In Confidence

How can knowing what you want, more than you fear the challenge, unlock a confidence that endures? In this episode, I sit down with Kristina Kloberdanz, Chief Sustainability Officer at Macquarie Asset Management and former CSO at Mastercard, to explore confidence from multiple perspectives: the power of strategic self-awareness, the courage to say yes before you feel ready, and what it means to bu...

How can respect and excellence shape a confidence that endures? In this episode, I sit down with Anton Mosimann OBE, one of the most influential chefs of the modern era, to explore confidence from multiple perspectives: the power of building on solid ground, the courage to pioneer a new way of doing things, and achieving extraordinary things while remaining deeply human. We dive into how optimism,...

How can owning your expertise, and learning to tell its story, unlock confidence? In this episode, I sit down with Ken Deeks, communications expert, former journalist, PR agency founder, and media trainer, to explore confidence from three angles: how you communicate it, how you spot it in others, and how you build it in yourself. We explore how so many people undersell what they bring to the table...

What happens when you ask four artificial intelligences to define something deeply human? In this episode, I do something different. Instead of interviewing CEOs, creatives or coaches, I bring together four AI systems (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Grok) and ask them about confidence. Each system has processed more human writing on psychology, performance and self-doubt than any...

What can we learn about confidence from experienced executive coaches? In this episode of  In Confidence , I’m joined by my long-standing supervision group: a circle of experienced executive coaches and coaching supervisors from across Europe. We’ve been meeting regularly since 2020, and our conversations are shaped by years of shared reflection, practice, and learning together. We explore co...

What can we take from season one to grow our confidence in season two? In this solo episode, I reflect on the first season of  In Confidence  and the key principles that emerged from conversations with world-renowned leaders, creative innovators, and expert practitioners. From senior executives to celebrated fashion designers, the season revealed that confidence is not innate — it is cul...

What can reading and being truly heard teach us about confidence? In this special bonus holiday episode, I’m joined by five remarkable women from my Transatlantic Book Club (TABC), a group that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and spans six cities (Brussels, Chicago, London, New York, Toronto, and Quito) across five countries (Belgium, USA, UK, Canada, and Ecuador). What started as an imagined e...

The Self-Confidence Lab How does learning to figure things out as a child shape a lifetime of confidence? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. James E. West, co-inventor of the electret microphone and pioneering acoustician, to explore confidence, curiosity, and the power of self-belief. Now in his 90s, Dr. West continues to work with remarkable clarity and focus, sharing insights from a lifetime...

How can embracing your peculiarities unlock true confidence strength? In this episode, I sit down with Roland Mouret, celebrated fashion designer, to explore confidence from multiple perspectives: the power of accepting your unique traits, learning from pivotal moments, and seeing the impact of your work in helping others recognize their own strength. We dive into how self-awareness, reflecti...

How can you quiet the mental chatter to stay true to yourself and focus on what truly matters? In this episode, I sit down with Luisa Barile, CEO of ManyPets, to explore confidence from multiple perspectives: the power of knowing your North Star, learning from pivotal moments, and embracing the challenges that make us stronger. We dig into how preparation, faith, and community shape steady confide...

What can children teach us about confidence that even the most successful adults often forget? Many wise people throughout history have recognised the deep insight and perspective of children and young people and this episode is a beautiful reminder of just how true that is.  In this conversation, I sit down with my six nieces and nephews (aged between 9 and 18, and living in both Ireland and...

What if confidence wasn’t a prerequisite for doing bold, creative things?  In this episode, I speak to fine jewelry designer and founder of Marla Aaron Jewelry, Marla Aaron, about navigating self-doubt, dealing with online criticism, and taking action even when confidence is nowhere to be found. Marla openly admits she doesn’t feel confident but she creates anyway. This conversation is a...

What does it really mean to feel confident behind the wheel — and in your life? In this episode, I’m speaking to Robert Weldon (Bob) a driving instructor with nearly forty years of experience teaching in London. I came to Bob a mature learner, determined to pass my test first time, and continued lessons afterwards partly for skill-building, partly for the mentorship and friendship. We explore...

What does it really mean to be confident – and how do we grow it in a lasting way? In this episode, I’m joined by  Vicky Reynal , a psychodynamic psychotherapist and the UK’s first financial therapist, to unpack the emotional roots of confidence. We explore how early life experiences shape our sense of worth, how we can raise confident children, and how our relationship with money often refle...

We prepare our CVs and rehearse our answers, but how often do we work on the confidence behind the words? In this episode, Ciara sits down with Nick Hedley of executive search firm Hedley May, to explore what confidence really is, how it fluctuates, and why it matters so much during interviews and career transitions. From reframing interviews as two-way conversations to understanding how setbacks...

Welcome to  In Confidence! In a world of bold voices and quiet doubts, this podcast is where we talk honestly about confidence. In this introductory episode, I explore the two big questions that will guide this series:  What is confidence?  And  how can we have more? What Does This Episode Cover? ·      Why confidence matters and why it’s so often...

There’s plenty of talk about the best nutrition, but have you ever considered how what you eat affects your confidence? In this episode of the podcast, Jackie, an award-winning nutritionist, author, speaker, and founder of the WellWellWell nutrition clinic, shares her expertise on how nutrition influences more than just your physical health — playing a crucial role in boosting confidence, mental c...

What does it really take to build confidence — not just on stage or in a meeting, but in life?   In this episode, I sit down with Mishcon de Reya Partner and Chief Brand Officer Elliot Moss to explore confidence from multiple angles: the impact of grief, the power of practice, honest conversations with his daughter, and the role of music and identity in how we show up in the world. Whether yo...