The Confidence Myth

02/13/25 • 13 min

In this episode of Transform and Lead, Bron Stephens challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding confidence, particularly for women in leadership roles. She argues that confidence is not a prerequisite for action but rather a byproduct of it. The discussion covers the detrimental effects of the confidence myth, the importance of owning your ambition, recognising leadership superpowers, and addressing the inner critic. Bron emphasizes the need for women to embrace their authentic leadership styles and take action before feeling fully prepared, ultimately encouraging listeners to own their unique identities and capabilities.

Takeaways

Confidence is a byproduct of action, not a prerequisite. Women should focus on overcoming barriers to confidence rather than trying to build it.
Women often internalize the message that they need to be more confident.
Owning your ambition means clearly stating what you want.
Owning the inner critic is crucial for building confidence.
Taking action builds resilience and confidence over time.

Resources and Referenced Research

Get in Touch

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bron-stephens-

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformandlead

Takeaways

Confidence is a byproduct of action, not a prerequisite. Women should focus on overcoming barriers to confidence rather than trying to build it.
Women often internalize the message that they need to be more confident.
Owning your ambition means clearly stating what you want.
Owning the inner critic is crucial for building confidence.
Taking action builds resilience and confidence over time.

Resources and Referenced Research

Get in Touch

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bron-stephens-

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformandlead

Previous Episode

Transform and Lead Trailer

Welcome to Transform and Lead, a podcast for high-achieving women who want to lead with confidence, own their ambition, and stay true to themselves. No outdated leadership advice—just practical strategies, and stories to help you navigate career moves, big decisions, and the moments that define your success. Whether you’re climbing the ladder, making a pivot, or just looking for that extra edge, this podcast is here to help you step up and stand out.

Connect with my on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bron-stephens/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/transform-and-lead/

Next Episode

Own Your Superpowers

In this conversation, we dive into leadership superpowers - how to refine your strengths by understanding their shadow sides to elevate your impact! Too often women are told to tone down their strengths instead of overcoming the shadow side. This often leads to women becoming less effective. It's not intentional, it's simply a result of the fact that for senior femal leaders, 70% of their own leaders are male. This means that the feedback comes from a biased lens.

In this podcast learn how to understand your strengths, identify their shadow sides and unlock your superpowers.

Takeaways

Women and men start in corporate roles at nearly equal rates and by senior leadership, women make up only 28% of senior vice presidents.
Leadership norms are shaped by traditionally masculine traits and women often receive vague and unhelpful feedback.
Strengths can have shadow sides that undermine effectiveness.
Refining strengths without diminishing them can turn them into leadership superpowers.
Transform strengths into superpowers through actionable strategies.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Leadership Superpowers 00:30Understanding the Broken Rung 02:55Defining Leadership Superpowers 05:45Strategies to Amplify Your Superpowers 08:34Actionable Takeaways and Conclusion