Building Confidence

What if the people in your new workplace aren't rejecting you—they're just figuring out how to work with you? In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about something that doesn't get discussed very often: teaching men how to work with women. When you enter a male-dominated workplace as a tradeswoman, there's a lot of newness for you. New people, new systems, new expectations and a new workplace culture. But sometimes there's also newness on the other side—because you may genuinely be the first woman some of your coworkers have ever worked alongside. That uncertainty can sometimes look like people being distant, awkward or standoffish. And while sexism and unconscious bias absolutely exist, sometimes there may be something else happening too. Drawing on my own experience entering a workshop where the team had previously had a difficult experience with another woman, I talk about why I often give a new workplace a little time before deciding exactly what's happening. In this episode, we discuss: Why joining a new workplace can feel uncomfortable for everyone involved What can happen when your coworkers have never worked with a woman before Why being standoffish doesn't automatically mean someone doesn't want you there How previous workplace experiences can influence the way people respond to you Giving relationships time to develop before putting a label on what's happening Making the first move when coworkers are nervous about approaching you Staying true to your values and maintaining your boundaries Keeping sight of why you're there in the first place Recognising when the adjustment period has gone on long enough Why one woman's behaviour should never be used to represent all women This isn't about accepting poor behaviour, changing who you are, or taking responsibility for fixing workplace culture. It's about recognising what you can control: how you show up, how you communicate, the boundaries you set and the relationships you choose to build. Sometimes people need a little time to get used to each other. And some of the people who initially have their walls up may eventually become the people you learn the most from. If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation here If you are business wanting to give your employees more tools to succeed you can book a business chat here Zadie proudly sponsors this episode. Zadie is a workwear brand made by tradeswomen for tradeswomen and is made to fit your hips, thighs and butt; check them out at https://www.zadieworkwear.com.au/

What if choosing a trade could open more doors than you ever realised? In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with fitter by trade and Women in Trades Project Officer Abbie to talk about the incredible variety a trade career can offer—and the lessons she's learned along the way. Abbie takes us from discovering automotive at school and applying for almost every apprenticeship she could find, through her fitting and turning apprenticeship at BlueScope Steel, working in manufacturing and underground mining, and eventually stepping into a role where she now helps other women find their own pathway into the trades. We also have an honest conversation about what happens after you finish your apprenticeship. Abbie shares the unexpected challenge of finding work as a newly qualified tradeswoman, why employers need to rethink their expectations around experience, and why sometimes a rejection from the wrong workplace can be a blessing in disguise. In this episode, we discuss: Discovering the trades while still at school Applying for apprenticeships when you're not completely sure which trade you want What it's really like completing an apprenticeship with a large employer Learning to think for yourself when support isn't always available The huge variety of work available as a fitter Working in manufacturing and underground mining The challenge of finding work as a newly qualified tradesperson Why employers need to give inexperienced workers an opportunity Moving from working on the tools to supporting other women entering trades Taking advantage of training, licences and every opportunity offered during your apprenticeship Whether you're considering a trade, currently completing an apprenticeship, or wondering where your qualification could take you next, Abbie's story is a reminder that your trade doesn't lock you into one pathway. Stay curious, take the opportunities in front of you, and build as many skills as you can along the way.

What do you do when someone is shocked to discover that you're a tradeswoman… again? In this episode of Building Confidence, I'm sharing one of the more unusual reframes I've created with a coaching client: popping people's tradeswoman virginity. When women still make up such a small percentage of tradespeople, there's a good chance you'll be the first tradeswoman someone has worked with, hired, met on site, or had turn up at their house. Most of the time, the surprise might not bother you—but on a bad day, another "Wow, a girl!" can be the tiny thing that drains the last bit of energy you have. So instead of letting those moments chip away at your confidence, what if we made them a little lighter? In this episode, I talk about reframing—a simple coaching tool that can help us change the way we look at those low-level problems we can't necessarily control. This isn't about pretending something doesn't bother you or ignoring bigger workplace issues. It's about deciding where you want to spend your energy. In this episode, we discuss: What reframing is and how you can use it The small, repetitive experiences that can drain tradeswomen over time Why people may still be surprised to meet a tradeswoman Separating low-level frustrations from problems that actually need action Using humour to take some of the heaviness out of frustrating situations Protecting your energy on the days when your confidence is already low Creating your own reframes for everyday annoyances We have trades to learn, houses to build, engines to fix and careers to grow. We don't need to give all our energy away every time somebody is surprised that we exist. We're here—and we're here to stay. This podcast episode is supported by the Go Company The GO Company is dedicated to supporting women in underserved industries by providing essential sanitary solutions. We are kicking off this partnership with a Instagram giveaway – link to enter - https://www.instagram.com/p/DUHZgMbjCsY/ Check out there range of practical period products - https://www.thegocompany.com.au/go-shop  

What if the career you really want takes two years of hearing "no" before you finally get your "yes"? In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with electrician and protection technician Kasey to talk about her journey from graphic designer to mature-age electrical apprentice, high-voltage field service technician, and now into the specialised world of protection testing. Kasey shares what it was like starting an apprenticeship at 30, staying determined through two years of unsuccessful applications, navigating significant health challenges during her apprenticeship, and eventually discovering just how valuable the skills she'd spent four years building had become. We also explore what happens after you qualify—the confidence shift from apprentice to tradesperson, choosing to leave the workplace where you completed your apprenticeship to continue growing, specialising within your trade, and why continuing to learn can open doors you didn't even know existed. In this episode, we discuss: Changing careers and starting an electrical apprenticeship at 30 Staying motivated through two years of apprenticeship applications Completing an apprenticeship while navigating major personal challenges The transition from apprentice to qualified tradeswoman Moving into high-voltage field service and protection testing Finding specialised career paths you didn't know existed Being the only woman in a field service team Some of the hidden realities of working underground Why your trade qualification doesn't limit you to one type of work Continuing to learn after you're qualified Saying yes to opportunities and seeing where they take you Whether you're trying to get your first apprenticeship, considering a career change, or wondering what comes next after qualifying, Kasey's story is a reminder that there isn't one correct pathway through the trades. Keep learning, stay curious, and don't be afraid to say yes to an opportunity—you never know which door it might open.

What if changing one tiny word could change the way you talk to yourself? In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about the surprisingly powerful difference between "and" and "but"—and how a small shift in language can help us recognise how far we've come without ignoring where we still want to grow. Think about the difference between "I've learnt so much, BUT I still don't know how to do this" and "I've learnt so much, AND I still have more to learn." Both can be true, but they feel very different. Drawing on conversations from my coaching work and my own experiences with friendships, skills and personal growth, I explore how using "but" can sometimes unintentionally minimise everything that came before it. By replacing it with "and", we can make space for gratitude, disappointment, confidence, growth and ambition to exist alongside each other. In this episode, we discuss: The subtle difference between using "and" and "but" How our language can unintentionally minimise our achievements Recognising the skills you already have while acknowledging what you still need to learn Why two seemingly conflicting feelings can exist at the same time Using this tool when setting goals and thinking about your future Appreciating the relationships and community you have while still wanting more Moving from a surviving mindset towards thriving Making small shifts in your self-talk that create forward momentum You can be proud of how far you've come and want more for yourself. You can be an amazing apprentice and still have a lot to learn. You can be a capable tradesperson and find your next role challenging. Those things don't cancel each other out—and sometimes changing one little word is enough to remind yourself of that. Shewear proudly supports this episode. She Wear safety work boots that women have designed to fit and look good on women. Not only do they have specially designed work boots for women, but they also have a wide range of women's work wear from various brands in one spot! Get shopping at http://www.shewear.com.au