Five Confidence-Building Habits for Women in Leadership

Confidence isn’t something we either have or don’t have; it’s something we build. And for many women in leadership, that building process can feel like a daily challenge. Even when you’re competent, experienced and respected, confidence can still feel elusive.

Maybe you’ve found yourself holding back in meetings, doubting your decisions, or second-guessing your worth, even when you know, deep down, that you’re more than capable.

You’re not alone.

Through coaching women at all levels of leadership, I’ve seen how societal expectations, self-doubt and perfectionism can quietly erode confidence over time. But I’ve also seen how small, consistent habits can rebuild it,  from the inside out.

If you’re ready to lead with more clarity, self-trust and presence, here are five habits that can help.

1. Own your wins… and say them out loud

So many women play down their achievements. You hit a target and move straight on to the next thing. Or you share credit for a project you led without really acknowledging your own contribution. While humility is a strength, underplaying your impact can chip away at your self-belief over time.

Start a habit of collecting your wins. Big or small, write them down each week. What did you handle well? What progress did you make? What feedback did you receive?

Better still, talk about them. Whether it’s with your team, your manager or your mentor, practising the skill of articulating your strengths will reinforce your confidence and make your value more visible to others, too.

2. Stop waiting until you feel ‘ready’

Confidence doesn’t come from waiting until you’re 100% sure. It comes from taking action before you feel completely ready, and learning as you go.

This is particularly relevant for women, who are often socialised to seek perfection before putting themselves forward. Research shows that women tend to apply for roles only when they meet all the criteria, whereas men often go for it at around 60%.

So the next time an opportunity comes up, whether it’s a stretch project, a panel appearance or a promotion, ask yourself, “if I weren’t waiting to feel ready, would I say yes?”

Confidence builds every time you choose courage over certainty.

3. Challenge your inner critic

We all have one. That voice that says, “you’re not good enough,” “you’re going to mess this up,” or “everyone else has it together.”

But here’s the thing… just because that voice is loud doesn’t mean it’s true.

Start to notice the patterns. When do you usually notice your inner critic speaking up? What triggers it? Once you see it clearly, you can begin to respond differently.

Try this: when you catch that critical voice, pause and ask yourself, “what would I say to a friend in this situation?” You’ll likely find a much kinder, more rational perspective, one that builds you up instead of tearing you down.

4. Surround yourself with the right support

Confidence doesn’t grow in isolation. It grows in environments where you feel seen, supported and stretched.

That might mean finding a mentor who can challenge and champion you. It could mean joining a network of like-minded women in leadership. Or it could be working with a coach to unpack limiting beliefs and build a more empowered mindset.

Who you surround yourself with matters. Make sure you’ve got people in your corner who remind you of what you’re capable of, especially on the days when you forget.

5. Speak up even when your voice shakes

Confidence isn’t about always feeling bold or fearless. It’s about choosing to speak up anyway. Whether that’s sharing your perspective in a meeting, disagreeing respectfully with a colleague or advocating for your own needs, every time you use your voice, you reinforce your sense of self-trust.

And remember, you don’t have to have all the answers. Leadership isn’t about certainty, it’s about clarity, collaboration and courage. Your perspective is valuable, even if it’s not perfectly polished.

So, practice speaking up. One comment at a time. Over time, it becomes easier, and you become more grounded in your presence.

Final thoughts

Confidence is not a fixed trait… It’s a skill. And like any skill, it develops the more you practice it.

You don’t have to overhaul your personality or suddenly become fearless. You just need to build small habits that nudge you out of your comfort zone and into your power. Habits that help you trust your voice, value your contribution and lead in a way that’s true to you.

If you’re ready to develop your confidence and presence as a woman in leadership, I’d love to help. Through tailored coaching and leadership development programmes, we’ll work together to quiet the self-doubt, amplify your strengths and support you to lead with greater impact.

You don’t need to wait until you feel ready. The time to step up is now, and you’re more prepared than you think.