There’s a myth that confidence is something you either have or you don’t. But in reality, nearly every founder I’ve ever worked with has experienced uncertainty. Even those who seem clear and composed in public have had moments behind the scenes where they questioned everything.

I've spoken in front of large crowds at events, knees knocking, a flushed mess. These days I'm more calm when presenting. The podcast is another example, I'm a year in, but I've noticed how with each interview, the number of questions I fluff up become fewer (at least the guests are at ease!)

Confidence rarely shows up first. It tends to follow.

It grows each time you take a small but meaningful step. When you send a difficult email you’ve been putting off, speak about your work in a new way, or choose a price that better reflects the value you bring. These moments might feel awkward or vulnerable, but they are the ones that quietly build your belief in yourself.

The mistake we often make is assuming confidence needs to be fully formed before we make a move. But most of the time, it starts to grow only after we’ve acted. You take the step, then you look back and realise it wasn’t as scary as you thought. You realise you somehow handled it. That’s how it begins.

It might begin with a decision to share your idea with someone you trust. Or to edit your website so it feels more aligned with where you are now. Or to apply for something you’re not completely sure you’ll get.

None of these choices require you to feel 100 percent confident first. They just ask for a little willingness to try.

So if you’re holding back until you feel ready, try asking yourself something different. What would I do today if I trusted myself just a little more? Not completely. Just enough to take one clear step.

And then take that step, even if it feels small. Especially if it feels small.

Because confidence is not a personality trait. It’s not something reserved for certain types of people. It’s something we build through practice, through showing up, through following through on what matters to us.

The more you act in a way that reflects the direction you want to grow, the more naturally that grounded sense of confidence begins to take shape.

It doesn’t always feel bold. It doesn’t always look brave from the outside. But it’s there, in the quiet decisions that start to align with who you really are.

You do not need to wait for confidence to begin. You can begin, and let confidence meet you along the way.