Opinion – Confidence, the secret sauce to female success

From what I have observed, the natural confidence women exude has often been confined by societal expectations and traditional views on confidence. For a long time, confidence has been equated to certain visible traits like competitiveness or dominance as these are typically considered more ‘manly.’ As a result, many women feel pressured to emulate these outward signs of confidence rather than express it in ways that feel authentic to them. This has created a narrow lens through which leadership potential is viewed, sidelining women whose styles may be more reflective, collaborative, or empathetic.  As a result, women have faced pressures to ‘prove’ their confidence by conforming to masculine norms, rather than expressing confidence in a way that aligns with their own unique strengths and personalities. Such limitations not only undermine women’s unique capabilities but also reinforce biases that prevent them from being seen as fully capable leaders.

By redefining confidence to encompass these diverse expressions, we can begin to challenge and break down the barriers that have long prevented women from being recognised and valued as the powerful, capable leaders they naturally are.

Based on the above, it is safe to say that empowering women is no longer a task relegated to the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) department, but has become an urgent necessity for leaders across the board to intentionally dismantle barriers and proactively encourage environments which encourage a woman’s self-assurance, resilience, and empathetic leadership. In so doing, we can ensure that women have the tools to chart their own paths to success – and on their own terms. It’s also crucial for the women themselves to hone their natural abilities to drive their own successes.

Having spent 16 years navigating the corporate landscape and especially the unique pressures found in an investor relations (IR) environment, I have developed a personal approach to nurturing female talent and success. Through experience, observation, and my own personal growth path, I have identified the key ingredients that enable women to break through traditional barriers and thrive.

Build a foundation of confidence

The cornerstone of any successful journey is unshakeable confidence. Of course, first be skilled and accomplished in your field, but then be confident with that knowledge. This is the foundation which enables women to take risks, believe in their ideas and, navigate obstacles with resilience. If you lack in this area, start by building a basis of self-awareness and curiosity. Understand your strengths, weaknesses and hold close to your heart your personal values. Learn continually by staying updated with industry trends and continually enhancing your knowledge and skills.

Acquiring a balance of self-assurance and empathy

Confidence alone is not enough. True leadership requires the delicate balance of self-assurance and empathy. Women bring with them a unique strength to leadership through their natural ability to connect with others, encourage collaboration, and make decisions that thoughtfully consider the broader impact on teams. While empathy is a powerful asset, it’s equally important to maintain boundaries that protect your confidence and preserve your energy. A lesson I continue to learn in striving to reach new heights in my career because knowing when to say no so allows you to prioritise your well-being and avoid burnout. Embrace conflict resolution strategies that blend assertiveness with empathy, enabling you to navigate challenges gracefully and which grow  your confidence in the process.

Playbook for the quietly confident

In the workplace, confidence doesn’t always have to be loud or outspoken. Quiet confidence is a powerful yet often underestimated quality that can lead just as effectively – I am testament to this statement. This attribute allows you to maintain composure, make thoughtful decisions, and lead by example, without the need for constant affirmation or attention. Women who exhibit quiet confidence lead with calm assurance, which often inspires trust and respect from their colleagues. They don’t seek to dominate the conversation but let their work and presence speak for themselves.

If you fall into this category, here are a few pointers to help you tap into this strength:

1. Trust in your abilities: acknowledge an unshakable belief in your skills and expertise. Instead of seeking external validation, recognise your own competence and let that guide your decision-making.
2. Lead by example and back yourself: Confidently advocate for your ideas while demonstrating competence through action. Actions paired with self-assured communication can often speak louder than words, inspiring others to take notice of your steady and reliable approach.
3. Practice active listening: listening comes naturally to you. By carefully considering others’ input before speaking, you project thoughtfulness and consideration, which can make your words more impactful when you do contribute.
4. Embrace calm under pressure: one of the hallmarks of this often-overlooked trait is the ability to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations. Being unflappable when others are rattled shows immense strength and helps you stand out as a leader.

Tap into the potential of a mentor

Finding the right mentor can provide invaluable guidance, support, and insight, enabling you to leverage your strengths and overcome challenges. Mentorship doesn’t have to follow a traditional hierarchy; there’s immense value in learning from those who navigate the corporate world successfully, regardless of their title or age. Active mentorship offers a fresh perspective and tailored advice, but equally powerful is the ability to observe and learn from the successes, strategies, and resilience of peers or even younger colleagues. Everyone brings unique strengths and experiences to the table, and by staying open to these lessons, you can continually grow and refine your own approach to leadership and career development.

Allow your own success to evolve as a journey

Don’t view success as a static endpoint. It is an ongoing journey that changes with time. You should feel empowered to redefine success at each stage of your life, whether that is through career advancement, personal fulfilment, or societal impact. This level of adaptability and flexibility allows for growth, reflection, and allows you to make room for new achievements you will acquire along the way.