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

4 days ago
4 days ago
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.

Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
In this episode I explore how setting 20-minute goals can create momentum, boost motivation, and can help create space for you to want to plan effectively for the future. I talk about the importance of small, achievable targets to build energy and confidence over time.
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
takeaways
Setting 20-minute goals helps you get moving quickly.
Small achievements build confidence and momentum.
Reflecting on progress is easier with short-term goals.
Short-term goals can be scaled up for long-term success.

Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
In this episode I have the wonderful opportunity to chat with Chelsea Lawson, who is a mechanic, mum and mentor. We explore how to advocate for yourself and how important it is to trust your judgment!
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

Wednesday Apr 08, 2026
Wednesday Apr 08, 2026
In this episode, I explore the concept of observer mode, a powerful mental tool for gaining clarity, reducing emotional reactivity, and improving self-awareness. I share practical examples from my coaching practice, discuss how to observe thoughts and scenarios objectively, and highlights its importance in managing confidence, emotions, and interpersonal situations.
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
takeaways
Observer mode helps separate emotions from facts, reducing reactivity.
Identifying specific thoughts and memories triggers can target personal growth.
Practicing observer mode can improve confidence in challenging situations.
Observing others' words and actions objectively aids in better responses.
Self-compassion and understanding are crucial when working through emotional baggage.

Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Join Bardie and I as we explore life lessons, the power of community, mental health, and authenticity in the trades industry. This conversation offers insights on personal growth, building meaningful relationships, and embracing change at any age.
Bardie shares her journey and what helped her through the hard times in life and in the trades as a carpenter.
Follow Bardie on Instagram at Bards.Builds
Key Topics
Life lessons and personal growth
The impact of social media on community and confidence
Mental health challenges and resilience in the trades
Building authentic relationships and boundaries
Embracing change and self-discovery at any age
Key Words -
life lessons, community, mental health, authenticity, trades industry, personal growth, relationships, self-discovery, resilience, social media impact

Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
In this episode, I discuss how to give and receive constructive feedback effectively, especially in technical and trades environments. I share practical examples, personal mentoring stories, and tips for resourcefulness and trust-building in feedback processes.
If you are a tradeswoman or tradesperson who would like to feel less anxious and more confident, don't hesitate to contact me through my website, Louiseazzopardi.com, and we can schedule a coaching consultation!
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
key topics
The importance of specific, relevant, and actionable feedback
How to handle vague or unhelpful feedback from managers
The role of trusted technical allies in learning
Strategies for resourcefulness when feedback is unreliable
The impact of feedback on apprentices' growth and confidence
keywords
constructive feedback, trades, mentoring, technical skills, resourcefulness, trust, learning, apprenticeships, workplace communication

Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
In this episode I chat with Bridget Bell, who is currently working as a trainer and assessor. We dive into Bridget's journey from drag racing to becoming a leader in the automotive industry, sharing valuable lessons on upskilling, community building, and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Resources mentioned in the chat -
Girls Torque – Australian Women’s Motoring Network
FREE monthly newsletter https://girlstorque.substack.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GirlstorqueAWMN/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/girlstorque_awmn/?hl=en @girlstorque_awmn
X(Twitter) https://x.com/girlstorqueAWMN
Website girlstorque.com.au
Connect with Bridget -
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bridget_built @bridget_built
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ItsBridgetBell/
Website https://itsbridgetbell.com/







