2.08 Building Core Strength: The Key to Confident Leadership

In this episode, hosts Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig discuss the multifaceted nature of confidence.

They address how confidence is often misunderstood as mere extroversion and bravado, but true confidence comes from a deeper sense of self-worth and capability.

Fi shares her personal journey in understanding confidence, emphasising the importance of courage and the ability to act despite fear. Gemma contrasts self-esteem, which relies on external validation, with intrinsic self-worth that remains intact regardless of external outcomes.

She refers to Viv Groskop's book "Happy High Status," which introduces various confidence styles, including vulnerable confidence and the ability to hold competing ideas without feeling threatened.

The hosts also propose a practical model of the three Cs—competency, courage, and curiosity—as anchors for building confidence in challenging situations. This insightful conversation equips listeners with a broader perspective on confidence, encouraging them to find and nurture their unique styles of self-assuredness.

Key Points Discussed:

- Different definitions and perceptions of confidence

- The impact of age and wisdom on understanding confidence

- The distinction between self-esteem and self-worth

- Examples of confidence styles from Viv Groskop's "Happy High Status"

- Practical model: Competency, courage, and curiosity as confidence anchors

- The importance of recognising and reducing stress responses

- The role of core strength in maintaining confidence

Key Timestamps:

[05:48] - Gemma's take on quiet confidence and growth mindset

[07:25] - Discussion on self-worth versus self-esteem

[14:48] - Viv Groskop's "Happy High Status" and different confidence styles

[22:17] - The importance of quiet confidence in strategic leadership

[24:16] - Operating in competency mode vs. stress mode

[27:12] - Introducing the practical model of the three Cs

[29:01] - Core strength as a metaphor for inner confidence

Key Takeaway: 

True confidence is not about external validation but an intrinsic sense of self-worth and capability. By understanding and nurturing different styles of confidence, leaders can navigate challenges with core strength and strategic calm.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader.

If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you.

Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.