The Confidence Blueprint: How Female Leaders Can Step Up, Speak Up, and Stand Out

Host Karen Gombault speaks with Kirsteen Williamson-Guinn, an experienced senior leader, founder of Elevate Women, and author of Unshakable Confidence, Your Blueprint.

Kirsteen specializes in helping female leaders build unshakable confidence so they can speak up, step up, and stand out in their careers.

In this episode, they discuss why women in leadership often struggle with visibility, the impact of self-doubt, and how strategic mindset shifts can elevate careers—especially in male-dominated industries.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Overworking Won’t Get You Promoted – Many women believe working harder will get them noticed, but being seen as a "safe pair of hands" rather than a strategic leader can stall career growth. Instead, prioritizing visibility and strategic impact is key.
2. Visibility Is Non-Negotiable – Women often resist putting themselves out there due to fear of judgment, yet career advancement requires being seen and recognized by the right people. Confidence grows when you focus on the value you bring rather than how you might be perceived.
3. Your Network Must Be Intentional – Women are often happenstance in their networking, while men tend to be more strategic. Expanding beyond internal company relationships and cultivating a powerful external network is critical for career mobility.
4. Discomfort Is a Growth Signal – Confidence isn't about eliminating fear—it’s about taking action despite it. Learning to tolerate discomfort, whether in public speaking or stepping into new roles, accelerates leadership growth.
5. Self-Concept Shapes Success – Women often underestimate their strengths and focus on gaps rather than assets. Tools like StrengthsFinder help identify and leverage core strengths, reinforcing confidence and strategic career decisions.

Confidence isn’t about being fearless—it’s about taking action despite self-doubt. Women in leadership must prioritize visibility, build intentional networks, and shift from overworking to strategic influence.

📢 Final message from Kirsteen: “My mission is way more important than someone else’s judgment of me.”

Where to Find Kirsteen Williamson-Guinn

Take her 90-second confidence quiz to gain insights into your confidence levels and how to strengthen them.

Connect with her to learn more about building a career with impact and confidence:

Contact: kirsteen@elevate-women.co.uk

Website: www.elevate-women.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsteen-williamson-guinn/

Link to Confidence Quiz: https://kirsteen-kldndktp.scoreapp.com/p/main-landing-page

Resources referenced in the discussion:

Mindset by Carol Dweck

Gallup Strengthsfinder: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/strengthsfinder.aspx

Claire Zammit Feminine Power: https://femininepower.com/about-claire-zammit/