#228 The Confidence Code: Secrets to Owning Every Room with Susana Serrano Davey, GrowCFO Mentor

#228 The Confidence Code: Secrets to Owning Every Room with Susana Serrano Davey https://open.spotify.com/episode/393rj0qXYpByeuWWjgoC5i Confidence is a critical yet often misunderstood element of professional success. In today's competitive business landscape, understanding the nuanced dynamics of self-assurance can be the difference between breakthrough performance and persistent self-doubt. Susana Serrano Davey, a GrowCFO Mentor, emerges as a thought leader challenging conventional wisdom about personal empowerment through her groundbreaking book, "Confidence is Overrated." Her work represents a paradigm shift, moving beyond traditional self-help narratives to offer a more authentic, introspective approach to professional development.At the core of Davey's philosophy is the radical notion that confidence is not a prerequisite for achievement, but rather an organic outcome of genuine self-acceptance and continuous learning. By deconstructing the myth of performative confidence, she introduces innovative frameworks that encourage professionals to embrace vulnerability, take calculated risks, and view personal growth as a non-linear journey. Her methodology, enriched by personal anecdotes and metaphorical insights—ranging from mushroom hunting to unicorn symbolism—provides a refreshing alternative to conventional confidence-building strategies. Through her work, Davey empowers individuals to reframe their understanding of success, emphasizing internal resilience over external validation and demonstrating how true professional transformation emerges from self-compassion and persistent curiosity. Key topics covered: Challenging Traditional Confidence Paradigms Redefines confidence as an internal journey rather than external validation Emphasizes self-acceptance over performative achievement Introduces innovative metaphors like unicorns and mushroom hunting to illustrate personal growth concepts Book Development Insights Leveraged AI tools like ChatGPT for manuscript refinement Incorporated early feedback from zero readers Developed a more mature, professionally structured narrative compared to her first book Personal Growth Strategies Advocates for embracing uncertainty and taking calculated risks Promotes the value of continuous learning and adaptability Shares personal stories demonstrating vulnerability and resilience Technological Integration in Writing Utilized AI as a collaborative writing assistant Maintained human emotional authenticity in storytelling Explored AI's potential and limitations in creative processes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8myIm2OdbA Links Susana Serrano Davey on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:01:14 Initial conversational setup 0:06:36 Book introduction and core concept 0:10:07 Discussion on skill acquisition vs. confidence 0:12:30 Metaphorical exploration of confidence 0:16:13 Personal project discussion (mango farm) 0:20:08 Podcasting journey reflection 0:24:23 Confidence as an end result, not a starting point 0:35:37 Unmasking professional confidence 0:39:07 AI's role in book creation 0:42:33 Closing remarks and future collaboration Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net