Building Confidence
A podcast about growth, realistic tools, practical strategies, and support. Whether you’re starting out, facing challenges, or looking to level up, Building Confidence brings you real conversations, practical insights, and inspiring stories to help you navigate your journey with confidence. Your host, Louise, is a heavy vehicle and plant mechanic by trade who started her apprenticeship at just 15 years old. Over the years, she has faced and overcome harassment, impostor syndrome, mental health struggles, and workplace challenges—while also achieving industry awards and experience in both large corporations and family businesses. Now a life coach and mentor for tradeswomen, Louise is here to share the lessons she’s learned so that her struggles weren’t for nothing—and so you can build the confidence to take charge of your own path.
Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
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

Wednesday Jun 24, 2026
Wednesday Jun 24, 2026
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.

Wednesday Jun 17, 2026
Wednesday Jun 17, 2026
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.
Use code LOUISEAZZOPARDI for 10% off- https://www.midies.co/?ref=LouiseAzzopardi

Wednesday Jun 10, 2026
Wednesday Jun 10, 2026
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

Wednesday Jun 03, 2026
Wednesday Jun 03, 2026
"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.

Wednesday May 27, 2026
Wednesday May 27, 2026
In this episode, I share practical strategies for building confidence through regular actions, the importance of gathering evidence of success, and managing ADHD symptoms without shame.
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 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
key topics
The concept that regular action is better than no action
Using diaries and journals to gather evidence of success
The role of irregular actions in building confidence and creating change
Managing ADHD symptoms without shame and stigma
The importance of self-belief and resource utilization
# confidence, regular action, ADHD, journaling, self-belief, evidence, self-improvement, mental health, coaching, tradeswomen

Wednesday May 20, 2026
Wednesday May 20, 2026
In this weeks episode I chat to Kate, a qualified heavy diesel mechanic based in NZ. We discuss Kate’s journey from the air force into the trades which unfortunately wasn’t smooth sailing. We talk about the impact of workplace bullying, confidence building, and overcoming adversity in professional settings.
Key takeaways-
Starting a trade as a mature aged apprentice
Spending over a year trying to get an apprenticeship
Workplace bullying and its effects
Building confidence after adversity
Personal resilience stories
Support systems and mentorship in professional growth
If you are a tradeswoman and would like some help and support, 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

Wednesday May 13, 2026
Wednesday May 13, 2026
In this episode I share a fact about bullying that is rarely discussed – the impact on your learning. This really impacts you during your apprenticeship when learning is intense but beyond your apprenticeship it effects your performance. I through how this impacted me and how I moved through it.
If you are a tradeswoman or tradesperson who would like to feel less anxious and more confident, don't hesitate to book a coaching consultation here.
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
takeaways
Bullying triggers fight, flight, or freeze responses that hinder learning.
Being kind to yourself is crucial when recovering from bullying.
You cannot perform at your best when you're being bullied.
Reporting bullying and taking space can help regain confidence.
# bullying, learning, self-compassion, workplace, mental health, resilience, personal growth

Wednesday May 06, 2026
Wednesday May 06, 2026
This week I interview Ashley Belteky, heavy vehicle mechanic and the founder of Blue Leader. She shares her journey from being a mechanic to a leader, sharing the steps she took along the way which included trying a few different jobs in the mechanical space!
Key takeaways
Leadership involves understanding and influencing people, not just technical skills.
Soft skills and emotional intelligence are crucial for effective leadership.
Leadership impact extends beyond individual contributions to team and organizational growth.
You will never know everything
Work experience is a powerful tool
If you are a tradeswoman and would like some help and support, 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

Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
In this episode I explore the feelings of change, emphasizing how embracing the unfamiliar can lead to growth and better opportunities. I highlight the importance of self-awareness and continuous personal development in navigating career and life transitions.
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
Embracing the unfamiliar can lead to better opportunities.
You are a new person every minute, equipped with more knowledge.
Fear of the unknown is natural but often unfounded.
Recognizing red flags helps in making informed decisions.
Growth happens outside of comfort zones.







