What’s missing?
Core Confidence.
Core Confidence is a book written by Kate Boorer & Fiona Pearman. It examines the reasons (systemic, bias, practical and personal confidence barriers) that contribute to why professional women are often perceived as less confident than men.
Own your talent – Face your fear –
Create your future
Overcome the self-talk that holds you back. Believe in yourself.
Set boundaries. Speak up. Build unshakable confidence.
Get the confidence how-to guide
Get started with the Core Confidence book and overcome the beliefs and fears that hold you back.
Meet the
AUTHORS
Core Confidence is a book written by Kate Boorer & Fiona Pearman. It examines the reasons (systemic, bias, practical and personal confidence barriers) that contribute to why professional women are often perceived as less confident than men. It provides a practical ‘how to’ guide that overcomes many of the limitations of traditional ‘confidence guides’ by focusing on women accessing their inner core confidence as the foundation to having confidence and success in all aspects of their lives.
Kate Boorer
Founder & CEO of Young Professional Women Australia, Kate is one of Australia’s leading experts on career, confidence and personal brand. Kate’s results with her clients, passion for driving change ‘one step at a time’ combined with the collective voice of her tribe (YPWA), make Kate a powerful thought leader and advocate for gender equality in corporate Australia. Core Confidence is the result of years of research and insights, working with courageous women willing to challenge the status quo. A game changer for women, men and organisations in Australia.
Fiona Pearman
Fiona’s work as a researcher, consultant and advocate for creating workplaces that work for men and women, is fueled by her extensive experience as a facilitator and coach for executive teams; seeing first hand the business upside when organisations support equality, flexibility and career progression for both men and women.
Fiona is passionate about sharing the research and processes she has developed with Kate, that enable individuals to reconnect with their Core Confidence.
Why do we need Core Confidence?
Look up. What do you see in your company? Is there a clear career path for you or is there a limit to how far women can rise?
We were raised to believe we can be and do whatever we want. Now you’re in the workforce, what do you see?
Women in Australia represent:
5% of ASX 200 CEOs
16% CEOs
28% of key management roles
30% of general managers
With Core Confidence, we flip “What’s wrong with me?” to “What’s wrong with the system?” and we give you the tools to rise up and get the career and life you deserve.
Fiona & Kate’s
journey with confidence
Women are twice as likely to get feedback that they lack confidence. What is confidence anyway? Kate and Fiona break down what confidence means and discuss what blocks us from feeling confident.
Core Confidence video advice
Confidence and Self Belief
The Henry Ford quote, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re [...]
What we prioritise expands or limits our experiences
When did you last use ’I don’t have time’ as a reason for not doing [...]
Rewriting the stories we tell ourselves
When is the last time you thought about taking some sort of action and then [...]
Saying no with confidence
One of the most common things women share with us when talking about their relationship [...]
Find out how Core Confidence helps women maximise their potential and overcome the fears and beliefs that hold them back.
Before participating in Core Confidence’s Acts of Confidence course I didn’t know how to develop confidence & I hadn’t put aside time to actively develop confidence or had it as a goal. One of the things I’ve learnt about my relationship with confidence during the program is that confidence is a choice. If you feel you lack confidence you can actively work on the skill set to move towards feeling and presenting as confidence. You don’t either have it or not. You can acquire confidence. Participating in the Acts of
Before participating in Core Confidence’s Acts of Confidence course I didn’t know how to develop confidence & I hadn’t put aside time to actively develop confidence or had it as a goal.
One of the things I’ve learnt about my relationship with confidence during the program is that confidence is a choice. If you feel you lack confidence you can actively work on the skill set to move towards feeling and presenting as confidence. You don’t either have it or not. You can acquire confidence.
Participating in the Acts of Confidence Program has given me two things: Personally - when you know your values and align your behavior with these you are not always going to be popular with your friends or peers (applies to professionally as well - and thats okay). People admire you for this and you feel better within yourself. To ask for help but more importantly let people help (step away and leave them to it and thats ok). Confidence is an act before it feels real inside.
Professionally - You have to work really hard to acquire confidence, unless you are feeling really uncomfortable you are not applying yourself to achieve this goal. I had no idea so many women suffered from a lack of confidence and this was quite reassuring that it wasn't just me.
Overall, I feel a lot surer of myself, views, speaking up, clearer where I am headed and that I can be that person with 100% unshakeable confidence - I know its work in progress however it’s a great feeling.
Emma
Director & Manual Handling Consultant
Before participating in Core Confidence’s Acts of Confidence course I thought I had to know everything before I could be valuable in the workplace. I also felt that I didn’t have enough experience in my early career to be able to gain anything of significance from the program as it was not designed for me, but women in the midst of their career and needing to make the next big move.
One of the things I’ve learnt about my relationship with confidence during the program is to not be afraid of failure and to put myself out there more.
Participating in the Acts of Confidence Program was enjoyable. I really loved connecting and learning from other women. I liked the structure of the program and gained valuable insight not only from Kate and Fiona but all the resources available. I feel more focused in pursuing my goals and feel I have more direction. The program has shown me what I value and what I need to prioritise in my life and career and take time to do just that.
I would recommend the Acts of Confidence Program to anyone who feels like they need extra support, a soundboard or even someone who thinks they’ve got it covered. There is always room for improvement and great tools available to strengthen your skills or offering a new perspective of the challenge you’re facing.
Gemma
Graduate at Law
Before participating in Core Confidence’s Acts of Confidence course I doubted myself and professional experience and was seeking direction on how to clarify my career goals and next steps. This course provided the right infrastructure and guidance for me to be really clear on what I want and how to get there. I found the “small acts of confidence” to be one of the most useful concepts and am focusing on them each week. It’s a great way to step up gradually and regularly build your confidence rather than take a huge leap and risk not hitting the mark.
One of the things I’ve learnt about my relationship with confidence during the program is that I'm not the only one! I really enjoyed hearing everyone's experiences and stories and that different topics resonated with people in different ways. The fantastic materials and activities have helped me to understand where my strengths lie and where I need to continue to focus my efforts.
Participating in the Acts of Confidence Program has made me focus on my personal development in a structured, regular and engaging way. The buddy system helped me stay accountable and I now see the value in regularly focusing on my development rather than doing a 1 off course and expecting my issues to be resolved. The course has made me stay focused and accountable and professionally made me look at things in a much more objective way, e.g. understanding that saying yes to everything doesn't necessarily benefit me. The course has encouraged me to critically question my role at work, personal brand and value I add (and be able to articulate that).
I would recommend the Acts of Confidence Program to anyone who is questioning “where to from here” or feeling they need direction in taking their next career steps. It can be a daunting prospect without the right guidance and support and the Acts of Confidence Program delivers this in spades. I’m so grateful to have completed this course and would recommend this to anyone considering it. Kate and Fiona are such excellent, professional facilitators who are so generous with sharing their wealth of knowledge, vulnerability and experience.
Kylie
Change Manager
Before participating in Core Confidence’s Acts of Confidence course I was aware of the high bar I often set on myself in the past, and often strived for perfection.
One of the things I’ve learnt about my relationship with confidence during the program is that confidence is inherently within me; it's only really challenged or questioned in times of stress or uncertainty when I step out of my comfort zone.
Participating in the Acts of Confidence Program has opened a few more doors (professionally) as over the last 8 weeks I’ve been more visible and I’m now reaping the benefits of that. Personally, it’s made me more grounded in my thoughts and opinions and more emotionally resilient.
I would recommend the Acts of Confidence Program to anyone who is keen to grow and develop individually and walk away with a set of tools and strategies they can apply to work on their core confidence in their personal and professional journey.
Sadaya
Assistant Manager
Before participating in Core Confidence’s Acts of Confidence course I did not listen to my intuition and had little confidence in my own skills capability and experience. This led me to make poor career decisions which had set my career trajectory into a backward spiral.
One of the really crucial things I’ve learnt about my relationship with confidence during the program is the thing that has been holding me back from my own career success and fulfillment over many years was my relationship with confidence.
Participating in the Acts of Confidence Program has had an enormous impact, both personally and professionally. I took the program as my confidence in my professional life had deteriorated over the past few years and realised I needed to regain this to be happier, more successful as well as find more meaning and purpose in my work. I was amazed how quickly I was able to regain my confidence through committing to weekly small acts of confidence along with Fiona and Kate’s support and guidance.
I would recommend the Acts of Confidence Program to anyone who wants to improve their relationship with confidence, overcome self-limiting beliefs and fears, realise their potential and gain more fulfillment in their careers.
Skye
Project Manager
Before participating in Core Confidence’s Acts of Confidence course I was overthinking things and often caring too much about what other people think.
One of the things I’ve learnt about my relationship with confidence during the program is the act of confidence comes 100% before the feeling of confidence and continuing to act will build on that. I've had a challenging 2 months with lots of firsts on a new project and through the guided convos in this program have leant into the challenges/opportunities (all about perspective!) with the intention of taking small acts which build into big ones.
Participating in the Acts of Confidence Program has forced me (personally) to stay accountable and create space to think about my long-term career development. Unfortunately, I can't say I made every live session given clashes with the 8am timeslot but I've found that the material shared by Kate and Fiona to always be succinct and straight to the point. Professionally I've heard praise from colleagues on my just get it done attitude and willingness to step into complex challenges, feet or headfirst! Thanks to you both for inspiring me to just go get it.
I would recommend the Acts of Confidence Program to anyone who wants to step up and build their career with both confidence and courage.
Yuxi
Review Manager - Risk Culture & Conduct Risk
I would recommend the Acts of Confidence Program to anyone who struggles with their inner critic, who fears appearing dumb or weak in front of work colleagues or struggles to believe in themselves in any situation.