307 I Why Surface Level Confidence Isn’t Enough For Career Progression

🎙️ Episode Overview In this solo episode, I’m talking about something I see come up again and again during career transitions: the difference between appearing confident and actually feeling confident . I work with so many high-achieving professionals who look confident on the outside; capable, accomplished, and put together, yet internally they’re second-guessing themselves, especially when they’re navigating interviews, considering a move, or trying to figure out what’s next in their career. In this episode, I unpack why “faking it till you make it” doesn’t work long-term when you’re in transition, and what actually helps you build confidence that supports you as you move towards your next role, opportunity, or career chapter. I also share a recent client example that highlights how confidence grows when you reconnect with your experience, your value, and the evidence of what you already bring to the table. If your confidence has dipped as you think about what’s next or you’re tired of performing confidence rather than truly feeling it, this episode is for you. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why confidence often dips during career transitions, even when you’re highly capable The difference between looking confident and feeling confident and why that matters in interviews and career conversations Why “fake it till you make it” can leave you feeling scattered and disconnected How reflecting on your experience helps you position yourself more confidently for what’s next Why confidence comes from action and evidence, not waiting until you feel “ready” 🧭 Action Steps Take stock of your experience: I encourage you to write down what you’ve done, achieved, and navigated especially the things you tend to dismiss. Connect the dots: Look at how your past experience links to the roles or opportunities you’re exploring next. Build confidence through action: Take small, intentional steps outside your comfort zone and pay attention to what you learn along the way. 💬 Ready for Support? If you’re in the middle of a career transition and want to feel more confident in interviews, networking conversations, and decision-making, I’d love to support you. 👉🏽 Book a Clarity Call at careerchangemakers.com/claritycall and let’s explore how coaching can help you move forward with confidence as you step into your next career chapter. Send us Fan Mail Invest in Yourself and Your Career: Community — Join our Network for mid-career women redesigning what's next in their careers Coaching — Join the Waitlist for The Portfolio Career Academy . Turn Your Expertise Into Multiple Streams of Income & Impact Through Building A Portfolio Career. Join The Waitlist Connect with me! Website: careerchangemakers.com Email: podcast@careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn: Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts

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307 I Why Surface Level Confidence Isn’t Enough For Career Progression is an episode from The Career Change Maker Podcast by Janine Esbrand - Executive Coach, Career Strategist, Keynote Speaker .

This episode is 14:00 long.

This episode was published on Feb 5, 2026.

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