Building Confidence

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

Can you build a successful trade career while raising a family? Absolutely. In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with award-winning boilermaker Samantha Hall to talk about her journey from being a stay-at-home mum to becoming a qualified tradeswoman, industry award winner, and mentor for young women entering manufacturing. Sam shares the realities of juggling motherhood with an apprenticeship, overcoming self-doubt, navigating a male-dominated workplace, and why backing yourself—even when others don't—is one of the most important skills you can develop. Today, she's not only building truck trailers but also helping build the confidence of the next generation of tradeswomen through mentoring programs across Queensland. In this episode, we discuss: Starting an apprenticeship as a mum Balancing family life, childcare, and a trade career Overcoming stereotypes in a male-dominated industry Why supportive teammates and mentors make a difference Transitioning from apprentice to qualified tradeswoman Winning industry awards and recognising your own achievements Mentoring young women entering manufacturing Why confidence grows through action—not perfection The importance of staying curious and never pretending to know everything Whether you're thinking about starting a trade, returning to work after having children, or wondering if it's "too late" to chase a different career, Sam's story is proof that your circumstances don't have to define your future. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply take the first step and keep going.

What if a little bit of self-doubt is actually a good thing? In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about something I call appropriate self-doubt—that little voice that makes you stop, double-check, ask a question or recognise when you might need some help. We often think becoming confident means getting rid of self-doubt completely. But especially in the trades, having no self-doubt isn't necessarily the goal. Sometimes that second thought of "Hang on, have I missed something?" is exactly what keeps us learning, improving and, most importantly, safe. In this episode, I explore the difference between self-doubt that keeps you stuck and self-doubt that helps you grow. I also share practical ways to respond to that doubt rather than allowing it to spiral into "I can't do this." In this episode, we discuss: The difference between crippling and appropriate self-doubt Why having zero self-doubt isn't necessarily the goal How a little uncertainty can help keep you safe Asking for help when you're doing something for the first time Moving from being a question asker to a problem solver Why being inexperienced isn't something to be ashamed of The importance of double-checking—even when you're experienced Learning from mistakes instead of allowing them to destroy your confidence Asking yourself where your self-doubt is actually coming from You don't need to know everything to be confident. Sometimes confidence looks like trusting what you know and being willing to stop, check, ask questions and keep learning. The goal isn't necessarily no self-doubt. It's making sure your self-doubt is working for you instead of stopping you from moving forward. That distinction is really clear when you talk about someone attempting a task they've never done before: the doubt itself isn't the problem—it can prompt them to check the manual, ask an experienced tradesperson or make sure they haven't missed a safety risk. 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 the career you love is waiting just outside your comfort zone? In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with heavy vehicle technician Rachael to talk about her journey from a high school student unsure of her future to becoming a trusted breakdown technician who thrives on solving problems in the field. Along the way, we discuss overcoming workplace challenges, finding mentors, pushing through self-doubt, and why stepping into the unknown completely changed her career. Rachael shares the highs and lows of her apprenticeship, the realities of being one of the few women in the workshop, and the persistence it took to earn the opportunity she'd been asking for. Her story is a reminder that confidence isn't built by waiting until you're ready—it's built by taking the next challenge, even when you're scared. In this episode, we discuss: Finding an apprenticeship through work experience Navigating difficult workplace cultures as a young apprentice Why supportive mentors can change your career The importance of asking questions and staying curious Pushing through self-doubt to chase new opportunities Life as a heavy vehicle breakdown technician Why diagnostics became the part of the trade she loves most Building confidence by getting outside your comfort zone The value of networking and connecting with others in the industry Whether you're an apprentice, a qualified tradesperson, or simply wondering if it's time to take on your next challenge, this episode is a reminder that growth often begins where your comfort zone ends. Every difficult experience, every new skill, and every challenge you overcome becomes part of the confidence you carry into the next stage of your career.