“What is confidence?” – the facilitator asked.
This was right at the start of a conversation I had this week with a group of talented women leaders from a leading MNC on the topic of “Building Confidence”. This event was organised by Common Purpose, a global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to fostering impactful leadership. #SwatiMathur, Asia CEO of Common Purpose, was the facilitator of this fireside chat.
The question got me thinking – To me, confidence has three essential components:✨ Clarity of Thought – Knowing your perspective clearly✨ Comfort with that Clarity – Trusting your own ideas✨ Courage to Stand by It – Holding firm, even when challengedwhat is confidence, really.
The 3Cs that build the big C of Confidence!
We had an engaging discussion around this model, especially in the context of women in the workplace. Misinterpretations and biases about women's actions are all too common. For example:🔸 Waiting to speak may be seen as a lack of confidence, while interrupting can be labeled as too assertive.🔸 Showing ambition or drive can be mistaken as over-aggression.
We explored strategies to overcome such biases. The graphic I’ve shared here captures a word cloud of what resonated most with the participants by the end of our conversation.
In my experience, building confidence is a personal journey involving three key steps:
1. Self-Knowledge – Knowing who you are at your core
2. Self-Awareness – Staying connected with yourself
3. Self-Acceptance – Embracing yourself fully, with both your strengths and flaws
When we truly accept ourselves, fear and hesitation fade. That’s where courage takes root. It's an inward journey—challenging but deeply rewarding—and one that demands intentional effort.
In my coaching practice, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with many women leaders through this journey. Witnessing them emerge more self-assured, empowered, and ready to conquer their challenges in their own authentic way is immensely fulfilling.
So, let me ask you the same question I was asked:What’s YOUR definition of confidence? I’d love to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments below!
#Confidence #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #CoachingJourney #IllumeInsightInspire #SelfAwareness #SelfAcceptance #WomenEmpowerment
Illume. Insight. Inspire. ✨
