Leadership Coach Reveals the #1 Thing You Need to Build UNSHAKABLE Self-Confidence as a Leader

What happens when confidence gets shaken in the workplace?In this episode of Strategy Real Time, Michelle Hamilton and Thomas Baker unpack the real reasons leaders lose confidence — from workplace politics and toxic environments to career setbacks, criticism, pressure, and personal loss.Drawing from more than 60 years of combined leadership experience, Michelle and Tom share deeply personal stories about moments that challenged their confidence, how those experiences shaped them as leaders, and the practical ways they rebuilt resilience, influence, and self-belief.This conversation explores the hidden emotional side of leadership that few people talk about: imposter syndrome, insecurity, bullying in leadership, executive pressure, self-worth, and the impact workplace relationships can have on confidence and performance.Michelle opens up about a career moment that nearly destroyed her confidence after being dismissed as “Barbie with a briefcase,” while Tom reflects on how survival experiences, mentorship, and personal growth reshaped the way he understood confidence, leadership, and influence.This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence is not something you either have or don’t have — it’s something that gets built, challenged, broken, and rebuilt throughout life and leadership.This Episode Covers:• Why confidence impacts leadership and decision-making• How workplace criticism affects self-worth• The emotional side of leadership and executive pressure• Confidence, bullying, and workplace politics• How leaders rebuild confidence after setbacks• The importance of support systems and mentorship• Why environment shapes confidence and growth• Leadership, humility, and personal identity• How toxic leaders destroy team confidence• Why real leadership is about how people feel after interacting with youYes — the podcast actually starts with a cold open/introduction before the main conversation begins. So the timestamps should reflect that properly.Here’s the corrected version with the intro included:Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:58 – What This Episode Is About01:52 – Why Confidence Issues Are Rising Today04:14 – Michelle’s Early Career & Confidence Journey05:44 – The “Barbie With a Briefcase” Story08:12 – How Bullying Impacts Confidence10:03 – Workplace Politics & Career Pressure11:25 – Confidence, Identity & Personal Uniqueness14:15 – Childhood Confidence & Early Experiences16:06 – Tom’s Survival Experience & Rebuilding Confidence19:26 – Changing Your Environment To Grow21:01 – Faith, Family & Support Systems22:26 – Why Work Stress Follows You Home24:14 – Confidence, Loss & Personal Identity26:18 – What Real Confidence Actually Looks Like27:37 – Toxic Leaders & Insecurity30:07 – Recognising Confidence Struggles30:55 – Protecting Your Energy & Removing Negativity33:31 – Courage, Leadership & Difficult Decisions35:03 – Final ThoughtsWebsite: [Strategy Real Time](https://www.strategyrealtime.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)#Leadership #Confidence #ExecutiveLeadership #CareerGrowth #Management #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessLeadership #SelfConfidence #ProfessionalGrowth