As a confidence coach, my week has been packed with client sessions, preparing for upcoming programmes and focusing on projects for next year. All this activity got me reflecting on how far I’ve come in understanding self-doubt, and how, just a few years ago, I would never have believed I’d have achieved what I have done.
During a recent networking event, the topic of insecurity and imposter syndrome came up, as it often does among high-achieving women. I shared a personal story, and someone remarked, “Shouldn’t coaches be immune to all that?” In that moment, I realised how many women, particularly senior leaders and business owners, are so often held back by a misunderstanding of what it means to be human. We think we shouldn’t feel insecure, as if self-doubt thinking is a sign of weakness or incapability. A few years ago, a comment like that would have hit me hard. Now, I see it as a reminder of how much having a deep understanding of the source of confidence has helped me—and how powerful it can be for any woman facing similar struggles.
Recognising That Self-Doubt is Normal in Leadership (and in being a human)
The truth is that self-doubt is a universal experience, one that even the most accomplished leaders and successful entrepreneurs face. When I speak to groups of women leaders, I often ask, “Who here has never felt ‘not good enough’?” Without fail, no one raises a hand. The insecurities we encounter—whether it’s imposter syndrome, doubting our abilities, or comparing ourselves to others—are simply part of being human.
For women business owners and senior leaders, it’s especially important to understand that self-doubt is normal. Allowing yourself to experience it without judgment frees you from the exhausting effort of trying to control it or banish it. Transformational confidence coaching can help you deepen your understanding, viewing self-doubt as a passing feeling rather than a barrier.
Why Trying to “Fix” Self-Doubt Can Hold You Back
One of the most damaging beliefs I had was that feeling insecure meant something was “wrong” with me—that I needed to fix myself. For years, I tried to do just that. Only later did I realise that insecurity wasn’t a defect; it was simply a pattern of thoughts I didn’t need to take seriously. The turning point came when I understood that self-doubt doesn’t define me, my ability and nor does it need to control my actions.
Through transformational confidence coaching, I enable my clients to deepen their understanding and recognise that they don’t have to “fix” themselves or their self-doubt. Instead, they learn to let these thoughts pass, without letting them take a grip on their lives. This approach helps you avoid the endless cycle of holding yourself to an unattainable level and then having to “fix” yourself; instead it enables you to focus on what truly matters and take the action you need to take.
Building Confidence by deepening your understanding of Self Doubt
One powerful insight I’ve gained is that self-doubt is rarely grounded in fact. When we don’t dwell on it, self-doubt often fades, replaced by fresher, more encouraging thoughts. This approach can be transformative for women leaders who are ready to move past limiting beliefs and reach their full potential.
Consider a typical scenario: you’re about to pitch a new idea, but thoughts of “Who am I to do this?” or “Am I really the best person for this?” creep in. Instead of letting these doubts dictate your actions, try observing them without engagement, noticing how little reliable information is in them. Often, as you let these thoughts pass, they lose their hold on you, leaving you free to focus on the task at hand.
Confidence coaching for female leaders teaches you how to navigate these moments with ease and confidence. We explore the nature of doubt and how it is fleeting in nature, and by not focusing on it, you open the door to more empowering thoughts and actions.
Moving Beyond Self-Doubt to Pursue New Opportunities
Reflecting on this past week, I realise just how far I’ve come since my burnout many years ago. Even a few years back, I wouldn’t have applied for some of the projects I’m now involved in, thinking, “My business isn’t ready” or “I’m not what they’re looking for.” Today, those thoughts still pop up from time to time, but they don’t hold me back. Instead of letting them dictate my decisions, I’ve learned to view them as just passing clouds in an otherwise clear sky. They have little useful information in them, let alone be part of the decision making process!
Confidence coaching has enabled me to take action that aligns with my ambitions, instead of getting bogged down in unnecessary self-doubt. Now, I’m able to pursue projects that truly excite me and grow my business in ways I’d only dreamed of. This freedom to move beyond limiting beliefs is something I see mirrored in my clients’ journeys. As they build confidence and learn to trust themselves, they discover a new level of empowerment and success in their leadership journey.
Embrace Confidence Coaching and Unlock Your Leadership Potential
If you’re reading this and you are a senior leader or business owner struggling with self-doubt, know that you don’t have to stay stuck. Confidence coaching offers a pathway to understanding self-doubt so that you can see it in a completely new light, enabling you to lead with assurance and resilience. Imagine the freedom to make decisions without second-guessing, to take bold steps in your business, and to trust in yourself as a woman in leadership.
Embracing confidence coaching can be a transformative step for any woman ready to lead without being weighed down by self-doubt. Through this journey, you’ll not only enhance your business or career but also develop a mindset that supports your personal well-being and growth. Self-doubt may be a natural part of the human experience, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier to your success.
Your next steps: Time to explore confidence coaching
Ready to move beyond self-doubt and step into the confident, empowered leader you were meant to be? Confidence coaching can help you unlock your full potential, enabling you to lead with clarity, resilience, and assurance. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back from making bold decisions and achieving the success you envision for yourself and your business.
If you’re ready to invest in your growth and take your leadership to the next level, book a free discovery call today. Together, let’s explore how confidence coaching can support you in building the fulfilling, impactful career you deserve.
