Confidence Catalyst: How Women Can Redefine and Claim Confidence & Leadership

Posted on June 20, 2023 by Camilla Quintana, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

What’s invisible, but has the power to make you seen?

It is… your confidence!

Did you know that confidence plays a vital role in our emotional well-being and health? It shapes the lens through which we perceive and respond to the world, giving us a more positive outlook on life and a greater sense of capability and agency.

People with high self-confidence have a secret weapon – they believe in themselves. This belief has a ripple effect on every aspect of their lives. When faced with tricky situations, like conflicts or setbacks, they don’t crumble under pressure. Instead, they rise to the occasion with the certainty that they can overcome anything that comes their way.

On the other hand, those lacking confidence find it harder to muster the same level of self-assurance, leaving them feeling stuck and unsure of themselves.

Confidence is also closely related to leadership qualities, and those who possess it are better able to draw people in, making them more receptive to their ideas and vision, and consequently to leave their mark.

In short, confidence isn’t just a nice-to-have quality; it’s a game-changer that opens doors to personal and professional satisfaction, success and growth.

- Unlocking Your Inner Confidence -

The good news is that confidence, far from being an inherent trait, is a skill that can be learned and mastered.

Studies reveal that approximately 50% of confidence is influenced by our genes, but the other 50% is shaped by our environment, experiences and our personal development.

Therefore, even if you were raised in an environment that didn’t prioritize or foster your confidence, your mind is resilient. By embracing new thought patterns, challenging automatic self-doubt, and celebrating your strengths, you can develop and train your confidence muscles.

One thing that often stands in the way of us feeling confident is our fear of failure. It makes us overthink, second-guess our actions and prevents us from taking risks and seizing opportunities.

But here’s a secret: failure is not the enemy of confidence; it’s an ally in disguise. Like I said, confidence is a muscle that strengthens through courage and perseverance. If you can learn to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, you’ll uncover valuable lessons and discover that the fear of failure is far worse than the failure itself. So, dust yourself off, embrace your imperfections, and let them guide you towards a much more confident version of yourself!

- The Female Confidence Factor -

In recent years, there has been much talk about the gender gap in confidence.

In the workplace, it’s often perceived that men hold the upper hand, but it’s crucial to recognize the societal stereotypes that still linger, causing women to hesitate and hold back more, despite their undeniable qualifications.

Most boardrooms, the places where decisions are made that shape the business and political landscape, are still predominantly filled with male executives. This unfortunate reality is reflected in the statistics, with a mere 10% of Fortune 500 companies being led by female CEOs. It’s a glaring reminder of the underrepresentation of the female perspective in the business and political realms.

Recent studies have also revealed that women-led startups receive a tiny fraction (less than 3% at the time of writing) of venture capital investments, and men are more likely to be promoted and receive substantial pay raises. The role of confidence and assertiveness comes into play here in two significant ways:

Firstly, men often project a stronger sense of confidence. Numerous studies have indicated that men tend to overestimate their abilities and performance, while women underestimate both, even when their actual performances are of comparable quality.

Secondly, the manner in which men showcase their confidence is often met with more positive reception and acceptance.

Imagine confidence as a vibrant palette of colors, each shade representing a unique approach. Traditionally, men wield bold strokes, assertively displaying their confidence. They voice their opinions with certainty and clarity.

In contrast, women often bring a more collaborative and empathic touch to the canvas. They actively listen, collaborate effectively, and stand firmly behind their convictions. Still, many male-dominated environments lean towards valuing the bold brushstrokes, thus unintentionally suppressing the softer hues of confidence.

It’s high time to reassess and redefine our understanding of confidence, both for ourselves and for others. We must challenge the prevailing norms and embrace a more inclusive definition that celebrates diverse approaches to confidence.

- The Lace & Leather Leadership Style -

It was this realization exactly that made me come up with my very own Leadership Style. You see, for the longest time I had thought of myself as lacking boldness, directness and assertiveness. I was everyone’s go-to colleague and friend, the one they could always count on, who strived to make others feel at ease and would go with the flow, but never one to impose my will.

But when I started my own business, my leadership style (or what I thought of as a lack thereof) became a concern. I read books, articles, and attended seminars on leadership and confidence. Then, during a photo shoot one day, wearing a lace top and a leather jacket, it occurred to me:

I had been mistaken all along. I wasn’t lacking confidence or leadership qualities at all; it was simply that my style was different from the conventional idea I had in my mind!

My style was soft and flowing as lace. I’m someone who understands different perspectives and empathizes with various ways of being. My confidence doesn’t come from strong opinions or heated arguments with those who disagree. It’s displayed through my ability to accept and embrace diverse realities without feeling threatened or compelled to abandon my own beliefs.

At the same time, I also have clear values, goals, and standards, that represent the firmness of leather. While I may not be the type to boss people around, I’m good at motivating and inspiring them to act in everyone’s best interest. I believe in the power of team spirit rather than enforcing hierarchies.

Lace and Leather, not either or, but their unique blend. This is my personal expression of confidence and leadership skills.

- Discover Your Unique Expression Of Confidence & Leadership Style -

Now, let me ask you:

What does your unique expression of confidence look like?

What is YOUR genuine, individual style of leadership?

I encourage you to challenge old ideas and convictions, and to instead define your own.

Would you like some guidance exploring and strengthening the essence of your individual confidence and leadership style? I’d love to help you uncover your most authentic way!

>>> Contact me now to schedule an appointment with me.<<<