Is confidence a skill? Yes it is and it can be a very tricky thing to master. For many women working in agencies, especially those just starting out or moving into leadership roles, confidence doesn’t always come easily. You might have the experience, the qualifications, and the skills, but imposter syndrome can still sneak up on you, leaving you doubting your abilities.
In a fast-paced industry like ours, where every meeting with clients, pitches, and creative presentations can feel like a test, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt. But it’s important to remember that confidence isn’t always about feeling fearless—it’s about pushing through uncertainty and showing up with a belief in your ability to succeed. Below, we’ll explore five ways to feel confident when it doesn’t come naturally.
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Recognise and Tackle Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for many women working in agencies, especially when confidence doesn’t come naturally. In fact, a 2020 study by KPMG UK found that 75% of female executives across various industries reported experiencing imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. Even more striking, 85% of these women believed that it had impacted their ability to take on new challenges and leadership opportunities.
This internal doubt can hold back talented professionals, making them second-guess their worth and abilities. The good news? You’re not alone in this experience, and there are ways to manage it. Recognising that imposter syndrome is a shared experience for many women is the first step.
Try to challenge the negative thoughts that tell you you’re not good enough. Keep a success journal where you note down achievements, big and small. This is a great way to remind yourself of the value you bring, even when your confidence falters. And most importantly, talk to others. Sharing your experiences with peers, mentors, or within communities like Women in Agencies can be hugely beneficial. Often, you’ll find that others are going through the same thing, and together, you can build each other up.
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Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
It might sound obvious, but preparation is key when it comes to building confidence. When you know your stuff inside and out, it’s much harder to feel thrown off or insecure. Whether you’re meeting with a new client, presenting a campaign idea, or negotiating budgets, make sure you’ve done your research. Understand the client’s needs, know your numbers, and rehearse your pitch.
Confidence doesn’t have to mean being able to wing it in every situation. It often comes from feeling prepared enough to handle whatever comes your way. And remember, it’s perfectly okay to pause and think during a meeting or presentation. If you’re prepared, those moments of silence can work to your advantage—they show you’re composed and thoughtful, rather than unsure.
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Know Your Unique Strengths
Confidence is often tied to understanding and owning your unique strengths, but for many women, self-doubt can get in the way. According to a 2019 survey by the Institute of Leadership & Management, 53% of women in the UK believe that their lack of confidence has held them back from applying for senior leadership positions, compared to 39% of men. This highlights how many talented women may be missing out on opportunities because they don’t fully recognise or embrace their own potential.
Taking stock of your strengths and learning to own them is a great way to boost your confidence. In a competitive environment like an agency, it’s easy to compare yourself to others, but the reality is that clients and colleagues value authenticity. They want to work with people who are true to themselves and confident in what they offer, not people trying to be someone they’re not.
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Don’t Be Afraid to Say ‘I Don’t Know’
We’ve all been in meetings where we feel the pressure to have all the answers. But here’s the thing: no one expects you to know everything, and admitting that you don’t have the answer to a particular question won’t diminish your credibility. In fact, it can have the opposite effect. It shows that you’re honest, self-aware, and willing to seek the right solution, rather than bluffing your way through.
Instead of feeling that not knowing an answer equals failure, view it as an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and grow. A simple, “That’s a great question, let me get back to you on that,” can be incredibly empowering. This approach not only takes the pressure off but also builds trust with clients and colleagues who will appreciate your transparency.
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Surround Yourself with Support
The support of a strong network can make all the difference when it comes to confidence. Whether it’s a trusted mentor, a supportive colleague, or a community like Women in Agencies, having people around you who believe in you is invaluable. These individuals can offer guidance, reassurance, and a reminder that you’re not alone in your journey.
In the UK agency world, the power of community should not be underestimated. Seek out relationships with others in the industry who can offer perspective and encouragement when you’re feeling unsure. Regular check-ins, brainstorming sessions, or even just venting about the challenges you’re facing can provide a much-needed confidence boost.
Is Confidence a Skill?
Absolutely, confidence is a skill—and like any skill, it can be developed with time. While some people may seem naturally confident, the truth is that confidence is often the result of building knowledge, experience, and resilience. For many of us, confidence doesn’t always come easily, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach.
Think of confidence as a muscle: the more you work on it, the stronger it gets. Start by setting small, achievable goals that allow you to build up your self-belief. Preparation is key. When you’ve done your homework, you’ll naturally feel more secure in your abilities, whether you’re pitching to a new client or navigating internal meetings.
It’s important to remember that confidence isn’t about always knowing the answer or never feeling nervous—it’s about pushing through uncertainty and trusting in your capacity to figure things out. By understanding that yes, confidence is a skill, you empower yourself to work on it, knowing that it’s not something you’re born with, but something you can continually improve.
In an industry where self-doubt can creep in, especially for women, acknowledging that confidence is a skill can be a game-changer. It shifts the mindset from feeling inadequate to recognising that confidence can grow with each challenge faced and each success achieved.
Why Is Confidence Important?
Confidence is important for many reasons, particularly in the fast-paced world of agencies. It affects how you present yourself, how others perceive you, and, most importantly, how you tackle challenges. Whether you’re leading a client meeting, pitching a new campaign idea, or negotiating contracts, confidence plays a crucial role in making a positive impression and delivering results.
But why is confidence important beyond just appearances? It’s about trust. When you exude confidence, clients and colleagues are more likely to trust your ideas and recommendations. In an industry where relationships are key, confidence can open doors to new opportunities and help you secure buy-in for bold, creative strategies. Even in moments of doubt, being able to project confidence can help you stay composed and keep the conversation moving forward.
Confidence is also essential for personal growth. It allows you to take risks, embrace new challenges, and push beyond your comfort zone. Without it, you may hesitate to apply for leadership roles, contribute in meetings, or speak up for yourself—all of which are vital to career progression. So, why is confidence important? Because it not only shapes how others see you but also empowers you to reach your full potential in your career.
Confidence doesn’t always come naturally, and that’s okay. The important thing is to acknowledge that it’s something you can work on and develop over time. By recognising imposter syndrome, preparing thoroughly, knowing your strengths, being comfortable with not knowing everything, and building a strong support network, you’ll gradually build the confidence to thrive in even the most challenging situations.
Remember, the next time you’re feeling unsure, and your feel unsure remember that – is confidence a skill you can work on? YES! it’s not about never feeling nervous—it’s about pushing through those feelings and showing up anyway. Confidence isn’t the absence of fear, it’s the belief that you can handle whatever comes next.
