How to Build Confidence as a Woman, The Neuroscience Behind Self-Doubt

Why do so many smart, capable women second-guess themselves?

In this episode of Get Rich, Molly sits down with Caroline Brewin, former investment banker turned confidence coach and neuroscience expert, to unpack the science behind self-doubt and how to build real, lasting confidence.

After 18 years in investment banking, Caroline saw firsthand how talented women held themselves back, not because they weren’t capable, but because they didn’t back themselves. Now, through coaching and applied neuroscience, she helps women rewire their brains for confidence instead of fear.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why your brain is wired for safety, not success
  • Why women often have a louder inner critic
  • Whether confidence is something you’re born with or can build
  • Simple daily rituals to boost confidence fast
  • How to stop overthinking and start taking action
  • The link between money confidence and self-belief

If you’ve ever hesitated before speaking up in a meeting, asking for a pay rise, investing your money or making a big life decision, this episode is for you.

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s a muscle you build.

Need to speak to an expert? Connect with a vetted financial professional we genuinely recommend here.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome to Get Rich Podcast
00:01 – Meet Caroline Bruin (18 years in investment banking to confidence coach)
01:11 – Why smart women second guess themselves
01:28 – Your brain is wired for safety, not success
03:10 – Are we born confident or do we build it?
03:29 – Confidence is a muscle (repetition, reward, reflection)
04:47 – One small action that rewires your brain
06:52 – How to silence your inner critic (name your gremlin)
07:40 – Power posing, does it actually work?
09:40 – Pre-presentation confidence rituals
10:12 – Pause, breathe, rewire (neuroscience reset tool)
11:40 – Applying confidence tools to money & investing
13:08 – Real results: promotions, pay rises & bold career moves
14:50 – Rebuilding confidence after life changes or separation
16:29 – The power of a strong morning routine
17:29 – Reticular Activating System explained (your brain’s filter)
18:20 – Gratitude, affirmations & shaping your mindset daily
20:01 – The book: Confident (neuroscience-backed tools)
20:31 – What’s inside the book & who it’s for
22:37 – Where to connect with Caroline

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

📘 Caroline’s Book
Confident: The Secrets and Superpowers of Neuroscience
Check it here: https://www.brainpoweredcoaching.com/confident

🧠 Concepts Mentioned in This Episode

• Reticular Activating System (RAS)
• Power Posing research (Amy Cuddy TED Talk)
• Dopamine & confidence loops
• The Inner Critic / “Gremlin” technique
• Confidence Action Plan framework
• Morning routine & gratitude practice
• Positive affirmations & self-directed neuroplasticity
 

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE BREWIN

Website: https://www.brainpoweredcoaching.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-brewin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainpoweredcoaching/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brainpoweredcoaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrainPoweredCoaching/
Book: https://www.brainpoweredcoaching.com/confident

CONNECT WITH LADIES FINANCE CLUB

Join our free Facebook group - Ladies Finance Club Money Chat
Website: https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ladies-finance-club/

TAKEAWAYS

• Our brain is wired for safety rather than success.
• Women tend to have a louder inner critic due to socialization.
• Awareness is crucial for breaking the cycle of self-doubt.
• Catching self-doubt thoughts early can prevent them from taking over.
• Retraining the brain's prediction system is essential for change.
• Socialization impacts how women perceive competition and leadership.
• Understanding our brain's wiring can lead to personal growth.
• Self-criticism can be mitigated through awareness and practice.
• The inner critic can be challenged and changed over time.
• Success can be redefined by overcoming safety-based thinking.

SOUND BITES

"Women tend to have a louder inner critic."
"Starting with awareness is so important."
"Retrain your brain's prediction system."

TRANSCRIPT

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KEYWORDS

brain, safety, success, inner critic, socialization, self-doubt, awareness, women, retraining, prediction system