Forging Unshakeable CEO Confidence: Unlock Your Inner Leader

Unlocking Your Inner CEO: Forging Unshakeable Confidence Through the Power of FocusFocus

Hello, lovely!

Let’s have a really honest chat, shall we? Just you & me, perhaps over a cuppa (or something stronger if it’s that time of day – no judgement here!). Ever been at a kind of “sliding doors” moment in your business, that pivotal point where one path feels terrifyingly bold & the other, well, a bit too safe, a bit too… small? & in that moment, has a little voice whispered, “Who are you to even try that? You’re not ready. You’re not good enough.”

If you’re nodding along, please know you’re absolutely not alone. That voice? Oh, I’ve known her. She’s been a rather unwelcome tenant in my own head at various points on this wild entrepreneurial ride, especially when I was juggling new motherhood with new ventures or stretching myself in ways that felt miles outside my comfort zone. You know that feeling, right?

The truth is, the journey to becoming the confident, empowered CEO of your own business isn’t about magically banishing that voice forever. It’s about learning to turn down its volume, to challenge its narrative, & to cultivate an inner strength so unshakeable that you can forge ahead anyway. & that, my dear, all comes down to the incredible power of your mindset – what we at Femmeprenista call your ‘FocusFocus’.

My Own "Sliding Doors" Moments: The Imposter in the MBA Classroom

I remember vividly when I embarked on my MBA at Cranfield. Honestly, it was a bit scary! It was a huge step, a massive investment of time, energy, & let's be honest, sanity, especially with a little one at home. I’d walk into those lecture halls, surrounded by incredibly accomplished people from all corners of the globe, many with what seemed like far more straightforward paths to that room than mine. & that little voice would pipe up, “Carlene, what on earth are you doing here? You’re a mum, you’re juggling so much, you’re going to be found out. You don’t belong.” Imposter syndrome wasn’t just knocking; it had practically moved in & put its feet up on the sofa!

There were days I questioned every decision that led me there. Was I taking on too much? Was I truly capable of operating at this level, amongst these brilliant minds, while still being the mum I wanted to be? It felt like a constant internal battle. Perhaps you recognise that feeling, whether you’re a Foundation Builder just validating your idea, feeling that wobble of self-doubt about your very first step, or a Scaling Leader facing a new level of growth that brings up old fears. Honestly, that feeling of not-quite-enough-ness can be a heavy cloak to wear. I get it. One detail I’ll never forget? During a particularly intense finance lecture, trying to discreetly pump milk in the bathroom between sessions, feeling utterly ridiculous in my suit, with breast pump parts strewn around, whilst trying to absorb complex business strategy. It was the epitome of the ‘beautiful chaos’ – & that imposter voice was having a field day! The scent of industrial cleaner in that tiny bathroom, mixed with the sterile, almost clinical, hum of the breast pump, just amplified that feeling of being totally out of place.

But here’s the wonderful secret I learned, & one I’m passionate about sharing: confidence isn’t some elusive gift bestowed upon a lucky few.

Confidence Isn't Found, It's Forged

So many of us fall into the trap of believing that confidence is an innate trait – you either have it, or you don’t. But what if I told you that’s one of the biggest fibs entrepreneurship tries to sell us? Confidence, true unshakeable self-belief, isn’t something you find. It’s something you forge. It’s a skill, a muscle, & like any muscle, it grows stronger with consistent, intentional work.

This is precisely why the ‘FocusFocus’ pillar – mastering your mindset – is such a cornerstone of our Business Flourish Framework. It’s about understanding that your thoughts create your reality, & that you have the power to choose those thoughts. It’s about cultivating mental resilience, defining your vision with absolute clarity, & systematically dismantling those internal blocks that hold you back. Our FocusFocus pillar is absolutely fundamental to the support we provide, designed to help you flourish in every aspect of your entrepreneurial journey. Because when your mind is sharp, aligned, & resilient, everything else in your business – from your marketing to your systems, even your well-being – finds a more vibrant & effective expression.

The Game-Changer: "No Failure, Only Feedback"

One of the most pivotal mindset shifts for me, & one that I share with every Femmeprenista I work with, comes from the world of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). It’s a beautifully simple yet profoundly transformative belief, articulated so well by the brilliant Sue Knight: “There is no failure, only feedback.”

Just let that sink in for a moment. No failure. Only feedback.

Imagine what happens when you truly embrace this. That product launch that didn’t hit your sales targets? Not a failure – it’s rich feedback on your messaging, your pricing, or your audience. That sales call that didn’t convert? Not a personal rejection – it’s feedback on your process, your offer, or perhaps just not the right fit at that time.

I remember when I launched a particular service in one of my earlier ventures. I’d poured my heart & soul into it, truly believing it was what people needed. The initial uptake? Let’s just say sales were 80% below target. It was more of a trickle than a flood!

Now, I'll be honest, initially, the “no failure, only feedback” concept felt like a load of airy-fairy nonsense. I mean, 80% below target IS a failure, right? My first reaction was to feel deflated, to start spiralling down that “I’m not good enough” rabbit hole. But then I remembered Sue Knight's words and thought about how I coach my clients around these types of situations and realized I needed to give it a go myself. It takes practice to truly internalize it; it’s a skill, like any other.

My old mindset would have screamed, “You got it wrong! You’re no good at this!” But armed with “no failure, only feedback,” I took a deep breath & asked, “Okay, what’s the feedback here?” I dug into the data, talked to the few people who did engage, & realised my marketing message wasn’t quite hitting the mark for the right people. The service itself was sound, but the way I was communicating its value needed a tweak. That “failure” became the catalyst for a much more successful relaunch down the line.

Adopting this paradigm transforms setbacks from soul-crushing defeats into invaluable learning opportunities. It fuels resilience because you’re no longer terrified of getting it "wrong." Instead, you become a curious detective, constantly gathering data to refine your approach, strengthen your marketing flair, & streamline your operational flow. It encourages proactive problem-solving & builds that unshakeable inner CEO.

Sharpening Your Mindset: Actionable Strategies to Build Your Inner CEO

So, how do you start actively forging this CEO-level confidence? It begins with small, consistent actions that retrain your brain. Here are a few strategies, rooted in our FocusFocus pillar, that you can begin implementing today:

1. The 'CEO Switch' Ritual: Many of us, especially when starting out, carry an "employee" mindset – waiting for permission, fearing mistakes, looking for external validation. Your inner CEO, however, takes initiative, owns decisions (& their outcomes), & leads with conviction. Try this: each morning, or before a particularly challenging task, consciously perform a 'CEO Switch'. It’s about intentionally shifting your energy & perspective.
   

   • Perhaps it's a power phrase you repeat: “I am the CEO. My decisions matter. I trust myself.”

   • Maybe it’s a physical action – a quick power pose in the bathroom mirror, standing tall at your desk, or even putting on your favourite "boss lady" lipstick. For example, I know one client who puts on a pair of statement earrings that make her feel powerful, while another visualizes herself confidently leading a board meeting.

   • Some clients find success by setting a specific intention for the day: "Today, I will confidently handle every challenge that comes my way." One of my clients writes this on a sticky note & places it on her laptop as a visual reminder.

2. Curate Your 'Evidence Log': Our brains have a pesky negativity bias – they’re wired to remember the "bad stuff" more easily. To counteract this, become an avid collector of your wins, no matter how small. Keep a dedicated journal, a file on your computer, or even a pretty jar. Every time you get positive feedback, overcome a hurdle, achieve a small goal, or feel proud of an effort – log it! When imposter syndrome whispers its nonsense, open your Evidence Log & remind yourself of just how far you’ve come & what you’re truly capable of. This isn’t about ego; it’s about arming yourself with truth.

3. Master the 'Feedback Filter': Building on "no failure, only feedback," learn to actively solicit & process feedback constructively. Not all feedback is created equal. Your 'Feedback Filter' helps you discern what’s useful for growth versus what’s just noise or someone else’s projection. Ask for specific feedback. When you receive it, thank the person, then step back & analyse it objectively. What’s the learning here? What can you implement? What part of this is about them, not you? This skill turns potential criticism into a powerful tool for refinement & boosts your confidence in handling any kind of input.

These strategies aren't quick fixes, but consistent practice will make a remarkable difference. For Foundation Builders, perhaps just starting out & battling that initial wave of self-doubt, building these habits from day one can create such a powerful launchpad. If you're in this phase, know that our Spark Program Page is specifically designed to help you cultivate this essential mindset alongside validating your brilliant idea.

The Ultimate Power Move: Taking Ownership of Your Mind

Ultimately, unlocking your inner CEO & forging that deep, authentic confidence comes down to one of Femmeprenista’s core tenets: personal responsibility. It’s about taking radical ownership of your thoughts, your beliefs, & your reactions.

Yes, the entrepreneurial journey can be tough. Yes, there are external challenges. But your mindset is the one thing you have complete control over. When you take ownership of your inner world, you stop being a victim of circumstance & start becoming the conscious creator of your success. This isn't just about achieving business goals; it's about crafting a life & business that truly energises you, that allows you to prioritise your well-being & avoid burnout, because you’re not wasting precious energy on self-doubt & second-guessing. You’re leading from a place of clarity & strength.

This is empowerment in its truest sense. It’s understanding that the power to build the business & life you dream of already resides within you. You just need to learn how to access it, nurture it, & unleash it.

You've Got This, Truly.

Building unshakeable confidence is a journey, not a destination. There will still be wobbly days – I have them too! But with each conscious mindset shift, with every piece of "feedback" embraced, with every small win celebrated, you lay another stone on the path to becoming the incredible CEO you are meant to be.

Start today. Pick one small strategy. Take one tiny step towards owning your mindset. You are so much more capable than you think.

If unlocking your inner CEO by mastering your mindset feels like your next essential step, I warmly invite you to explore how we embed these transformative principles within our dedicated programmes. For Foundation Builders looking to build that unshakeable self-belief from the ground up, our Spark Program Page could be the perfect catalyst.

Remember, for daily doses of inspiration & connection with fellow female entrepreneurs navigating similar paths, be sure to join our free Femme:Connect Community Page.

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift

P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!

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