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Confidence is something we talk about a lot, especially as women. But do we really understand what it is, where it comes from, and how to build it in a way that lasts?

In this episode, I’m joined again by Dr Kate Hayes, Head of Women’s Performance Psychology at the Football Association, to explore the science and psychology of confidence.

Kate is the expert on this topic. Not only has she completed a PhD focused on confidence in world-class sport, but she has also supported some of the best-known elite performers and teams to succeed under immense pressure, including the Women’s English national football team – AKA the Lionesses.

Together, we unpack why confidence can feel solid in one part of life and shaky in another, whether women experience confidence differently to men, and how to develop confidence that is grounded, evidence-based and sustainable.

Why listen to this episode?

This episode is for you if you’re capable, accomplished, and still find your confidence wavering in the moments that matter most.

You’ll gain:

Insight into what confidence really is and why it’s not something you’re simply born with

A better understanding of why confidence can disappear under pressure

Expert perspective on whether women’s confidence differs from men’s, and what may shape that

A practical way to think about confidence as a set of evidence-based beliefs

An understanding of why preparation alone doesn’t always create confidence

Tools to build confidence in your ability to perform when the stakes are high

A more compassionate, empowering view of confidence as something you can build over time

Above all, this episode offers a new model of confidence: one that isn’t about faking it, forcing it, or waiting until you feel ready but about building real confidence that lasts.

About the guest: Dr Kate Hayes

Dr Kate Hayes is one of the leading experts in performance psychology, with deep expertise in confidence, pressure and high performance.

She is Head of Women’s Performance Psychology at the Football Association and has supported some of the world’s best-known elite performers and teams, including the Lionesses. Kate also holds a PhD focused on confidence in world-class sport, giving her a rare combination of academic expertise and frontline experience helping people perform at their best when the stakes are high.

Kate is the author of How to Win: Lessons in Success from the Front Line of Performance Psychology, and is widely respected for translating elite performance psychology into practical, evidence-based strategies that can be applied far beyond sport.

Key takeaways from this episode

Confidence isn’t a fixed trait. It’s something that can be built through evidence, experience and preparation.

High performance requires more than knowing your stuff. It requires confidence in your ability to deliver when pressure, stakes and consequences are present.

Women may experience confidence differently because of the sources they draw it from, including feedback, relationships and external validation.

Building confidence means widening your sources of evidence, so your self-belief isn’t dependent on one outcome, one person’s opinion or one moment.

Lasting confidence comes from proactively creating evidence that you can trust yourself when it matters.

Links in this episode

Dr Kate Hayes Website

How To Win: Lessons in Success from the Front Line of Performance Psychology

You can read the transcript here