The confidence gap is real, and it's keeping talented women from stepping into leadership. Sheena Yap Chan, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and founder of the Confidence Through Visibility movement, shares how women can close this gap by taking imperfect action and owning their achievements.
Women today face a unique challenge: they're more educated, capable, and positioned for leadership than ever before—yet confidence gaps persist across every industry. Many women hesitate to speak about their accomplishments, doubt their readiness for advancement, and struggle with visibility. Sheena Yap Chan has made it her mission to change this narrative.
In this powerful episode of the Influential Women Podcast, host Jodie O'Brien speaks with Sheena about why confidence isn't something you're born with—it's a skill you build. Growing up without representation in her field shaped Sheena's deep understanding of how invisibility affects opportunity. She watched talented women shrink their presence, diminish their voices, and wait for permission to lead.
Through her VISIBLE framework, Sheena breaks down how belief, identity, and action work together to help women step into leadership without waiting until they feel "ready." She's clear about one thing: confidence is built through action, not cultivated in isolation. Every time you speak up, share your work, take a risk, or own an achievement, you're literally rewiring your nervous system and building the neural pathways of confidence.
The conversation challenges common cultural beliefs that discourage women from self-promotion. Sheena reframes visibility and self-promotion as leadership tools, not bragging or vanity. When your voice, perspective, or story can help others move forward, staying silent isn't humility—it's a missed opportunity to create impact.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- How confidence operates as a skill you can build daily
- Why visibility closes the confidence gap for women
- How imperfect action trumps perfect planning
- Practical strategies for speaking up even when fear is present
- Why owning your achievements matters for other women watching
Sheena's honest approach removes the shame and pressure many women feel around self-promotion. Her message is rooted in responsibility: if your voice can help others, you have an obligation to be heard.
This episode is for:
- Women questioning their readiness for leadership roles
- Professionals hesitating to share their accomplishments
- Leaders wanting to build stronger confidence in their teams
- Anyone struggling with visibility or imposter syndrome
If you've ever doubted your voice or felt pressure to be perfect before taking action, Sheena's wisdom will remind you that your impact begins when you start showing up—imperfectly, authentically, and now.
