Unlocking your confidence: Four strategies to play to your potential

Often than not, navigating the world as a woman in finance feels like walking a tightrope—balancing professional growth with personal self-doubt, finding your voice amidst the noise, and establishing your place in a traditionally male-dominated environment. But here’s the truth: You already possess everything you need to excel. It’s about harnessing your unique strengths, cultivating a supportive network, and building the confidence to take bold steps forward.

As a neuro-leadership coach who has worked with women in finance and other male-dominated fields for two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how females can overcome these challenges and flourish.

Below, I’m sharing actionable strategies to help you amplify your voice, embrace your potential, and navigate the finance world with confidence.

  1. Harness the power of your inner dialogue

Believe it or not, the story you tell yourself can be a game-changer. Studies show that we spend up to 95% of our waking hours in our own heads, [1]making our internal narratives incredibly influential in shaping how we feel and act. But there’s a catch: Our brains are wired to focus on the negative. This tendency to highlight flaws and shortcomings can fuel self-doubt and imposter syndrome—especially in environments where direct encouragement from leaders or peers may be sparse.

If you’re finding yourself questioning your abilities, remember that you are your most powerful advocate. Start by acknowledging the unique journey that’s brought you here—the experiences, challenges, and triumphs that set you apart. When you own your story, you recognise the immense value you bring to the table.

One of the most effective ways to rewrite your internal script is through a simple yet powerful tool: the 3Cs Method. Here’s how it works:

  • Catch: Notice the negative thought as it arises.
  • Check: Ask yourself, “Is this thought based on facts, or is it a limiting belief?”
  • Change: Replace the negative thought with something empowering.

For instance, if you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not cut out for this,” pause and assess. Is there any evidence to support that? If not, counter with, “I’ve faced challenges before and come out stronger. I’ve got this.” With consistent practice, your self-talk will shift from doubt to confidence.

  1. Cultivate a supportive network, be a champion, too

No one succeeds in isolation, especially in the competitive world of finance. Building a network of champions (individuals who believe in you and advocate for your success) can make all the difference. Look around your workplace or professional community. Who can you lean on for support? And just as importantly, how can you support other women in your field?

Seek out mentors who can offer guidance by tapping into your existing network, joining professional groups, and proactively approaching senior leaders for mentorship or feedback. Don’t shy away from asking for help. By building a web of mutual support, you’ll unlock new opportunities and forge lasting relationships that can accelerate your career growth.

  1. Take control of your growth: Seek feedback actively

Waiting for feedback can be daunting. But here’s a tip: Take charge of your development by actively seeking it out. Instead of passively hoping for feedback, ask for it. The more specific your questions, the more actionable insights you’ll receive.

Try the ASK Method:

  • Ask for feedback from colleagues or leaders.
  • Be Specific: Pose targeted questions like, “What aspect of my presentation stood out, and what could I improve?”
  • Gain Knowledge: Use this feedback to fine-tune your skills and increase your impact.

Seeking feedback shows you’re committed to your personal growth and growth mindset. Plus, it helps you separate your internal self-doubt from the true feedback you need to progress. Proactively gathering feedback lets you shape your narrative with facts, rather than letting negative thoughts dictate your career trajectory.

  1. Seek out challenges. then conquer them

One of the most effective ways to boost your confidence in both your personal and professional life is by challenging yourself physically. Whether it’s taking on a new fitness goal or pushing through a challenging workout, stepping outside your comfort zone builds mental and emotional resilience.

Physical challenges don’t have to be extreme. It could be learning a new sport, or even trying a creative hobby you’ve never explored before. Every time you push yourself past your limits, your brain learns that you can conquer obstacles. This resilience translates into other areas of life—including your career.

While the finance industry may not be changing as quickly as we’d like, the contributions of women remain crucial to its continued growth and progress.

Lara Milward: is a coach of both mental and physical muscle as she likes to put it. With qualifications in brain-based coaching and physical coaching, she is very experienced in getting leaders and teams to that one per cent better and creates her programs and workshops with the intent of fuelling your performance. As a CrossFit athlete and adventurer herself, she understands what is needed to get to that one per cent better.


[1] https://forimpact.org/article/we-spend-95-ourselves-our-story/

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