Be The C.E.O. of Your Career - CONFIDENCE

Today, let’s dive into the first pillar of becoming your career’s C.E.O.: Confidence. Here’s a truth that might surprise you—confidence isn’t about personality or being the loudest voice in the room. While many believe confidence is something you’re born with, it’s actually a skill—one you can build through intentional habits and self-belief.

Studies show that confidence has a massive impact on career growth and earning potential, even more than actual ability in some cases. I have seen this in my personal experiences too. Why?

Because confident people tend to pursue opportunities and take action where others hesitate.

• Imagine stepping into a meeting, sharing your ideas with confidence, and inspiring collaboration.
• Imagine joining a departmental brainstorming session, where your confidence bridges gaps and turns complex discussions into clear, actionable plans.
• Imagine presenting at an executive meeting, commanding the room with your insights, and gaining credibility with decision-makers.
• Imagine sitting down for a salary negotiation and can highlight your achievements, calmly address objections, assert your worth, and exude confidence while speaking.

What could you possibly achieve at work with a double dose of confidence?

Here are 3 strategies to try out in the next 30 days:

#1: Build Competence

Develop deeper expertise in your chosen career/skills. People who feel knowledgeable in their domain tend to project natural confidence. Research has also shown that our belief in our ability to succeed leads to an increase in self-efficacy. Think of something you do so well - maybe it's playing golf or singing. You must have sucked when you started learning and gained confidence as you mastered the art. Right?

?“It’s okay to say, ‘I don’t know,’ but staying there without trying to learn isn’t.”

One thing I’ve learned over time is that competence -> more confidence -> more internal and external credibility -> more capacity -> more opportunities to step out of your comfort zone -> more success and impact.

Practical Step: Pick an area where you can go deeper. Subscribe to industry journals, attend conferences, or take advanced courses. Spend at least 15 minutes daily sharpening your skills in this area. Over time, this expertise will make you an authority in your field.

#2: Communicate with Presence

Confidence in communication isn’t about being the loudest. Researchers have found that confident communicators use intentional pauses, steady eye contact, and clear, concise language to convey authority. Known as “executive presence,” this skill can make you memorable and respected.

Practical Step: The next time you have to present to executives, practice speaking slower and using intentional body language. Instead of speeding through your slides nervously, pause at key points and make direct eye contact. You can start small by implementing this technique in casual conversations and then gradually incorporate it in meetings.

Hint: If you’re nervous about speaking up in meetings, start by setting small goals—maybe it’s contributing one thought per meeting or studying the pre-read ahead of others. You’ll notice how, over time, small steps lead to big confidence.

#3: Maximize Your Strengths

If you've ever taken a strengths / personality assessment, you'd have figured out by now what makes you uniquely you. Embrace those strengths and unleash them. Translate your transferrable skills from one job to another. In a world full of comparisons, it's far easier to envy what others have got going for them and forget to nurture your strengths. Do you cringe when you read other people's "I'm happy to announce" LinkedIn posts or celebrate their success and focus on your goals?

Remember: what makes you unique is what brings value to the table.

Practical Step: Revisit your last strengths / personality assessment results or take a new one. Review the results or get thee help of a career coach. Instead of comparing, invest in what you’re good at. Develop it. Own it. Expand it. That’s where real growth lies. Don’t just chase what’s “out there.” Build on what’s “in you". Be known for something!

Hey, if this post triggered a thought, comment or question, reply below.

I can't wait to hear from you.

If you want more tips on building confidence at work, let me know.

True confidence isn’t about knowing it all; it’s about trusting yourself to learn and grow. You carry value!

Be Unstoppable,

Dr. Fofo.