The Confidence Lie Most People Believe - Fred Joyal #163

In this episode, Paul sits down with entrepreneur and author Fred Joyal to challenge one of the biggest myths about confidence: that you need it before you act. Drawing on his journey from painful introversion to building and leading a nationwide business for nearly three decades, Fred explains why boldness isn’t a personality trait — it’s a learnable skill built through action, discomfort, and repetition. The conversation explores why so many people hesitate to speak up, put themselves forward, or fully express who they are — and how that hesitation quietly limits careers, relationships, and fulfilment. From the confidence crisis facing younger generations to the comfort-seeking traps adults fall into, Fred breaks down why bold action must come first, how small low-stakes courage rewires behaviour, and why the regret people carry later in life is rarely about what they did — but what they never tried. About the Guest Fred Joyal is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author of Boldness: How to Go from Under-Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days. He founded and led a nationwide advertising and referral business for dentists for nearly three decades, serving as CEO for 27 years before its successful exit. About the Host Paul Ryan is an eight-figure CEO, mentor, and host of The Inner Entrepreneur Podcast. Having built a business that runs with minimal day-to-day involvement, Paul now focuses on helping seasoned entrepreneurs explore the inner game of success — clarity, identity, emotional intelligence, wellbeing, and purpose. Through honest conversations with founders, thinkers, and guides, Paul creates space for deeper reflection on what it really means to live and lead well, beyond metrics and money. Work With Paul Paul works with seasoned entrepreneurs who are successful on paper but sensing it’s time for a deeper realignment — helping them clarify what’s next and align their life and business around what truly matters. 🔗 Book a discovery call with Paul: https://calendly.com/inner-entrepreneur-podcast/discovery-call-with-paul-ryan 🌐 Learn more: https://pauljryan.net