Speaking Up: Rethinking Confidence and Being Heard
Confidence is not one-size-fits-all. It can be quiet or loud, direct or reflective, visible or understated and can often be judged very differently depending on gender, context and workplace culture. This session explores the many facets of confidence, how stereotypes shape perceptions of authority, and what organisations can do to create environments where more people can contribute.
Through an engaging panel conversation, we’ll explore the idea of confidence as a fixed trait versus how it is shaped by culture, leadership behaviours, life stage and working environment.
The session will balance personal stories with practical insights, offering attendees a safe space to reflect on their own experiences, definitions of confidence and consider how they and their organisations can support more inclusive expressions of confidence and authority.
Discussion points:
- How confidence shows up in different ways and how each can have impact.
- How gendered and cultural stereotypes influence whether someone is seen as confident, bossy, “too much” or invisible.
- The role of language, tone and framing in shaping perceptions of authority and credibility.
- What organisational practices, leadership behaviours and culture can either build or knock confidence
- What individuals and workplaces can do to create conditions where more people feel able to speak up and contribute with impact.
About the Speakers:
Claire Pattison is an Enterprise Fellow at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, where she works across a series of programmes to support leadership, innovation, business growth, and entrepreneurship.
Claire has extensive teaching and learning experience, programme design and development, business support, project management and delivery, and higher education experience. She is currently undertaking a PhD in gender and entrepreneurial identity.
Interested In The Event?
If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.
For any further enquires about this event, contact [email protected]
