Patchett

22.  The Nightingale — Kristin Hannah

23.  The Midnight Library — Matt Haig

24.  A Passage North — Anuk Arudpragasam

25.  Miss Benson’s Beetle — Rachel Joyce

26.  A Nearly Normal Family — M. T. Edvardsson

27.  The Paper Palace — Miranda Cowley-Heller

28.  Two Nights in Lisbon — Chris Pavone

29.  True Biz — Sara Novic

30.  Groundskeeping — Lee Cole

31.  The View from Castle Rock — Alice Munro

32.  Hello, Beautiful — Ann Napolitano

33.  Pineapple Street — Jenny Jackson

34.  The Marriage Portrait — Maggie O’Farrell

35.  Yellowface — R. F. Kuang

36.  Tender Is the Night — F. Scott Fitzgerald

37.  The Penelopiad — Margaret Atwood

38.  Love in the Time of Cholera — Gabriel García Márquez

39.  The Light Between Oceans — M. L. Stedman

40.  Long Petal of the Sea — Isabel Allende

41.  Happy Place — Emily Henry

42.  Roman Stories — Jhumpa Lahiri

43.  The Country Girls — Edna O’Brien

44.  Peggy — Rebecca Godfrey & Leslie Jamison

45.  Papyrus: The Invention of Books — Irene Vallejo

46.  The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus — Emma Knight

47.  All Fours — Miranda July

48.  Long Island — Colm Tóibín

49.  The Letter Carrier — Francesca Giannone

50.  The Year of Magical Thinking — Joan Didion

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How does learning to figure things out as a child shape a lifetime of confidence?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. James E. West, co-inventor of the electret microphone and pioneering acoustician, to explore confidence, curiosity, and the power of self-belief. Now in his 90s, Dr. West continues to work with remarkable clarity and focus, sharing insights from a lifetime of innovation and mentorship. Growing up in the segregated South with a mother who was one of the “hidden figures” at NASA, he experienced systemic inequality firsthand, shaping his lifelong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and mentoring in STEM. That early self-reliance has guided him throughout his career and continues to do so today.

Across decades of innovation—from Bell Labs to Johns Hopkins University—Dr. West shares lessons on learning from mistakes, mentoring others, and taking meaningful action. He shows that confidence isn’t about proving people wrong, but trusting your ability to figure things out, staying curious, and taking responsibility for your path, even in the face of unfairness.

Key Takeaways

· Confidence as self-efficacy: Trust your ability to learn, adapt, and solve problems through effort, curiosity, and persistence.

· Curiosity fuels innovation: Asking questions and exploring ideas is essential for growth in science, technology, and life.

· Learning from mistakes: Mistakes are signals, not failures; progress comes from trial, error, and reflection.

· Mentorship matters: Being a mentor means taking responsibility seriously—listening, being patient, and investing time to help others grow.

· Internal confidence: Real confidence is holding onto your belief in yourself, even when external validation is impossible.

· Diversity and inclusion in STEM: Dr. West advocates for creating opportunities and supporting underrepresented communities.

· Action matters: Engage with issues that impact your life, family, or community. Small steps can reinforce self-confidence.

About Dr. James E. West

Dr. West is an American inventor and acoustician, celebrated for co-inventing the electret microphone with Gerhard Sessler. With more than 250 U.S. and foreign patents, hundreds of publications, and decades of groundbreaking research, he has dedicated his life to innovation, mentorship, and advocacy for diversity in STEM. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame (1999), awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President George W. Bush (2006) and the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Electrical Engineering (2010).

Mentioned

Electret Microphone – nist.gov/si-research-electret-microphone

National Inventors Hall of Fame – invent.org/inductees

National Medal of Technology and Innovation – uspto.gov

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In this episode, I sit down with Roland Mouret, celebrated fashion designer, to explore confidence from multiple perspectives: the power of accepting your unique traits, learning from pivotal moments, and seeing the impact of your work in helping others recognize their own strength. We dive into how self-awareness, reflection, and embracing both strengths and weaknesses shape steady confidence, whether in art, design, or life. Roland shares heartfelt stories from childhood through career-defining moments, showing how confidence isn’t about perfection, but about authenticity, resilience, and perspective.

Key Takeaways

· How recognising and embracing your peculiarities (the traits that make you unique) can be a source of strength rather than limitation.

· How early life experiences shaped his confidence, and the power of reclaiming labels or perceived weaknesses as part of your identity.

· Navigating who you are in relation to the group and showing up authentically.

· The role of creative work as a form of self-expression and a way to empower others, with confidence stemming from impact rather than recognition.

· How defining personal values and staying true to them guides decision-making and career choices. The balance of modesty and ego as tools to navigate success with integrity.

· How perspective shifts (seeing yourself through someone else’s loving eyes or embracing the difference between online appearance and real life) can boost self-assurance.

About Roland

Roland Mouret is a French fashion designer renowned for his innovative and empowering designs, most famously the Galaxy dress, which cemented his place in fashion history. Through his career, Roland has focused on the transformative power of clothing to give people confidence and self-expression. His work spans global recognition, magazine covers, and cultural impact, all while remaining committed to authenticity, personal growth, and the values that define him as a designer and individual.

Resources Mentioned

· Roland Mouret — follow on Instagram (@rolandmouret), and website (www.rolandmouret.com).

· Roland’s Galaxy Dress — a defining moment in fashion history and an example of creativity enhancing confidence.

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In this episode, I sit down with Luisa Barile, CEO of ManyPets, to explore confidence from multiple perspectives: the power of knowing your North Star, learning from pivotal moments, and embracing the challenges that make us stronger. We dig into how preparation, faith, and community shape steady confidence, especially when balancing the demands of leadership and motherhood. Whether you're navigating career moves, public speaking, or managing competing priorities, this conversation blends heartfelt stories with actionable advice.

Key Takeaways

• How defining your own “North Star” helps you say no and focus on what truly matters.
• The impact of early life experiences on confidence and triggers to watch for.
• The importance of preparation to free up mental energy and perform at your best.
• Why some unorthodox career moves actually build resilience and growth.
• How humility and faith contribute to a grounded, authentic confidence.
• Practical steps to build confidence gradually by leveraging your strengths.
• Balancing the demands of being a CEO and a mother without losing yourself.
• The power of community, feedback, and self-reflection to keep growing.

About Luisa

Luisa Barile is CEO of ManyPets, a company transforming pet insurance through technology and customer focus. Luisa is an actuary by training, she spent 10 years at McKinsey as a management consultant and has held various roles in the insurance industry including operations manager at Beazley, COO and then CEO of the insurance outsource provider Charles Taylor Insurance Services and NED of insurance tech company Fadata. Luisa joined ManyPets in 2018. Luisa is also a Co-Chair of the industry association Insurtech UK.

Resources Mentioned

• Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt — insights on resilience and growth through adversity.
• Professor Rao’s exercise on observing and challenging mental chatter, from Are You Ready to Succeed?
• Seneca’s quote on daring and difficulty: “It’s not because things are difficult that you do not dare. It’s because you do not dare that they are difficult.”
• Many Pets — follow on Instagram (@manypets_uk), LinkedIn (ManyPets) and website (www.manypets.com) for insights and updates.

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Many wise people throughout history have recognised the deep insight and perspective of children and young people and this episode is a beautiful reminder of just how true that is. 

In this conversation, I sit down with my six nieces and nephews (aged between 9 and 18, and living in both Ireland and the US) to talk about confidence. We explore the challenges facing their peers today, from public speaking nerves to academic self-doubt and body image to social anxiety, and they share what helps them and what doesn’t. They also offer thoughtful, generous advice for parents and adults who want to support young people as they grow in confidence.

This is a warm, funny, and moving conversation full of honesty and wisdom. We talk about how confidence is shaped by the people around us, the stories we tell ourselves, and the small actions that help us feel braver, stronger, and more ourselves.

Key takeaways:

• Confidence often starts with comfort and grows with practice.
• Public speaking is a huge one and most of us feel the fear!
• Childhood labels (even the jokey ones) can linger long after they’re said.
• Talking to someone you trust can make a big difference.
• Being around people who let you be your full self helps confidence grow.
• Arguing with friends doesn’t mean the friendship is over. Real confidence includes repair.
• Sometimes, the best way to feel confident is to do something small you know you’re good at — first.
• Parents can help most by listening without fixing, showing trust, and encouraging effort over outcomes.

About the guests:

This episode features my nieces (Keelin and Jessie) and nephews (Tom, Ben, Charlie and Dylan) a brilliant, thoughtful, funny, and wise bunch, ranging in age from 9 to 18. Some live in Ireland, some in the US, and all of them brought honesty, insight, and humour to this episode. I’m so grateful to each of them for sharing so openly.

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In this episode, I speak to fine jewelry designer and founder of Marla Aaron Jewelry, Marla Aaron, about navigating self-doubt, dealing with online criticism, and taking action even when confidence is nowhere to be found. Marla openly admits she doesn’t feel confident but she creates anyway. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we don’t need to believe in ourselves to begin. We just need to start. 

Marla is honest, funny, and refreshingly practical. If you’ve ever doubted your creative instincts, or wondered whether your idea is too weird to work this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

·       You don’t need confidence to act — action can come first.

·       Perfection isn’t required (except in the final product).

·       Determination often matters more than confidence. Don’t give up on a good idea just because it gets hard.

·       Saying no can be an act of clarity and power.

·       You don’t have to quit your job to be creative — creativity lives in the everyday.

·       Physical movement (especially heavy lifting) can build strength, resilience, and self-trust.

·       Raising confident kids is a shared effort — between parents, schools, and the environments we create.

About Marla

Marla Aaron launched her eponymous jewelry brand in 2012, inspired by the raw beauty of hardware and a deep love of storytelling through objects. Best known for transforming the humble carabiner into fine jewelry (and for placing her pieces in vending machines, including at the Brooklyn Museum) Marla brings a rebellious, authentic spirit to everything she creates. Her unapologetic approach to business is as bold as her designs, earning features in Vogue, The New York Times, and more.

She lives by the words: “Jewelry’s only job is to bring joy to as many people as possible.” What began with a single lock has grown into a universe of mechanism-inspired, hard-working pieces including rings that open, convertible earrings and patented charms. Made in New York’s Diamond District and worn worldwide, each piece is designed to be used, mixed, and redefined by the wearer.

From giving away thousands of Heartlocks to single moms to winning the 2024 Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Marla’s work pushes boundaries redefining what jewelry is, and who it’s for.

Learn more about Marla and Marla Aaron Jewelry at www.marlaaaron.com 

Or follow her on Instagram at @marlaaaron

For more information about the Lock Your Mom initiative:

https://marlaaaron.com/pages/lock-your-mom-unhinged

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In this episode, I’m speaking to Robert Weldon (Bob) a driving instructor with nearly forty years of experience teaching in London. I came to Bob a mature learner, determined to pass my test first time, and continued lessons afterwards partly for skill-building, partly for the mentorship and friendship.

We explore how Bob’s deep-rooted confidence has shaped his approach to teaching driving and life—his calm under pressure, his ability to adapt to people and how teaching for decades has kept him sharp, humble, and grounded by a sense of humour that’s helped him navigate all kinds of people.

Through stories and driving metaphors—being in the driver’s seat of your life, shifting gears, slowing down before a leap—we dive into how confidence is literally a skill you build with practice, awareness, and grounded self-trust.

Whether you’re learning something new, recovering from failure, navigating change, or simply wanting to feel more steady in life, this conversation offers no-nonsense wisdom and actionable perspective.

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence begins with competence: as Bob says, it’s knowing what you're doing and being sure of yourself—a foundation built over time and practice.
• Learning is a progression: from unconscious incompetence to unconscious competence - driving is an ideal metaphor for that journey.
• The importance of awareness over speed: staying safe on the road, or in life, comes from looking, pausing, thinking - not rushing.
• Adaptability builds trust: Bob’s mechanical approach - analysing, recalibrating illustrates confidence as resilience, not façade. Rational persistence and self-belief can overcome fear.
• Confidence isn’t always the full story: Luck can play a quiet but powerful role in shaping a good life.
• It’s never too late for new experiences: How failure is rarely personal and it’s never too late to learn something new and overcome old fears.
• Being anchored in self-worth: Bob embodies a grounded self-belief that just is. “I am what I am.”

About Bob:

Bob is a London-based driving instructor with nearly 40 years of experience, teaching hundreds of pupils. He offers driving lessons through the British School of Motoring. You can book lessons with him on: www.bsm.co.uk

Other notes:

Podcast mentioned: How to Fail with Elizabeth Day

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In this episode, I’m joined by Vicky Reynal, a psychodynamic psychotherapist and the UK’s first financial therapist, to unpack the emotional roots of confidence. We explore how early life experiences shape our sense of worth, how we can raise confident children, and how our relationship with money often reflects deeper beliefs about ourselves.

Vicky shares practical and compassionate guidance on how we can begin to build true confidence - by working with fear, recognising our strengths and weaknesses, and moving gently beyond our comfort zone. Whether you're trying to ask for a raise, set boundaries, speak up, or simply feel more secure in yourself, this conversation offers both psychological depth and practical next steps. If you’ve ever struggled with confidence (whether in relationships, career, or finances) this episode offers empathic, evidence-based insights and actionable steps to move forward.

Key Takeaways:

·       How to challenge your inner critic by embracing a more balanced, reality-based mindset instead of fearing rejection or failure.

·       The importance of recognising both your strengths and weaknesses, and why accepting imperfection opens the door to growth.

·       Why taking manageable risks (even small ones) can be empowering and boost confidence.

·       The role of emotional factors in financial behavior, including feelings of worthiness and agency, and how these influence money habits.

·       Gender differences in risk-taking and confidence, with insights into how cultural and evolutionary factors shape financial attitudes.

·       Vicky’s personal journey with confidence, including how therapy helped her embrace being “ordinary” as a source of freedom, not failure.

·       Practical advice on building lasting confidence, such as pushing the edge of your comfort zone through preparation and practice.

·       Tips for raising confident children by nurturing a healthy self-view and encouraging resilience.

About Vicky:

Vicky Reynal is a psychodynamic psychotherapist and the UK’s first financial therapist. She specialises in helping people understand the unconscious emotional drivers behind their money habits and self-worth. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania (cum laude), alongside postgraduate diplomas in counselling and psychodynamic psychotherapy from WPF Therapy in London. Vicky also has an MBA from London Business School and an MA from the College of Europe. She is an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and is recognised as the UK’s first financial therapist.

Her book, Money on Your Mind, explores the intersection of emotional wellbeing and financial confidence, offering practical guidance for readers to understand and transform their relationship with money and self-worth.

Connect with Vicky:

Book: Money on Your Mind: the Psychology behind your Financial Habits – available now

Website:  vickyreynal.com

Instagram: @vickypsychotherapy

LinkedIn: Vicky Reynal

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In this episode, Ciara sits down with Nick Hedley of executive search firm Hedley May, to explore what confidence really is, how it fluctuates, and why it matters so much during interviews and career transitions.

From reframing interviews as two-way conversations to understanding how setbacks can quietly shape your self-worth, this conversation dives deep into the mental and emotional side of the job search. You’ll hear strategies for navigating rejection, building momentum in uncertain times, and showing up with belief in your own value—even when it feels hardest.

If you're preparing for interviews (as interviewer or interviewee), feeling stuck, or rethinking your next career step, this episode offers practical wisdom and a grounded reminder that confidence isn’t something you simply have or don’t—it’s something you can build. Ciara and Nick also discuss how confidence influences social mobility and the factors that can help bridge opportunity gaps.

For anyone navigating change or aiming to lead with greater clarity and self-belief, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

• Confidence is built, not born: It grows through repetition, preparation, and showing up even when you don’t feel ready.
• Treat interviews as two-way conversations: They’re about mutual fit—not just proving yourself. Bring your value and assess the environment too.
• Don’t disqualify yourself: Apply even if you meet only part of the criteria. Let the employer decide, not your inner critic.
• Rejection doesn’t define your worth: Losing a job or being overlooked is situational—not a reflection of who you are.
• Structure helps during uncertainty: Create a process for job searching or career exploration. Track your efforts and keep moving forward with intention.
• Confidence grows when you focus outward: Shift from “how do I look?” to “how can I help?” to stay connected and purposeful.
• Mindset matters in low moments: View discomfort as a sign of growth. If it feels hard, you’re likely moving in the right direction.

About Nick

Nick Hedley has been driven by a belief that executive search firms could and should deliver far more value to clients, candidates, and society at large.

A trained lawyer, Nick is an expert in roles such as General Counsel, Company Secretary, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer, and Head of Internal Audit. He is widely recognised for his insights into how culture and governance affect an organization’s long-term sustainability.

Nick regularly speaks at industry events, sharing expertise on the balance functional leaders must maintain between managing risk and driving business strategy, all within the context of governance, culture, and leadership. His keynotes often focus on developing future talent pipelines and defining success for functional leaders.

His chief motivation is to help others realize their potential and find purpose in their work. Nick extends this passion through his client work, mentoring, and championing social mobility, including as a judge for the UK Social Mobility Awards.

Resources

Website: www.hedleymay.com

Email: nick@hedleymay.com

Book: The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins

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In a world of bold voices and quiet doubts, this podcast is where we talk honestly about confidence.

In this introductory episode, I explore the two big questions that will guide this series: What is confidence? And how can we have more?

What Does This Episode Cover?

·      Why confidence matters and why it’s so often misunderstood

·      Two types of confidence: situational and general

·      How confidence evolves from expertise to self-trust

·      How to build confidence

·      What to expect from future episodes 

·      Why this podcast is about doing, not just listening

Who Am I?

I’m Ciara Woods, a Master Certified Coach — a credential held by around 5% of coaches globally. I’ve worked with leaders in more than 20 countries across five continents, including FTSE 100 and NASDAQ 100 companies, global law firms, financial institutions, and NGOs. Confidence comes up all the time in my work and this podcast is my way of bringing those powerful conversations to you.

How Does It Work?

Each episode, I’ll talk with someone from a different walk of life (including CEOs, creatives, and change-makers) and together, we’ll explore what confidence means to them, what they’ve learned, and what might help you, too.

But this isn’t just a podcast about confidence, it’s a space to build it. I want to encourage listeners to move from insight to action.

Each episode will offer a few simple suggestions, and you can decide what you would like to focus on — whether it’s a reflection, a mindset shift, or a small action you want to try.

Because confidence doesn’t just grow through ideas, it grows through action.

When do episodes come out?

New episodes drop on the first Tuesday of every month.

And you’ll find weekly nudges (also on Tuesdays) over to help keep you inspired and on track on:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ciarawoods
• Instagram: @ciara_woods_coach
• Substack: In Confidence with Ciara Woods

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In this episode of the podcast, Jackie, an award-winning nutritionist, author, speaker, and founder of the WellWellWell nutrition clinic, shares her expertise on how nutrition influences more than just your physical health — playing a crucial role in boosting confidence, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.

From balancing blood sugar to understanding how stress and hormones impact you, Jackie breaks down practical food strategies to help you stay grounded and sharp, both personally and professionally. If you’re experiencing the unique challenges of menopause, Jackie’s specialized knowledge as a menopause nutrition expert offers tailored advice to support you. 

For anyone looking to boost confidence and well-being, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Key Takeaways

• Why Confidence Isn’t Just Psychological — It’s Also Physiological: Jackie explains the powerful connection between physical health and confidence, and how hormones and blood sugar balance directly impact mental clarity and self-belief.
• Simple Food Strategies to Stop the Crash-and-Burn Cycle of Busy Days: Learn how small tweaks in your diet can keep you energized all day long and avoid those mid-afternoon energy slumps.
• How Nutritional Habits Can Support Women Through Menopause and Beyond: Jackie discusses how nutritional habits can help women maintain confidence and clarity during menopause and beyond, supporting emotional and mental well-being during this life transition.
• What Jackie Would Say to Her Younger Self About Confidence in Boardrooms: Jackie reflects on her past experiences in environments where dominant voices often overshadow others and shares what she wishes she knew about confidently navigating those spaces.

About Jackie

Jackie Lynch is an award-winning nutritionist, author, speaker, and the founder of the WellWellWell nutrition clinic, where she helps women navigate menopause with confidence. After spending 13 years in France, where her passion for food and nutrition grew, Jackie made a major career shift at 40, leaving a corporate job to study nutritional therapy. This transformation led her to open her own clinic and become a respected voice in the field.

Jackie hosts the popular The Happy Menopause podcast and is the founder of The Happy Menopause Club, offering expert resources for midlife women. She is the author of the bestselling The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish and her upcoming book, The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy (2025). A regular media contributor, Jackie’s clinic was named Menopause Nutrition Clinic of the Year in the 2021 and 2022 London & South-East Prestige Awards. She is a Fellow of the British Association for Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine and served as Chair of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition from 2011 to 2022.

Resources

Find out more about Jackie and the work that she does: 

• On her website: https://www.well-well-well.co.uk
• Her podcast: https://www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast
• And for advice on nutrition and menopause, check out her book: The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish

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In this episode, I sit down with Mishcon de Reya Partner and Chief Brand Officer Elliot Moss to explore confidence from multiple angles: the impact of grief, the power of practice, honest conversations with his daughter, and the role of music and identity in how we show up in the world. Whether you're preparing for a job interview, pitching a client, or simply trying to feel more sure of yourself, this conversation blends personal insight with practical advice.

Key Takeaways

• Elliot’s view on confidence, with a focus on public speaking and the role of practice.
• Confidently presenting yourself or your business (even if 'personal brand' isn’t your thing) with actionable tips for interviews and pitches.
• Elliot’s journey with confidence, setbacks and advice to his younger self.
• Exploring the connection between music and confidence.
• Chatting with his young daughter about confidence and having an honest conversation about how confidence shaped his career choices.
• The impact of grief on confidence and how it shapes your outlook.
• The importance of effort and going for it. Practical tips for building confidence and how confidence follows action, not the other way around.

About Elliot

Elliot is a Partner and the Chief Brand Officer at Mission de Reya, with overall responsibility for brand, marketing, communications, client relationships, product development and new business.

He worked for Leo Burnett for 12 years, joining as a management trainee in London. Elliot ran local, international and global client business and was on the Management Board of the London Office. He also worked in Mumbai and Mexico City. Elliot became Managing Director of Leagas Delaney in 2005 and in four years he helped the business to grow by 40%. Until 2018 he was Chairman of Bee Midtown the business improvement district for three years, as well as Deputy Chairman and a Board member of the London Chamber of Commerce for several years. He was named one of 2023's Trendsetters and Trailblazers in a new report from Storians, B2B Marketing and RHR International, was selected in 2019 to be one of the 50 Leading Lights of Kindness and Leadership and was also the first non-lawyer to be named the FT's ten most innovative individuals in the legal industry.

Resources

• Elliot has presented Jazz Shapers since 2012 interviewing founders on Jazz FM and BA High Life.
• Elliot mentioned reading Question 7. by Richard Flanagan, (Penguin Random House) https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/461145/question-7-by-flanagan-richard/9781529935479

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