What Business School Taught Me About Confidence

The Position Papers (2/3) | Favourite Positions PodcastConfidence is often framed as a personality trait – something you either have or you don’t. But what if confidence is actually contextual, shaped by environment, familiarity and perceived expectations?In this second episode of The Position Papers mini-series, Alexandra Young reflects on how business school reshaped her understanding of confidence. Drawing on psychological research and her experience of being in a high-achieving MBA cohort, she explores why self-doubt often increases in stretch environments, why visible confidence can be misleading, and how participation – not certainty – is what actually builds confidence over time.This episode reframes confidence as something situational and learnable rather than fixed, and offers practical ways to participate more fully in rooms that matter.In this episodeWhy confidence is situational rather than a fixed traitHow high-achieving environments amplify self-doubtThe gap between performed confidence and internal experienceThe psychological “spotlight effect” in group settingsWhy action builds confidence more reliably than preparationRethinking presence beyond volume or airtimeKey reframes discussedConfidence is familiarity with an environment, not personalityVisible confidence often masks private uncertaintyReadiness rarely precedes participationSilence increases pressure while contribution reduces itPresence does not require constant speakingKey questions from the episodeWhere do you currently feel most confident – and why?Is there a room you’ve been avoiding until you feel ready?What would you do if discomfort meant learning, not misfit?Research referencedKorn Ferry (2024). Global Imposter Syndrome Study.Found 71% of CEOs report experiencing imposter syndrome symptoms, with prevalence increasing at senior levels.Gilovich, Medvec & Savitsky (2000). The Spotlight Effect in Social Judgment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.Demonstrates that people significantly overestimate how much others notice their behaviour and mistakes.Google Trends / global search data (2024).Reported ~75% increase in searches for “imposter syndrome,” indicating rising public concern and self-doubt discourse.About The Position PapersThe Position Papers is a three-part Favourite Positions mini-series on business school, confidence and growth, recorded during Alex’s MBA alongside full-time leadership. Each episode explores the intersection of ambition, identity and modern work.ConnectIf this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need it!You can connect with Alex on LinkedIn and follow Favourite Positions on Instagram for future episodes and resources.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.