#150: Confidence Is a Choice: The Science Behind Self-Belief with Alyssa Dver

Confidence isn't a feeling, it's a choice you make. And once you understand the science behind it, everything in your life changes.   In this episode of GRASP Confidence, host Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with Alyssa Dver, the world-renowned Confidence Expert, CEO and Co-founder of the American Confidence Institute (ACI), and Founder of the ERG Leadership Alliance. Together, they explore how confidence is not something you either have or don't; it's something you decide to practice, build, and sustain. Alyssa is a two-time TEDx speaker and eight-time award-winning author whose research and frameworks have transformed how people and organizations think about confidence. Her work blends neuroscience, psychology, and practical application—helping everyone from CEOs to students unlock their innate power to believe, act, and lead with conviction. Over her impressive career, Alyssa has advised global organizations including Amazon, The World Bank, MIT, Wharton, Harvard, IBM, Spotify, Wayfair, and Pepsi. Named one of the Top 10 Pioneering Women Leaders and a Stevie Award Thought Leader, she's on a mission to make confidence accessible, teachable, and sustainable. Alyssa also serves as the Confidence Educator & Spokesperson for L'Oréal IT Cosmetics' "Confidence at Work" initiative—a powerful campaign that provides no-cost, high-quality confidence-building resources for women entrepreneurs and employees around the world. Through her video content, blog insights, research, and consulting, Alyssa helps L'Oréal empower women to lead boldly and authentically. 👉 Explore the campaign at www.itcosmetics.com/confidence-at-work   Beyond her global speaking and advisory work, Alyssa contributes to shaping the next generation of confident leaders as a Professional Advisor at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship and an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at the Penn Center for Innovation. Her groundbreaking approach to confidence has been recognized across academia, media, and corporate leadership circles alike.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why confidence isn't a personality trait but a brain-based skill. How to make confidence a daily choice instead of waiting for it to appear. The neuroscience behind fear, courage, and decision-making. How leaders can build confidence cultures that inspire trust and innovation. Simple, science-backed practices to train your brain for unshakable self-belief. If you're ready to rewire how you think about confidence and lead from a place of courage, clarity, and purpose—this episode is for you.   🎙️ Tune in now to GRASP Confidence, where we bring you leadership strategies that unleash confidence.   🌐 Connect with Alyssa Dver Website: www.AmericanConfidenceInstitute.com ERG Leadership Alliance: www.ergleadershipalliance.com Confidence at Work Campaign: www.itcosmetics.com/confidence-at-work   ✨ What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling.   🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you. 🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio   Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.   Follow our host, Tara LaFon Gooch: Book: How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power is available on Amazon. Grab your copy today for a confident tomorrow! LinkedIn: Follow Tara LaFon Gooch on LinkedIn Website: Visit Tara's website to learn more about her work: TaraLafonGooch.com Branding Services: Want to grow your brand and expand it massively? Visit Tara's company website to learn about our services: BestBranding.Solutions   Hire Tara to speak at your next event!