In the grand game of business, confidence is the ultimate power move. It’s the difference between watching from the sidelines and stepping up to claim your space at the table. And let’s be real—if you’re here, you’re not the type to settle for the bleachers.
So today, we’re diving into the confidence gap, why so many women hesitate to bet on themselves, and most importantly, how we can rewrite that narrative.
The Confidence Gap: Fact or Fiction?
Spoiler alert: It’s real. And the numbers don’t lie. Research from Cornell University found that men often overestimate their abilities, while women tend to underestimate theirs. Need more proof? Hewlett Packard discovered that men will apply for a job when they meet only 60% of the qualifications. Women? They wait until they meet a full 100%. That’s a confidence gap the size of the Grand Canyon.
So, what gives? Why do we hesitate to raise our hands, take the risk, or pitch the big idea? It’s not a lack of capability—it’s a mindset that’s been passed down for generations.
The Power of Women in Business
Here’s what’s wild—companies with more women in leadership outperform their competitors. Studies from Goldman Sachs and Columbia University back this up. Yet, across the globe, only seven countries have an equal number of men and women running businesses. In the U.S., women account for just 40% of new business startups.
Let’s pause here. Women are crushing it in business when given the opportunity, but they still hesitate to take the leap. What’s really holding us back?
Confidence vs. Self-Doubt: The Truth We Need to Hear
Confidence isn’t the absence of self-doubt. (Read that again.) In fact, self-doubt is often a sign that you’re on the brink of something big. The key is recognizing whether your doubt is rooted in actual concerns—or just outdated stories you’ve been told about your worth.
And let’s be real—those stories start early. A major UK parenting study found that 88% of mothers admitted to treating their sons and daughters differently, even though they knew better. Twice as many were critical of their daughters compared to their sons. That constant messaging—”be perfect, be careful, don’t take up too much space”—sticks with us.
But here’s the truth: You are not your past. If we were, none of us would have made it out of our awkward phases. (And trust me, I had a fourth-grade mullet I’d rather forget.
The Secret to Confidence? Action.
Most people think confidence comes before action. Nope. Confidence is built through action. Even messy, imperfect, faceplant-into-the-pavement action.
Take Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in the U.S. Born in 1867 on a Louisiana plantation, Sarah Breedlove (her birth name) was orphaned by age seven and working as a laundress by 21, earning a little over a dollar a day. Did she wait until she “felt ready” to start a business? Not a chance. By 1911, she built a beauty empire for Black women, creating jobs, financial independence, and generational wealth. She didn’t wait for confidence—she built it.
Her words say it all: “I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there, I was promoted to wash tub. From there, I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there, I promoted myself in the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations.” She didn’t wait for someone to give her a seat—she built the whole damn table.
Rewriting Your Confidence Story
Lindsay Mango, a powerhouse life coach, has seen firsthand how women hold themselves back. She describes our minds as having two lawyers—one arguing for our greatness, the other for our limitations. Guess which one we give the microphone to?
She challenges us to start gathering evidence for our strengths instead of our weaknesses. You don’t need another certification, another year of experience, or another sign from the universe. You need to start acting on the skills and talents you already have.
Failure: The Ultimate Confidence Builder
Here’s the truth: Everyone fails. The difference is in how you respond. Successful people see failure as feedback, not finality. Every misstep is data. Every setback is a setup for your next move.
Want more confidence? Take more risks. Speak up in the meeting. Apply for the job. Start the business. Take up space. Because confidence isn’t a magic trait some people are born with. It’s something we earn—one bold move at a time.
Your Next Step
So, let’s get real: What’s your next move? What’s that big, scary thing you’ve been waiting to feel “ready” for? Do it anyway. Because confidence isn’t about knowing it will work—it’s about trusting yourself enough to try.
The world needs your voice. It’s time to use it.
