Building Confidence

What if the career you really want takes two years of hearing "no" before you finally get your "yes"?

In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with electrician and protection technician Kasey to talk about her journey from graphic designer to mature-age electrical apprentice, high-voltage field service technician, and now into the specialised world of protection testing.

Kasey shares what it was like starting an apprentic...

What if changing one tiny word could change the way you talk to yourself?

In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about the surprisingly powerful difference between "and" and "but"—and how a small shift in language can help us recognise how far we've come without ignoring where we still want to grow.

Think about the difference between "I've learnt so much, BUT I still don't know how to do this" and "I've learnt ...

Can you build a successful trade career while raising a family? Absolutely.

In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with award-winning boilermaker Samantha Hall to talk about her journey from being a stay-at-home mum to becoming a qualified tradeswoman, industry award winner, and mentor for young women entering manufacturing.

Sam shares the realit...

What if a little bit of self-doubt is actually a good thing?

In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about something I call appropriate self-doubt—that little voice that makes you stop, double-check, ask a question or recognise when you might need some help.

We often think becoming confident means getting rid of self-doubt completely. But especially in the trades, havin...

What if the career you love is waiting just outside your comfort zone?

In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with heavy vehicle technician Rachael to talk about her journey from a high school student unsure of her future to becoming a trusted breakdown technician who thrives on solving problems in the field. Along the way, we discuss overcoming workplace challenges, fin...

How much of the feedback you receive is fact—and how much is just someone's opinion?

In this episode of Building Confidence, I unpack one of the simplest tools I use with my coaching clients: understanding the difference between objective and subjective feedback. Learning to recognise the difference can completely change how you approach job applications, award nominations, workplace feedback, and even self-doubt.

Using examp...

What happens when you stop waiting for change and decide to create it yourself?

In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with Amanda, founder of Awesome Women in Construction, to talk about how one breakfast with 14 women grew into a thriving community supporting women across every part of the construction industry. From networking events and regional roadshows to awards nights and programs helping women return to the wor...

Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'm always anxious," "I always make mistakes," or "This is just who I am"? The words we repeatedly tell ourselves can shape the way we think, feel, and act—often without us even realising it.

In this episode of Building Confidence, I explore the concept of self-fulfilling prophecies and how the stories we tell ourselves can keep us stuck. Drawing on my own lived experience with mental he...

What do you do when the career you've been chasing takes seven years to become reality? You keep going.

In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with electrician and maintenance supervisor Kym to unpack her journey into the trades. From spending seven years applying for apprenticeships, relocating across Queensland, fighting to protect her apprenticeship, navigating health challenges, and stepping into leadership, Kym sha...

Returning to work after time away can feel exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. Whether you've been recovering from burnout, navigating bullying, welcoming a new baby, managing an injury, or simply taking time to heal, stepping back into the workplace is a transition—and it's okay if it doesn't feel easy.

In this episode of Building Confidence, I share my own experience of returning to work after burnout, along ...

In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with heavy vehicle mechanic and dual-trade auto electrician Caitlyn Hayes to chat about the journey that has taken her from applying for countless apprenticeships to working FIFO in Western Australia.

We talk about what it takes to back yourself when opportunities don't come easily, how to advocate for yourself in the workplace, why mentoring can change the course of your career, a...

I explore the metaphor of watering grass versus watering concrete, discussing the importance of focusing efforts on environments where growth is possible, highlights how investing energy in the wrong areas can lead to burnout.

If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation here

If you are business wanting to give your employees more tools to succeed you can book a business chat her...

In this week’s interview, Alice shares her 23-year journey as a tradeswoman, overcoming challenges related to gender bias, workplace respect, and career transitions. Discover valuable and practical insights on supporting women in trades, the importance of community, and how to succeed in a male-dominated industry!

Takeaways

• Surround yourself with good people and support networks.
• Be consistent in your boundaries and res...

Anxiety can sometimes be chatter in your mind and sometimes it can be yelling – sound familiar? It can be like a team meeting where peoples voices are not being taken into account, and they get louder and louder until you cannot ignore them.

In this episode I go through how to have a productive team meeting with your anxiety.

If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation her...

"I’ve become the gun tradie I used to look up to."

Saf joins us on the podcast to share her 16 year long carer in the trades, sharing challenges she over came and her mindset of continues learning which has lead her to becoming the gun tradie that she used to look up to!!

takeaways

• Choosing an apprenticeship can be the best decision for personal growth.
• Embracing the unknown leads to unexpected opportunities.
• Building ex...

In this episode, I share practical strategies for building confidence through regular actions, the importance of gathering evidence of success, and managing ADHD symptoms without shame.

If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation here

If you are business wanting to give your employees more tools to succeed you can book a business chat here

This podcast episode is supported by th...

In this weeks episode I chat to Kate, a qualified heavy diesel mechanic based in NZ. We discuss Kate’s journey from the air force into the trades which unfortunately wasn’t smooth sailing. We talk about the impact of workplace bullying, confidence building, and overcoming adversity in professional settings.

Key takeaways-

• Starting a trade as a mature aged apprentice
• Spending over a year trying to get an apprentices...

In this episode I share a fact about bullying that is rarely discussed – the impact on your learning. This really impacts you during your apprenticeship when learning is intense but beyond your apprenticeship it effects your performance. I through how this impacted me and how I moved through it.

If you are a tradeswoman or tradesperson who would like to feel less anxious and more confident, don't hesitate to book a coaching c...