Building Confidence

Louise Azzopardi
  • 4.5 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 2d ago

    Perseverance in the Face of Challenges: Kym’s Trade story - Building Confidence - Ep 160

    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.

  2. Jul 14

    Returning to Work with Confidence | Building Confidence – Episode 159

    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. 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

  3. Jul 7

    The Power of Asking: How to Open Doors and Create Opportunities - Caitlyn Hayes - Ep158 - Building Confidence

    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

  4. Jun 30

    Watering Grass vs. Watering Concrete: Focus on Growth - Building Confidence - Ep 157

    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

  5. Jun 23

    Breaking Barriers: Alice's 23-Year Journey in Trades - Building Confidence - Ep156

    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.

  6. Jun 16

    Team meeting with your anxiety - Building Confidence - Ep 155

    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

  7. Jun 9

    Unlocking Opportunities in Trades: Insights from Caitlin Knox - Building Confidence - Ep 154

    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

  8. Jun 2

    Embracing the Unknown: Saf's Path to Success - Building Confidence - Ep 153

    "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.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Louise Azzopardi
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    161
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Building Confidence

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