Leadership Confidence with Jennifer Cowley

Helping women in leadership trade perfectionism for unshakeable confidence.
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Hosted by Leadership Coach Jennifer Cowley, this podcast is not your typical leadership tutorial. Instead of focusing solely on generic corporate strategies, we focus entirely on you. Even the finest leaders do not get it right all of the time. Perfection is unattainable, which is why this show focuses on helping you stand firm in your values, learn from your mistakes, and pivot with grace. Every week, Jennifer delivers science-backed mindset tools and relatable professional insights designed to help you lead your way. This is your weekly guide to mastering your confidence and leadership presence. You do not need another qualification to be a leader. You need the courage to trust the leader you already are. Tune in to silence imposter syndrome, own your unique value, and lead with fearless influence. Need more than a podcast? Head to jennifercowley.com to find out more. www.jennifercowley.com

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 20: Redefining leadership and finding your tribe with Jane Brownbill

    Host: Jennifer Cowley Guest: Jane Brownbill Welcome to Episode 20 of the Leadership Confidence Podcast with special guest Jane Brownbill. Jane is a coach, the founder of See Yourself, and the President of Canberra Women in Business. She has built communities like NextGen Leaders and NeuroGenTech Hub to support young adults and neurodivergent professionals in finding meaningful work and connection. We discuss why true leadership is a practice rather than a position on an organisational chart. Jane outlines her straightforward approach to building teams, explaining why hiring people smarter than you is a requirement for growth. We also cover the reality of performative leaders, who use their titles to keep others down rather than lifting them up. This conversation will challenge you to drop the need for control, accept that perfection is unattainable, and focus on trusting the people around you. Confidence and good leadership come from within and learning from mistakes is part of the process. Key Takeaways * Ditching the title: Leadership has absolutely nothing to do with an award or a job title. It is about trusting your own ability and standing up for your values. When you rely on external validation or a title to dictate your authority, you lose your authentic presence. * Radical delegation: Stop rewriting your team’s work to match your exact style. If you expect a different person to execute a task exactly the way you would have, you set everyone up for failure. Give people responsibility, trust them to deliver, and take accountability as the leader if things go wrong. * Creating space for neurodiversity: Building an environment where neurodivergent individuals can lean into their unique genius proves that accommodating different working styles strengthens the business. It allows team members to stop masking and start contributing their actual value. * Finding your tribe: You cannot build resilience in a vacuum. Put yourself in the room, go to networking events, and figure out where you fit. A strong community provides the support you need to navigate inevitable career setbacks. * The one networking tactic you need: If networking triggers your imposter syndrome, use this physical positioning strategy. Stand near the exit of the bar. When people walk into an event, their goal is to get a drink. Once they receive it and turn away from the bar, they have completed their task and are actively looking for someone to talk to. This is the exact moment to make your introduction. Links and Resources Jane Brownbill * Connect with Jane: LinkedIn * See Yourself website: seeyourself.net * Canberra Women in Business: cwb.org.au Jennifer Cowley * Book an Imposter Syndrome Reset Session: Jennifercowley.com/reset * Watch or Listen to Previous Episodes: jennifercowley.com/podcast * Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube * Shop Clothing for Professional Women: Peakwomen.com.au This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jennifercowley.com

    Episode 20: Redefining leadership and finding your tribe with Jane Brownbill

  2. Oct 27

    Ep. 19 This was uncomfortable to record: Resetting My Imposter Syndrome in Real Time.

    This is a special solo episode taking a raw and transparent look at how to navigate sudden career success. After unexpectedly winning Micro Business Woman of the Year at the Canberra Women in Business Awards, I found myself walking around in a haze of uncomfortable imposter syndrome instead of celebrating. We explore why achieving a major career milestone often triggers intense feelings of inadequacy. Success pushes you out of your comfort zone and signals to your brain that you are in new and unpredictable territory. I walk you through the exact strategy I use to process this discomfort in real time. This conversation will help you understand that self-doubt is actually a sign of leadership growth, and it provides a practical framework to stop your inner critic from holding you back. Key Takeaways * The reality of success: Major achievements trigger your brain’s fear response because they push you into the unknown. Feeling uncomfortable means you are learning and challenging yourself, not that you are a fraud. * Imposter syndrome versus the Dunning-Kruger effect: Highly capable leaders frequently experience self-doubt because they are self-aware. Incompetent individuals often lack this awareness and drastically overestimate their abilities. Your willingness to question your competence is proof of your dedication to your professional growth. * The Imposter Syndrome Reset: You can manage negative self-talk using a clear three-step framework. Reflect on your specific negative thoughts, reframe them with objective facts, and react by taking confident action in the real world. * Owning your achievements: Stop downplaying your hard work to make other people comfortable. When someone congratulates you on a job well done, do not dismiss the praise. Simply say thank you and accept the recognition you have earned. Links and Resources * Book an Imposter Syndrome Reset Session: Jennifercowley.com/reset * Watch or Listen to Previous Episodes: jennifercowley.com/podcast * Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube * Shop Clothing for Professional Women: Peakwomen.com.au This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jennifercowley.com

  3. Oct 20

    Episode 18: Separating your self-worth from your job title with Elizabeth Lee MLA

    Host: Jennifer Cowley Guest: Elizabeth Lee MLA Welcome to Episode 18 of the Leadership Confidence Podcast with special guest Elizabeth Lee MLA. Elizabeth is a Member of the Legislative Assembly in the ACT and the former leader of the Canberra Liberals. Prior to her election in 2016, she was a lawyer in government and private practice, as well as a law lecturer. We explore why true leadership is a mindset rather than a formal title and how to build resilience when facing highly public setbacks. Elizabeth shares her candid experience of losing the party leadership and the critical strategy she used to maintain her self-worth. This conversation will help you understand the danger of tying your entire identity to your profession and show you how to build a multifaceted life that protects your confidence. Key Takeaways * Diversifying your identity: Do not let your job title define you as a person. Building a life, passions, and a support network outside of your professional obligations ensures that a career setback does not destroy your core confidence. * Stepping onto the balcony: Leaders often get dragged onto the dance floor to handle the daily grind and minor details. You must intentionally step up to the balcony to see the bigger picture, guide your team’s vision, and avoid reactive decision-making. * Embracing motherhood in leadership: Taking maternity leave as a leader in the public eye is not a weakness. It sets a necessary example for future generations and honours the women who fought for this right. * Navigating public failure: Mistakes and failures are inevitable. Reflect on them honestly to understand team dynamics and personal expectations, then move forward without compromising your authentic self. Links and Resources Elizabeth Lee * Connect with Elizabeth: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram * Parliamentary Email: lee@parliament.act.gov.au * www.elizabethlee.com.au Jennifer Cowley * Book an Imposter Syndrome Reset Session: Jennifercowley.com/reset * Watch or Listen to Previous Episodes: jennifercowley.com/podcast * Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube * Shop Clothing for Professional Women: Peakwomen.com.au This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jennifercowley.com

    Episode 18: Separating your self-worth from your job title with Elizabeth Lee MLA

  4. Oct 13

    Episode 17: Stop Reacting to Change and Own the Future Instead with Jacinta Robinson

    Host: Jennifer Cowley Guest: Jacinta Robinson Welcome to Episode 17 of the Leadership Confidence Podcast with special guest Jacinta Robinson. Following a 15-year career in national security, Jacinta is now a futures coach, strategic advisor, speaker, and the founder of Future Pivots. We explore the critical, yet often overlooked, leadership skill of futures literacy and why anticipating change is essential in today’s unpredictable landscape. Jacinta shares her simple “See It, Shape It, Own It” framework to help you navigate uncertainty, alongside her personal story of returning from maternity leave to an unsupportive environment. This conversation will help you spot early signs of change, create psychosocially safe workplaces, and find the courage to pause before making reactive career decisions. Key Takeaways Building futures literacy: Stop operating under the illusion of a single, predictable future. Learning to anticipate change and plan for multiple possible outcomes is a crucial skill that gives leaders a strategic advantage and reduces reactive decision-making. Creating psychosocial safety: When leaders acknowledge that the future is uncertain and embrace continuous learning, they give their teams the agency to adapt and the permission to safely fail without fear of retribution. The See It, Shape It, Own It method: Use this three-step approach to detect early signals of change in your industry, design agile strategies that offer breathing room, and confidently make decisions to reclaim your agency. The power of the anticipatory pause: When faced with a career setback or an uncomfortable workplace dynamic, avoid making emotional, rushed decisions in isolation. Taking a pause allows you to consult your network, evaluate your true options, and protect your confidence. Links and Resources Jacinta Robinson * Future Pivots Website: FuturePivots.au * Connect with Jacinta: LinkedIn, Instagram * Podcast: See It, Shape It, Own It. Apple, Spotify Jennifer Cowley * Book an Imposter Syndrome Reset Session: Jennifercowley.com/reset * Watch or Listen to Previous Episodes: jennifercowley.com/podcast * Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube * Shop Clothing for Professional Women: Peakwomen.com.au Enjoyed This Episode? If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe to The Leadership Confidence Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague or friend who needs to hear this message. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jennifercowley.com

  5. Oct 6

    Ep 16: Navigating Power Dynamics and Using Your Voice Where it Matters with Jo Tarnawsky

    Host: Jennifer Cowley Guest: Jo Tarnawsky Welcome to Episode 16 of the Leadership Confidence Podcast with special guest Jo Tarnawsky. Following a 25-year career as an Australian diplomat and senior government executive, Jo is now a strategic advisor and the founder of This Is Leadership. We explore how to read the unseen power dynamics in your workplace and why supporting other professional women is a strategic advantage. Jo shares her personal experience of a highly public career disruption. She explains how to redefine failure through post-traumatic growth rather than seeing it as a definitive end. Confidence and good leadership come from within, learning from mistakes, and accepting that perfection is unattainable. This conversation will help you decouple your identity from your job title and recognise the genuine power you hold at any stage of your career. Key Takeaways * Redefining career setbacks: Stop viewing unexpected career changes as failures. Use professional difficulties to create new opportunities and learn. Jo refers to this process as ‘lemonading’ your experiences to build a stronger foundation. * Reading the second map: Every workplace has an official organisation chart and a hidden map of actual influence. Learning to read this second map helps you understand how decisions are really made and increases your value as a leader. * Dismantling the scarcity mindset: Seeing other women as competition diminishes collective influence. Championing your peers builds a community of support that expands your own presence and authority. * Decoupling identity from title: You are not your job. Prestigious titles can disappear. Build your confidence on your internal skills and a high-quality support network instead of relying on formal authority. Links and Resources * Jo Tarnawsky * Connect with Jo on LinkedIn: Jo Tarnawsky or Instagram: @jo_tarnawsky * Visit Jo’s website: https://www.jotarnawsky.com/ * Access Jo’s digital resources for navigating a toxic work environment. Use the discount code HELPISHERE at checkout for 20% off. * The Gender Index: https://www.thegenderindex.com.au * Jennifer Cowley * Book an Imposter Syndrome Reset Session: Jennifercowley.com/reset * Watch or Listen to Previous Episodes: jennifercowley.com/podcast * Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube * Shop Clothing for Professional Women: Peakwomen.com.au Enjoyed This Episode? If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe to The Leadership Confidence Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague or friend who needs a reminder that being new is a superpower, and the path to success is rarely a straight line. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jennifercowley.com

  6. Sep 29

    Ep 15. The Hidden Workplace Behaviour Undermining Your Leadership: Facing Upward Bullying and Reclaiming Your Leadership Authority with Maureen Kyne

    Host: Jennifer Cowley Guest: Maureen Kyne Have you ever managed a direct report who consistently withheld vital information, challenged your authority in team meetings, or spread subtle rumours to senior executive leadership? When team friction occurs, high-achieving leaders often look inward first. We question our communication, wonder if we are being too tough, or fall into the trap of imposter syndrome. But what if the resistance you are experiencing is not a personal failure of your leadership at all? In this eye-opening episode, Jennifer Cowley sits down with workplace culture expert and author Maureen Kyne to shine a spotlight on a hidden workplace epidemic: Upward Bullying. Maureen shares shocking research revealing that 71% of senior leaders experience upward bullying, with 93% reporting it severely damaged their leadership confidence. Together, Jennifer and Maureen break down how upward resistance operates, why high-performing leaders are targeted, and the exact three-word verbal script you can use to set firm boundaries without losing your calm or resorting to aggression. Key Takeaways From This Episode * Kindness as a Power Skill: Why curiosity and active listening are your greatest tools when addressing disruptive workplace behaviour early. * The Reality of Upward Bullying: Why mobbing, information withholding, and strategic formal grievances from direct reports are systemic risks rather than isolated personality clashes. * The Imposter Syndrome Trap: How targeted pushback makes leaders internalise blame, leading to conflict avoidance or aggressive overcompensation. * The 3-Word Boundary Script: How using the phrase “In my role...” immediately shifts a difficult conversation away from personal friction and back to objective professional accountability. Resources & Links * Maureen Kyne * Website: Access Maureen’s research report, white papers, and book information at maureenkyne.com.au * Connect with Maureen: LinkedIn * Jennifer Cowley * Book an Imposter Syndrome Reset Session: Jennifercowley.com/reset * Watch or Listen to Previous Episodes: jennifercowley.com/podcast * Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube * Shop Ethical Apparel for Professional Women: Peakwomen.com.au This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jennifercowley.com

  7. Sep 22

    Ep 14: Staying grounded even on your worst day. Resilience and Unapologetic Visibility with Alicia Louise Lillington

    Host: Jennifer Cowley Guest: Alicia Louise Lillington, IT Change Management Consultant, Speaker, and Advocate In this episode of The Leadership Confidence Podcast, Jennifer Cowley sits down with Alicia Louise Lillington to unpack what it truly takes to navigate severe life curveballs, manage career pressure, and step into unapologetic visibility. After navigating a serious health diagnosis and cancer treatment while simultaneously job hunting as her contract ended, Alicia shares the practical, grounded tools that helped her rebuild her life and career. Together, Jennifer and Alicia discuss the reality of returning to high-stress corporate environments, why waiting for the perfect time holds women back, and how small, daily acts of intentionality create sustainable resilience. Key Takeaways & Insights * Grounding Techniques for High-Stress Workspaces. Use simple circuit breakers during the workday, such as listening to curated music playlists, schedule physical screen breaks, step outside, or move your body to reset your central nervous system during busy periods. * Action Precedes Readiness. Opportunities rarely arrive on a silver platter; waiting for perfect conditions ensures that opportunities pass you by. Shift your focus away from self-doubt and fear of judgment. If you create content, share a story, or put yourself forward, do it because it aligns with your values, not because you need validation from an audience. * Claiming Your Presence Today. Delaying joy, visibility, or self-expression for a future date restricts your leadership presence right now. Stop saving your best attributes, your boldest ideas, or your high-visibility wardrobe for a special occasion. “Wear the nice outfit. Don’t wait for a rainy day to wear a beautiful blazer. Wear it now. Burn the candle. Just do it all now, and enjoy life as much as you can.” — Alicia Lillington Resources & Links Mentioned * Connect with Alicia Louise Lillington: * Website: alicialouiselillington.com * Instagram: @alicia__louise * LinkedIn: Alicia Lillington * Jennifer Cowley Links & Resources * Book an Imposter Syndrome Reset Session: Jennifercowley.com/reset * Watch or Listen to Previous Episodes: jennifercowley.com/podcast * Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube * Shop Ethical Apparel for Professional Women: Peakwomen.com.au Enjoyed This Episode? If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe to The Leadership Confidence Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague or friend who needs a reminder that being new is a superpower, and the path to success is rarely a straight line. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jennifercowley.com

  8. Sep 15

    Ep 13: The uncomfortable experience of 100% failure with Trisha Gorman

    In the first guest episode of the Leadership Confidence Podcast, host Jennifer Cowley sits down with Trisha Gorman for an in-depth exploration into the realities of modern female leadership, corporate governance, and personal resilience. Trisha candidly reflects on her career journey, starting with her early transition from a senior executive role in the public sector to high-stakes commercial banking. She shares the pivotal moment she realised that formal authority does not guarantee influence in new environments, and how an initial setback taught her the critical difference between relying on titles and intentionally building stakeholder trust. We also unpack the practical realities of stepping onto board tables. Trisha demystifies the path to governance, addressing the initial intimidation many women face when entering boardrooms, the hidden personal and financial liabilities of non-profit board roles, and how to effectively leverage networks like Women on Boards and the AICD to secure strategic seats. Moving into modern workplace dynamics, Jennifer and Trisha explore the ethical boundaries of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. They discuss how leaders can embrace AI for operational efficiency while fiercely protecting human authenticity, ethical guardrails, and genuine community representation. Finally, Trisha reinforces a vital truth every leader must learn. Confidence does not come from having a perfect resume or avoiding failure. True self-assurance develops when we accept that perfection is unattainable, view mistakes as temporary decisions made at a point in time, and extract the essential “nuggets of knowledge” required to step into our next phase of influence. Key Takeaways & Insights * Influence Over Authority: Formal titles do not automatically equal respect or buy-in when entering new organisational cultures. Real influence is built through strategic relationships, active listening, and understanding stakeholder perspectives. * Overcoming Boardroom Intimidation: Imposter syndrome often whispers that others in the room possess superior intellect or capability. Securing your seat requires backing your unique perspective, leaving ego at the door, and asking direct questions when navigating complex information. * Ethics and Authenticity in the Age of AI: While AI provides unprecedented productivity tools, executive leaders must enforce strong ethical boundaries to ensure human truth, diverse representation, and brand integrity remain uncompromised. * Reframing Mistakes as Data: Setbacks are not proof of inadequacy or career-ending failures. They are simply decisions made with the information available at the time. Stripping away the shame allows you to extract valuable insights for future growth. * Unlocking Your Unique Superpower: Bringing a non-traditional background into a new sector is an asset, not a drawback. A fresh lens enriches group dialogue, breaks echo chambers, and drives better strategic decisions. Connect with Trisha * Website www.Thefemaleleader.com.au * LinkedIn Trish Gorman MAICD * Instagram @Princesstrish * Instagram @thefemaleleader Jennifer Cowley Links & Resources * Book an Imposter Syndrome Reset Session: Jennifercowley.com/reset * Watch or Listen to Previous Episodes: jennifercowley.com/podcast * Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube * Shop Ethical Apparel for Professional Women: Peakwomen.com.au This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jennifercowley.com

    Ep 13: The uncomfortable experience of 100% failure with Trisha Gorman
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About

Hosted by Leadership Coach Jennifer Cowley, this podcast is not your typical leadership tutorial. Instead of focusing solely on generic corporate strategies, we focus entirely on you. Even the finest leaders do not get it right all of the time. Perfection is unattainable, which is why this show focuses on helping you stand firm in your values, learn from your mistakes, and pivot with grace. Every week, Jennifer delivers science-backed mindset tools and relatable professional insights designed to help you lead your way. This is your weekly guide to mastering your confidence and leadership presence. You do not need another qualification to be a leader. You need the courage to trust the leader you already are. Tune in to silence imposter syndrome, own your unique value, and lead with fearless influence. Need more than a podcast? Head to jennifercowley.com to find out more. www.jennifercowley.com

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