Building Confidence

What happens when you stop waiting for change and decide to create it yourself?
In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with Amanda, founder of Awesome Women in Construction, to talk about how one breakfast with 14 women grew into a thriving community supporting women across every part of the construction industry. From networking events and regional roadshows to awards nights and programs helping women return to the workforce, Amanda shares what it takes to build a movement that creates real opportunities.
We also dive into the power of asking for help, finding your community, creating flexible career pathways, and why backing yourself—even before you feel ready—can open doors you never imagined.
In this episode, we discuss:
How Awesome Women in Construction began and has grown over the past decade
Building a supportive community in the construction industry
Why networking is about connection, not perfection
The importance of sponsorship, advocacy, and creating opportunities
Supporting women returning to work and into apprenticeships
Flexible work, career pathways, and the future of construction
Knowing when it's time to leave an unhealthy workplace
Why asking questions and asking for help are career-changing skills
Whether you're just starting your career, looking for your next opportunity, or wanting to connect with like-minded people in the construction industry, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to do it alone. Sometimes all it takes is walking through the door, asking the question, or reaching out to your community to discover what's possible.

Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'm always anxious," "I always make mistakes," or "This is just who I am"? The words we repeatedly tell ourselves can shape the way we think, feel, and act—often without us even realising it.
In this episode of Building Confidence, I explore the concept of self-fulfilling prophecies and how the stories we tell ourselves can keep us stuck. Drawing on my own lived experience with mental health, as well as the conversations I've had through coaching and mentoring, I share a simple mindset shift that has helped me move from feeling stuck to taking small, meaningful steps forward.
This isn't about pretending everything is okay or ignoring difficult emotions. It's about recognising when acknowledging your feelings has become getting stuck in them, and learning how to gently shift your focus toward healing, growth, and support.
In this episode, we discuss:
What self-fulfilling prophecies are and how they influence our behaviour
The difference between acknowledging your feelings and becoming stuck in them
Why the language you use with yourself matters
Small mindset shifts that can help you move forward one step at a time
The importance of reaching out for support when you need it
Finding the resources that help you become unstuck, whether that's a coach, therapist, GP, mentor, or trusted friend
If you're feeling stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, anxiety, or negative self-talk, I hope this episode reminds you that change doesn't have to happen all at once. Sometimes all it takes is one small step, one helpful conversation, or one tiny shift in perspective to start moving in the direction you want to go.
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 do you do when the career you've been chasing takes seven years to become reality? You keep going.
In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with electrician and maintenance supervisor Kym to unpack her journey into the trades. From spending seven years applying for apprenticeships, relocating across Queensland, fighting to protect her apprenticeship, navigating health challenges, and stepping into leadership, Kym shares the resilience, determination, and self-belief that have shaped her career.
We also have an honest conversation about transitioning from apprentice to tradesperson, advocating for yourself in male-dominated industries, dealing with inappropriate workplace questions, and why the support you build around yourself can make all the difference.
In this episode, we discuss:• Finding an apprenticeship after seven years of trying• Moving away from home to start a trade• Fighting to protect an apprenticeship and create change for future apprentices• The realities of TAFE, study, and learning as a mature-age apprentice• Transitioning from apprentice to qualified tradesperson• Managing career changes alongside health challenges• Stepping into leadership within the mining industry• Building confidence by staying true to your goals and leaning on your support network
Whether you're trying to land your first apprenticeship, navigating your trade journey, or considering your next career move, this episode is a reminder that your path doesn't have to be linear to be successful. Keep showing up, keep learning, and don't let someone else's opinion determine what's possible for you.

Returning to work after time away can feel exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. Whether you've been recovering from burnout, navigating bullying, welcoming a new baby, managing an injury, or simply taking time to heal, stepping back into the workplace is a transition—and it's okay if it doesn't feel easy.
In this episode of Building Confidence, I share my own experience of returning to work after burnout, along with the strategies I've used personally and the tools I've shared with the women I've coached through similar transitions. We talk about rebuilding confidence, preparing your mind and body, managing the discomfort of feeling "rusty," and giving yourself permission to ease back into work with kindness rather than pressure.
In this episode, we discuss:
Returning to work after burnout, bullying, maternity leave, or injury
Why recovery doesn't always feel complete before you go back
Preparing yourself physically and mentally for work again
Creating routines that make the transition easier
Why feeling rusty is normal—and doesn't mean you're incapable
Being kind to yourself while you rebuild your confidence
Practical ways to ease back into the workplace one step at a time
If you're preparing to return to work or supporting someone who is, I hope this episode reminds you that you don't have to be perfect before you begin. Recovery isn't about waiting until you feel 100% ready—it's about taking the next step, trusting yourself, and allowing your confidence to grow as you move forward.
Shewear proudly supports this episode.
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In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with heavy vehicle mechanic and dual-trade auto electrician Caitlyn Hayes to chat about the journey that has taken her from applying for countless apprenticeships to working FIFO in Western Australia.
We talk about what it takes to back yourself when opportunities don't come easily, how to advocate for yourself in the workplace, why mentoring can change the course of your career, and the mindset that has helped Caitlyn continue chasing bigger goals—including completing a dual trade, stepping into field service, mentoring apprentices, and putting herself forward for industry awards.
If you've ever questioned whether you're ready to apply for the job, nominate for the award, reach out to a mentor, or simply take the next step in your career, this episode is your reminder that you don't have to feel ready—you just have to have a go.
In this episode we discuss:• Finding an apprenticeship after countless applications• Moving away from home to start a trade• Navigating redundancy during an apprenticeship• Advocating for a dual trade and career progression• The realities of FIFO life• The value of mentoring and giving back• Building confidence by taking action before you feel ready• Why "if you don't ask, you don't get" is a mindset worth adopting
Connect with Caitlyn:Instagram: @dieselandsparks

I explore the metaphor of watering grass versus watering concrete, discussing the importance of focusing efforts on environments where growth is possible, highlights how investing energy in the wrong areas can lead to burnout.
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/
takeaways

In this week’s interview, Alice shares her 23-year journey as a tradeswoman, overcoming challenges related to gender bias, workplace respect, and career transitions. Discover valuable and practical insights on supporting women in trades, the importance of community, and how to succeed in a male-dominated industry!
 
Takeaways
Surround yourself with good people and support networks.
Be consistent in your boundaries and respect.
Union support is invaluable for tradespeople.
Advocate for more inclusive work environments.
Keep a diary to track learning and experiences.

Anxiety can sometimes be chatter in your mind and sometimes it can be yelling – sound familiar? It can be like a team meeting where peoples voices are not being taken into account, and they get louder and louder until you cannot ignore them.
In this episode I go through how to have a productive team meeting with your anxiety.
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
This episode is proudly sponsored by midies. If you're looking for comfortable, practical, and stylish underwear, women's boxer briefs might just be a perfect choice.
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In this episode, Caitlin Knox shares her inspiring journey from stepping out of university to becoming an apprentice development lead. We discuss the realities of trades, the importance of attitude, navigating vocational training, and seizing leadership opportunities early in a career.
Apprenticeships at Komatsu - https://www.komatsu.com/en-au/careers/apprenticeships

"I’ve become the gun tradie I used to look up to."
Saf joins us on the podcast to share her 16 year long carer in the trades, sharing challenges she over came and her mindset of continues learning which has lead her to becoming the gun tradie that she used to look up to!!
takeaways
Choosing an apprenticeship can be the best decision for personal growth.
Embracing the unknown leads to unexpected opportunities.
Building experience and understanding enhances credibility.
Continuous learning is key to success in trades.