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Published on:

4th Mar 2025

The Brain Science Behind Confidence, Fear and Success

In this episode of the Women Leading Boldly Summit, Karen Gombault interviews Dr. Michelle Morkert, PHD, a Fulbright scholar, former researcher on gender and conflict, and now a leadership coach and strategist.

With a background that spans from researching war widows in Guatemala to working with feminist leaders in Poland, Michelle brings a deep understanding of how women navigate and challenge systems that weren’t built for them.


5 Key Takeaways:

1. Confidence is Already Within You: Women aren’t lacking confidence—they are navigating systems that weren’t designed for them. Confidence exists in various areas of life, and the challenge is applying it to new spaces.


2. The Brain Science Behind Fear & Confidence: Fear triggers the amygdala, activating a fight-or-flight response. This is normal and can be managed by shifting focus to the prefrontal cortex, where strategic thinking and leadership skills live.


3. Your Nervous System is Not the Enemy: Physical reactions like sweating, a tightening throat, or racing thoughts are normal signs that you care deeply about what you’re doing. Recognizing and managing these responses helps avoid unnecessary self-doubt.


4. Imposter Syndrome is About the Environment, Not You: Feelings of not belonging often stem from entering spaces where you don’t see others like you. The solution isn’t to "fix yourself"—it’s to develop strategies for navigating these environments.


5. Saying No is Saying Yes to What Matters: Leadership is about prioritization. When women learn to say no to unnecessary demands, they create space for what truly aligns with their values and goals.


"You don’t have a syndrome. Nothing is wrong with you. Your brain is operating exactly the way it’s supposed to. We just need strategies to manage it." – Dr. Michelle Morkert, PHD



Dr. Michelle emphasizes that women are already equipped for leadership—they just need the right strategies and support. Recognizing and managing fear, understanding systemic barriers, and embracing the power of saying no are essential tools for navigating leadership spaces with confidence.


Where to Connect with Dr. Michelle Morkert:

Website: https://www.michellemorkert.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellemorkert/

Newsletter: https://michellemorkert.com/form/


Upcoming Program: Launching soon for Women’s History Month

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About the Podcast

Women Leading Boldly Virtual Summit
🔥 The Future of Leadership is Bold. Are You Ready? 🔥

Women’s leadership has come a long way—but what if progress isn’t permanent?

At the Women Leading Boldly Virtual Summit, top leaders, change-makers, and industry experts are coming together to tackle the biggest threats to women’s advancement—and more importantly, to redefine leadership on our terms.

From breaking barriers in male-dominated industries to leading without burnout, amplifying influence, and building financial power, this summit is about real talk, real strategies, and real change.

Over 5 days, you'll hear powerful conversations, bold insights, and inspiring stories from women who are rewriting the leadership playbook.

📅 Are you ready to step up, lean in and shape the future? Let’s lead boldly—together.

About your host

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Karen Gombault

I’m Karen, and I know firsthand the challenges of building a passionate career.

As a former CEO with 30 years in corporate leadership, I'm now a leadership coach and mentor, working privately 1:1 with newly promoted and transitioning leaders who are struggling with self-doubt, team dynamics, and overwhelming responsibilities to lead with confidence, build strong relationships, and create lasting impact —without burnout or second-guessing.