Confidence didn't come naturally to me! It was built over time through experience, challenges, and a willingness to keep showing up, especially when I felt uncertain. Early in my career, I often questioned whether I belonged at the table, especially in manufacturing environments where women in leadership roles were less common. I would prepare extensively before meetings, double-check my work, and hesitate to speak unless I was absolutely certain I had the right answer. Looking back, I realize confidence wasn't something I lacked; it was something I was still developing. The turning point came through a series of small decisions rather than one defining moment. I volunteered for projects outside my comfort zone. I accepted leadership responsibilities that stretched my abilities. I learned to speak up in meetings, trust my expertise, and contribute my perspective even when it differed from others in the room. Each time I did, I gained a little more confidence in my abilities. As my responsibilities expanded to overseeing Finance EHS and HR functions, I learned that leadership wasn't about having all the answers. It was about being willing to make decisions, learn from mistakes, and help others succeed. Leading through significant challenges, including our 2025 facility transition, reinforced that confidence is built through action. The more I leaned into difficult situations, the more I realized I was capable of handling them. Perhaps the most important lesson came from balancing my career with being a wife and mother. There were many times when I wondered if I could successfully manage professional ambitions while remaining present for my family. Over time, I learned that confidence also comes from recognizing that growth doesn't require perfection. It requires commitment, resilience, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when the path isn't easy. Today, confidence means something different to me than it once did. It isn't about always feeling certain; it's about trusting myself to navigate uncertainty. It's knowing that I have earned my seat at the table through hard work, continuous learning, and the results I've delivered. Most importantly, it's understanding that every challenge I've faced has contributed to the leader I am today. The small choices to speak up, take on new challenges, continue learning, and believe in my own capabilities ultimately transformed how I saw myself, not just as someone who could do the job, but as someone who could lead.

Confidence grew the moment I stopped asking for permission to create. Every page I wrote, every story I shared, and every small act of believing in myself reminded me that my voice mattered.

Do it afraid and remember the grace you give others when you are talking to yourself. It does not matter how many times you fail as long as you try one more.

My confidence started the day I stopped praying the wrong prayers, the ones begging everyone else to change or get better, and started asking instead for my own strength, healing, and wisdom. The moment I quit waiting on other people to fix things, I found out I was never as powerless as I believed.

Confidence didn't come from finally feeling ready...it came from saying yes before I felt qualified. Every difficult conversation, every setback, and every step taken in service of something bigger than myself taught me that courage comes first, and confidence follows.

Personally, old thinking patterns often let small speed bumps affect confidence. My goal is to continue to shift mindset to minimize those wrecking ball effects on my confidence!

I didn't find confidence by proving myself to others. I found it by serving others so consistently that I stopped questioning whether I belonged. When your purpose is bigger than your fear, confidence has room to grow.

Confidence grew each time I chose to step outside my comfort zone, trust my abilities, and keep moving forward even when I felt uncertain. Those small choices taught me that confidence is not about having all the answers. It is about trusting myself enough to take the next step.

I never waited to feel confident. I built it one puppy at a time, one room I walked into uninvited, one yes before I was ready. I stopped asking for permission to take up space, and that decision, made over and over again in small moments nobody else saw, is what eventually became confidence.

Confidence isn't believing you'll never fail. It's trusting yourself enough to keep moving forward, even when others stop believing in you.

I've always been a planner. For me, that means my mind would spin for hours on what I could do, should have done, and plan to do tomorrow. When I started actually mapping out the smaller tasks required to complete those big plans (and setting due dates to each small step - AI is a huge help with this!), and carving out time each week to do them, the sense of accomplishment (even on those small tasks) became the foundation for my confidence. In honoring what I wanted to do and becoming accountable to myself, I could walk with my head higher each day. Now, even if that big project is only 60% successful, I know I'm ahead of where I would be if my plans were still unpublished, cluttering my mind, and keeping me in the ideation phase. Figuring out what works after launch is what gives me the confidence to improve what went wrong and launch again.

Moving somewhere unfamiliar teaches you more about yourself than staying where you're comfortable ever could. Once you've proven to yourself that you can do hard things, you show up in rooms differently. You enter with confidence and security.

Practice. Craft your message and how you speak. Work on wording and better ways of communicating simply but effectively. Study. Be a student of the institutions you serve. Know their business, their people, and what matters most to them. Stewardship. Know your solution and market so well that you can effectively and genuinely act as a guide to anyone you encounter.

I'd like to say that I have the confidence of Wonder Woman but Lynda Carter already took that gig years ago. I don't think there is any magical formula to confidence-building. And there many bumps and bruises along the way while finding it! Corny as it sounds, my mettle has come from finding what I want to do, pushing through regardless of some detours, sharing the ride with a trusted friend or two to help motivate, and just…Keep on keeping on!

Do the thing that scares you while your hands are still shaking. Confidence is what you collect on the other side, not what you need to start.

My confidence came when I realized I had to protect my internal peace from other's behaviors. I refuse to hand over authority to someone to define who I am. I stand high in my Stilettos.

Confidence beats perfection because progress only happens through bold execution, not flawless waiting.

When sleeping women wake, mountains move has been my motto for years. I feel like I slept for the first forty years of my life, but once I recognized my own inner power, my accomplishments skyrocketed. Accepting how strong I truly am made every step, every decision and every challenge easier to face with courage, confidence and purpose.

Confidence didn't happen overnight for me. It came from making the decision to finally put myself first: setting boundaries, trusting my instincts, and taking the leap to build the life and practice I knew I was meant for. As a wounded healer, I've learned that when you commit to your own healing and growth, you don't just change your own life—you become better equipped to help others change theirs.

Confidence was never a feeling I waited on. It was the receipt I collected every time I chose courage before I felt ready, until the evidence of who I was becoming finally outweighed the fear of who I used to be.

My confidence grew when I shifted my focus from proving myself to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through my work in healthcare and leadership, I've learned that leading with purpose, compassion, and authenticity not only inspires those around you—it builds the confidence to create lasting impact in the communities you serve.

Confidence didn't come from feeling fearless. It came from keeping promises to myself. Every time I chose action over self-doubt, I became someone I trusted a little more.

Confidence didn't come from proving my worth. It came from remembering who Yahweh created me to be. Every boundary I honored and every burden I laid down became another brick in the foundation of my confidence.

Confidence didn't arrive when I finally felt ready. It grew every time I chose to learn, connect with someone new, show up before I felt certain, and keep going anyway. Then I reflected on what happened, refined my approach, and tried again. I've learned that courage isn't the absence of fear; it's keeping your values, curiosity, and integrity steady enough that fear no longer gets the final say.

IMAGINATION. INSPIRATION. COURAGE.

When I was starting my wellness journey, I learned how daily practice is key. From daily yoga practice to speaking one event at a time, I was able to develop the confidence to lead yoga in my retreats and share my story on stage. I realized that I do not have to be perfect, I just have to trust myself and I have everything I need to know. I am enough.

I stopped waiting for permission to lead and started trusting the value of my perspective. Confidence grew every time I chose contribution over self-doubt.

Confidence is built by keeping promises to yourself, especially on the days when no one is watching. Every small step forward becomes proof that change is possible.

Confidence wasn't something I found. It was something I built every time I chose faith over fear. The more I aligned my thoughts with God's truth instead of my doubts, the more I became the woman I was created to be.

Confidence wasn't built by my successes. It was built every time I refused to let adversity write my story. Every time I chose to begin again, I became stronger than I was before.

In response to the question about the small decisions that slowly transformed how I saw myself, one of the biggest realizations for me was understanding that I had to stop seeing myself through the lenses of others. For so long, I had come into agreement with words, opinions, and experiences that made me question my worth. Those were hard days when I did not always see myself as worthy, valuable, or enough. But during that season, I received a download that became a reminder and a turning point for me: "Nothing changes unless you change." ~Coach Melissa Wellman That quote was more than just words. It reminded me that the change I was praying for also required me to make the decision to come out of agreement with the version of myself that pain, rejection, and other people's lenses had created. Little by little, I began renewing my mind, challenging unhealthy thoughts, and choosing to see myself through truth, healing, and the identity God had already placed within me. Those small decisions helped me see myself with more grace, confidence, compassion, and purpose.

To obtain the lifestyle I wanted, I had to force myself to find the confidence to get where I wanted to go. It was trying at first. But with positivity and confidence in yourself, anything can be achieved.

Confidence isn't something you're born with. It's built one courageous decision at a time. Every time I stepped into a role before I felt fully ready, made decisive choices amid ambiguity, embraced failure as a lesson, and had the courage to deliver constructive feedback with candor and empathy, I grew into the leader I once doubted I could be. I've learned that courage creates confidence, not the other way around.

The same people who tried to break me now have to watch me win. My success is my story, and my confidence is my reward.

Confidence didn't come to me from having all the answers, it came from taking one brave step at a time, even when I was afraid. Every challenge I chose and choose to face became proof that growth isn't about being fearless; it's about moving forward with faith, purpose, and persistence.

The turning point for me was realizing that confidence isn't a prerequisite for leadership, it's a byproduct of it. The more I focused on serving others and doing the right thing, the less I worried about whether I was "ready."

I did it by keeping the faith and believing in the Savior. I serve a Savior who is with me through every season of my life and who can and will see me through anything.

The turning point wasn't a single bold move. It was choosing to speak up in small rooms before I felt ready, and realizing each time that my voice added value. Confidence, I learned, is just courage that's been practiced enough to feel like second nature.

The daily choices no one notices often create the life everyone admires.

Confidence comes through learning where your identity comes from. Then daily taking that mindset and applying it through all circumstances both personal and professional. It is not what you do, but who you are as a person - your core values, beliefs and character that define your identity. Now own it and walk in it.

I have learned that confidence does not come from waiting for everyone to understand your vision. It comes from continuing to move forward with clarity, purpose, and integrity, even when recognition is delayed or support is limited. I no longer measure my path by applause or approval. I measure it by whether I am doing meaningful work, staying true to my values, and creating opportunities that will outlast the moment.

Confidence wasn't found; it was forged. It was built every time I chose to speak after being silenced, to show up after being broken, and to keep walking in purpose despite fear. Confidence is the byproduct of honoring who God created you to be, even before everyone else sees it. Confidence is built by showing up for yourself, even when it's uncomfortable. Those small acts of courage compound over time.

Saying Thank you and smiling, followed by celebrating tiny wins. Celebrating tiny wins: Writing down one good thing you did each day trains your brain to look for your successes instead of your flaws.

Choosing to let my faith guide my decisions and seeking peace instead of recognition has transformed my heart. It's helped me find confidence in God's approval rather than the approval of others.

I stopped trying to earn my seat at the table by saying yes to everything. Learning that "no" is a complete sentence and that protecting my time and priorities is part of good leadership, which did more to quiet my imposter syndrome than any promotion ever could.

"Confidence isn't knowing you'll win. It's knowing you'll be okay if you don't." That's the lesson I had to learn with my adult daughter, where we don't always see eye to eye on things. However, I had to realize that her opinions and feelings matter, even when I, being her mother, don't always agree with her decisions. I have to be confident enough to realize what I have already instilled in her the tools for her to make the right choice even when that choice isn't mine.

I used to think confidence came from having all the answers. This year taught me it comes from being willing to take the next step anyway. Every report I completed, every client I called, and every challenge I faced became another reminder that confidence isn't found. It's built.

The biggest opportunities in my life have always required me to outgrow the version of myself that earned them. Confidence isn't having all the answers. It's trusting that you can learn the next one, make the next decision, and own the outcome.

The road to having confidence is an ongoing journey. There will be times when you think you have it and you really don't. But when you stop focusing on what you think it looks like, it finds you.

One of the most famous quotes my Mom gave me as a girl growing up is to make your life the way you want it to be. This stayed with me and has now become my famous quote.

The moment I decided to practice gratitude every day, my life began to change. I realized that expressing gratitude is more than simply saying the words, whether silently or aloud. True gratitude is felt throughout the body: a sensation of joy, wonder, and appreciation for the blessings that surround me. Gratitude inspires me to lead with patience, to share kindness, and to empower others to discover the happiness that already exists within them.

People often see confidence and assume it has always been there. They see me leading a school, hosting podcasts, interviewing accomplished guests, speaking on stages, publishing books, and leading organizations. What they may not see is the journey that built that confidence. The truth is, confidence wasn't something I was born with. It was something I developed over time through education, experience, faith, perseverance, and a willingness to step into opportunities before I felt completely ready. As I reflect on my journey, I realize that confidence was built one step at a time. Growing up, I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged me to dream, work hard, and believe that I could accomplish great things. My father, in particular, taught me valuable lessons about curiosity, determination, and seeing possibilities where others saw limitations. Those early lessons became the foundation for much of who I am today. Education played a major role in strengthening my confidence. Every degree I earned, every certification I completed, and every professional development opportunity I embraced expanded not only my knowledge but also my belief in myself. Earning advanced degrees challenged me intellectually and reminded me that growth is possible when we are willing to invest in ourselves. However, confidence wasn't built in classrooms alone. Some of my greatest lessons came from experience. Over the course of more than three decades in education, I have served in many roles: teacher, media specialist, district leader, assistant principal, principal, mentor, coach, entrepreneur, publisher, and media executive. Each role required me to stretch beyond my comfort zone. There were moments when I questioned myself. There were times when I made mistakes, faced setbacks, or encountered challenges that seemed overwhelming. Yet, every challenge taught me something valuable. Every obstacle strengthened my resilience. Every success, no matter how small, reminded me that I was capable of more than I realized. One of the most important lessons I learned is that preparation creates confidence. People sometimes assume confident leaders are fearless. I have discovered that confidence is not the absence of fear; it is the result of preparation. Whether I am leading a school community, recording a podcast, facilitating a workshop, or speaking before an audience, I prepare. Preparation helps quiet self-doubt and allows me to focus on serving others rather than worrying about perfection. I have also learned the importance of surrounding myself with people who inspire growth. Throughout my career, I have benefited from mentors, colleagues, coaches, and professional networks that challenged me to think bigger and aim higher. Their encouragement often helped me see strengths in myself that I had not yet fully recognized. Faith has been another cornerstone of my confidence journey. There have been seasons when the path ahead was unclear, when opportunities seemed daunting, and when uncertainty felt overwhelming. During those moments, my faith reminded me that I did not have to navigate every challenge alone. It gave me the courage to move forward, trusting that each experience was preparing me for something greater. Today, my confidence is no longer tied to perfection. It is rooted in purpose. I have learned that I do not need to know everything to lead effectively. I do not need to have every answer before taking the next step. What matters most is being willing to learn, grow, listen, and serve. If there is one message I hope others take from my journey, it is this: Confidence is not something you wait for. Confidence is something you build. It is built when you raise your hand for the opportunity. It is built when you speak up despite your nerves. It is built when you continue after setbacks. It is built when you invest in your growth. It is built when you trust yourself enough to take the next step. Looking back, I realize that every challenge, every lesson, every success, and every setback contributed to the leader I am today. Confidence was never given to me. I built it. And I continue building it every day.

In my early career, I always looked for validation from my seniors or managers to build my confidence for the work I put in. Later I realized it's a two way street, you cannot just rely on others to motivate or to be courageous. Sometimes you don't have to wait for your seat at the table but ask for it. We women usually underestimate ourselves and don't believe in ourselves as much as we should. We should put faith and go full speed and not be afraid of failure. Ask for what you deserve and if you don't just move on where you are valued better. That's what I did at my earlier company where I voiced my concern and opinion on what I think I deserve and also took help of my mentors to guide me on how to go about it. This cycle when repeated helps build the confidence automatically and helps with clarity on things down the road as well.

Confidence wasn't built in the moments everything went right. It was built in the moments I had every reason to quit but chose to take one more faithful step. After surviving a brain hemorrhage and stroke, rebuilding my health, and starting over professionally more than once, I learned that confidence isn't the absence of fear; it's the result of keeping promises to yourself, one decision at a time. Every difficult conversation, every opportunity I said yes to before I felt "ready," every boundary I set to protect what mattered most, and every small act of obedience to God's direction became another brick in my confidence. Today I help leaders grow their businesses, but the greatest lesson I teach is this: confidence isn't something you find. It's something you build through consistent action aligned with your purpose. Don't wait until you feel confident to begin. Begin, and confidence will meet you along the way.

Confidence didn't arrive all at once for me. It was built in the small, repeated moments when I chose to speak up, take the next step, and trust that my voice belonged in the room.

People often think confidence arrives all at once, that one day you'll wake up feeling fearless, certain, and ready for anything. My experience has been very different. Confidence wasn't a feeling I found. It was something I built. It started with small decisions that didn't seem remarkable at the time. Choosing to speak up when staying quiet would have been easier. Trusting my education and experience instead of questioning whether I was "good enough." Saying yes to opportunities that intimidated me, even when self-doubt was loud. Setting boundaries that honored my time and energy, despite the discomfort that came with disappointing others. One of the most significant decisions I made was believing that I could build something of my own. Starting a private practice wasn't just a professional milestone. It was an act of faith in myself. There were countless moments of uncertainty, wondering if I had what it took or if people would trust me with their stories. But every client I supported, every challenge I navigated, and every obstacle I overcame became another brick in the foundation of my confidence. I've learned that confidence doesn't come before action. It grows because of it. The truth is, courage rarely feels comfortable. It often looks like taking the next step while your heart races, making a decision without every answer, or trusting yourself enough to keep moving forward despite the fear. Looking back, it wasn't one life-changing moment that transformed how I saw myself. It was hundreds of small choices: showing up, staying consistent, learning from mistakes, and refusing to let fear make my decisions. If you're waiting to feel confident before taking the leap, don't. Start where you are. Make the small decision. Then make another. Those seemingly ordinary choices have an extraordinary way of changing not only your life but also the way you see yourself. Confidence isn't something you discover. It's something you create, one decision at a time.

My confidence wasn't built by certainty; it was built by repeatedly choosing growth over comfort. Each time I embraced a new challenge, pursued new learning, or started over, I strengthened my trust in my ability to learn, adapt, and flourish.

Confidence isn't about being fearless. It's about being willing to say yes to opportunities, learn as you go, and trust that you'll figure things out along the way. Some of the best opportunities in my career started with a simple conversation. Confidence grew every time I was willing to introduce myself, ask a question, or say yes before I felt completely ready.

Confidence is shaped through experience. My confidence has grown over the years as my experiences have better informed my outlook and increased my self-awareness. I also keep a healthy tribe around me to help guide me; mentors, sponsors, and true friends who are willing to tell me hard truths in love have helped me gain confidence and grow my influence.

We are entering a season where authenticity creates more opportunities than perfection does.

To me, influence is less about being seen and more about being useful. It is measured not by what we know, but by what others are able to do because we chose to share it. Influence is built in everyday interactions through a thoughtful question, a new perspective, or a shared insight.

For me, confidence was never something that appeared overnight. It was built one decision at a time. Entering a male-dominated industry without a college degree meant I had to prove myself through my work, my willingness to learn, and my consistency. Every time I accepted a new responsibility, asked a question instead of pretending to know the answer, or stepped into a leadership role that felt outside my comfort zone, my confidence grew. One of the biggest lessons I learned was that confidence doesn't mean having all the answers. It means being willing to learn, admit when you've made a mistake, and improve. Through trial and error, I learned to reflect on situations, adjust my approach, and even apologize when necessary. Those moments didn't weaken my confidence; they strengthened it because they made me a better leader. Over the years, I realized that confidence is also rooted in integrity. When you lead with honesty, strong ethics, and genuine care for the people around you, you earn trust, and that trust reinforces your belief in yourself. Looking back, it wasn't one defining moment that changed me. It was hundreds of small decisions to keep learning, keep showing up, and keep believing that I belonged. Those choices transformed not only my confidence but also the leader I have become.

My Hope is Simple: "If I can help one person realize their past does not get to define their future, then every part of my journey has been worth it"

My transition was, and still is, a faith walk. Confidence came by taking the next faithful step, even when the full picture was not clear. Confidence for me has been built one decision at a time. It was not something I simply woke up with one morning. It has been shaped through faith, life experience, obedience, and the courage to keep moving forward even when everything did not feel clear. One of the biggest confidence-building decisions I made was choosing to trust the vision God placed in my heart and step fully into the work of TLC Coaching. After more than 30 years in education, I did not take what some may consider the traditional route into retirement. My transition was, and still is, a faith walk. It required me to honor the years I spent teaching, mentoring, and serving, while also allowing myself to grow into a new season of purpose. Every small decision has mattered. Showing up when I felt uncertain. Sharing my voice before everything looked perfect. Supporting couples and individuals through communication work while still continuing to grow myself. Choosing consistency when motivation was not always present. Choosing peace when pressure tried to lead. I have learned that confidence is not the absence of fear or uncertainty. Confidence is deciding that purpose is still worth showing up for. It is taking the next faithful step, learning as you go, and giving yourself grace along the way. For me, confidence has grown through action, prayer, consistency, and remembering that I do not have to have the entire journey figured out to take the next step. I just have to keep walking with faith, wisdom, and intention.

Confidence comes from relationships built with ourselves. The ability to have trust and faith within. It's something grown from a deeper understanding of you.

I've learned that confidence isn't something you find, it's something you build. Every difficult conversation, every uncertain decision, and every time I chose to keep moving forward, I became a little more of the leader my community needed.

One day in my 30's, I looked in the mirror. I didn't even recognize myself. The next morning, fresh faced...still didn't recognize me. And on the third day I started to remember. From then on, if I ever start to feel that disconnect, like not recognizing myself in the mirror; I remind myself (after having a stern discussion with myself) that I am strong, I am confident, I am courageous and I am kind. And then I flash a big ol smile and reflect on how far I've come and remind myself that I am making a difference. You see, sometimes you just have to have that uncomfortable, honest discussion with yourself, and when you do, get mad, get over it and move along.