Building Confidence

What if creating a community could change someone's entire experience of working in the trades? In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about the power of connection, why community is so important for tradeswomen and how you can create opportunities for women to connect in your own local area. After years of wanting to bring tradeswomen together in Greater Western Sydney, Beth and I...

What if you love your trade, but you're no longer happy doing the job you're in? In this episode of Building Confidence, I'm joined by Gabby, founder of She'll Be Right Handywoman Service, to talk about changing careers, backing yourself, recognising your skills and creating a business that works for you. After nine years working in nursing, Gabby discovered her love for hands-on work and made the...

What if the fear of starting again is stopping you from trying something new? In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about something I genuinely believe: you're never actually starting from the beginning again. Whether you're thinking about changing jobs, leaving a workplace, starting a new career or taking a completely different direction in life, it can be easy to worry that if th...

What if the little things you do today are what create your biggest opportunities tomorrow? In this episode of Building Confidence, I'm joined by Hannah, founder of HER Engineering, Machining and Maintenance, to talk about her incredible journey from apprentice fitter and machinist to multi-skilled tradeswoman, business owner and specialist working on some seriously massive mining equipment. Hanna...

What if the people in your new workplace aren't rejecting you—they're just figuring out how to work with you? In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about something that doesn't get discussed very often: teaching men how to work with women. When you enter a male-dominated workplace as a tradeswoman, there's a lot of newness for you. New people, new systems, new expectations and a ne...

What if choosing a trade could open more doors than you ever realised? In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with fitter by trade and Women in Trades Project Officer Abbie to talk about the incredible variety a trade career can offer—and the lessons she's learned along the way. Abbie takes us from discovering automotive at school and applying for almost every apprenticeship she could...

What do you do when someone is shocked to discover that you're a tradeswoman… again? In this episode of Building Confidence, I'm sharing one of the more unusual reframes I've created with a coaching client: popping people's tradeswoman virginity. When women still make up such a small percentage of tradespeople, there's a good chance you'll be the first tradeswoman someone has worked with, hired, m...

What if the career you really want takes two years of hearing "no" before you finally get your "yes"? In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with electrician and protection technician Kasey to talk about her journey from graphic designer to mature-age electrical apprentice, high-voltage field service technician, and now into the specialised world of protection testing. Kasey shares wha...

What if changing one tiny word could change the way you talk to yourself? In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about the surprisingly powerful difference between "and" and "but"—and how a small shift in language can help us recognise how far we've come without ignoring where we still want to grow. Think about the difference between "I've learnt so much, BUT I still don't know how...

Can you build a successful trade career while raising a family? Absolutely. In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with award-winning boilermaker Samantha Hall to talk about her journey from being a stay-at-home mum to becoming a qualified tradeswoman, industry award winner, and mentor for young women entering manufacturing. Sam shares the realities of juggling motherhood with an appre...

What if a little bit of self-doubt is actually a good thing? In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about something I call appropriate self-doubt—that little voice that makes you stop, double-check, ask a question or recognise when you might need some help. We often think becoming confident means getting rid of self-doubt completely. But especially in the trades, having no self-doub...

What if the career you love is waiting just outside your comfort zone? In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with heavy vehicle technician Rachael to talk about her journey from a high school student unsure of her future to becoming a trusted breakdown technician who thrives on solving problems in the field. Along the way, we discuss overcoming workplace challenges, finding mentors, p...

How much of the feedback you receive is fact—and how much is just someone's opinion? In this episode of Building Confidence, I unpack one of the simplest tools I use with my coaching clients: understanding the difference between objective and subjective feedback. Learning to recognise the difference can completely change how you approach job applications, award nominations, workplace feedback, and...

What happens when you stop waiting for change and decide to create it yourself? In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with Amanda, founder of Awesome Women in Construction, to talk about how one breakfast with 14 women grew into a thriving community supporting women across every part of the construction industry. From networking events and regional roadshows to awards nights and progr...

Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'm always anxious," "I always make mistakes," or "This is just who I am"? The words we repeatedly tell ourselves can shape the way we think, feel, and act—often without us even realising it. In this episode of Building Confidence, I explore the concept of self-fulfilling prophecies and how the stories we tell ourselves can keep us stuck. Drawing on my own li...

What do you do when the career you've been chasing takes seven years to become reality? You keep going. In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with electrician and maintenance supervisor Kym to unpack her journey into the trades. From spending seven years applying for apprenticeships, relocating across Queensland, fighting to protect her apprenticeship, navigating health challenges, an...

Returning to work after time away can feel exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. Whether you've been recovering from burnout, navigating bullying, welcoming a new baby, managing an injury, or simply taking time to heal, stepping back into the workplace is a transition—and it's okay if it doesn't feel easy. In this episode of Building Confidence, I share my own experience of returning...

In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with heavy vehicle mechanic and dual-trade auto electrician Caitlyn Hayes to chat about the journey that has taken her from applying for countless apprenticeships to working FIFO in Western Australia. We talk about what it takes to back yourself when opportunities don't come easily, how to advocate for yourself in the workplace, why mentoring can...

I explore the metaphor of watering grass versus watering concrete, discussing the importance of focusing efforts on environments where growth is possible, highlights how investing energy in the wrong areas can lead to burnout. If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation here If you are business wanting to give your employees more tools to succe...

In this week’s interview, Alice shares her 23-year journey as a tradeswoman, overcoming challenges related to gender bias, workplace respect, and career transitions. Discover valuable and practical insights on supporting women in trades, the importance of community, and how to succeed in a male-dominated industry!   Takeaways Surround yourself with good people and support networks. Be consistent i...

Anxiety can sometimes be chatter in your mind and sometimes it can be yelling – sound familiar? It can be like a team meeting where peoples voices are not being taken into account, and they get louder and louder until you cannot ignore them. In this episode I go through how to have a productive team meeting with your anxiety. If you would like help and support to implement this process you can boo...

In this episode, Caitlin Knox shares her inspiring journey from stepping out of university to becoming an apprentice development lead. We discuss the realities of trades, the importance of attitude, navigating vocational training, and seizing leadership opportunities early in a career. Apprenticeships at Komatsu - https://www.komatsu.com/en-au/careers/apprenticeships

"I’ve become the gun tradie I used to look up to." Saf joins us on the podcast to share her 16 year long carer in the trades, sharing challenges she over came and her mindset of continues learning which has lead her to becoming the gun tradie that she used to look up to!! takeaways Choosing an apprenticeship can be the best decision for personal growth. Embracing the unknown leads to unexpected op...

In this episode, I share practical strategies for building confidence through regular actions, the importance of gathering evidence of success, and managing ADHD symptoms without shame. If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation here If you are business wanting to give your employees more tools to succeed you can book a business chat here This...

In this weeks episode I chat to Kate, a qualified heavy diesel mechanic based in NZ. We discuss Kate’s journey from the air force into the trades which unfortunately wasn’t smooth sailing. We talk about the impact of workplace bullying, confidence building, and overcoming adversity in professional settings. Key takeaways- Starting a trade as a mature aged apprentice Spending over a year trying to...