“I’ve learned to understand my triggers, manage my anxiety, and take deliberate steps towards becoming a more confident leader.”

For a long time, I knew I had the experience and knowledge to contribute in challenging situations. I have spent years working in my field, managing responsibilities, and building expertise. Yet, when I found myself in a room with senior leaders or a group of experienced peers, I sometimes struggled to express my thoughts with the confidence I wanted.
I noticed this most during group discussions and situations where I was expected to take the lead. I could understand the problem and often had ideas to contribute, but I would hesitate. I would start thinking about whether my points were correct, whether I had enough information, and how others would perceive me. While I was processing these thoughts, someone else would take the initiative, and I would end up contributing less than I had intended.
One experience that stayed with me was a group activity involving senior managers from different parts of the world. My group was full of outspoken people who quickly took charge of the discussion. I struggled to get my points across and felt that I had missed an opportunity to demonstrate my leadership abilities. The experience affected my confidence throughout the day, even during other activities that followed.
Through the program, I began to understand what was happening in these moments. I realised that my hesitation was closely connected to how I thought others might perceive my capabilities. I worried that if I struggled to answer a question or failed to lead effectively, people might question my ability to take on greater responsibilities in the future.
Recognising this pattern helped me understand why I sometimes held back, even when I knew what I wanted to say.
I also became more aware of how anxiety affected me physically. Before high-pressure situations, I would experience stomach pain and feel the urge to step away. I had never really connected these physical signs to the way I responded in the moment. Now, I see them as an early indication that I need to pause, gather my thoughts, and approach the situation more deliberately.
Another important realisation was that I needed to make it easier for myself to take the first step. Looking back at the group activity, I identified a few things I could have done differently introduce myself, build a rapport with the people at the table, and initiate the conversation. I also recognised that speaking more audibly would help me make sure my contributions were heard.
These may seem like small changes, but they give me a clearer starting point when I find myself in similar situations.
As I approach the end of the program, I feel more motivated to continue practising what I have learned. I know that awareness alone is not enough. I need to act on it, especially when I feel myself slipping into old habits.
My biggest takeaway has been understanding that my hesitation does not define my capabilities. I now have a clearer picture of what holds me back and what I can do differently. Going forward, I want to keep building that confidence, take more initiative, and become someone who can lead with greater clarity and composure, even when the stakes are high.