In today’s fast‑paced business landscape, confidence isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. As women business owners, developing and projecting leadership confidence can mean the difference between blending into the crowd and standing out as a trailblazer. We asked long‑time member and insurance industry veteran Kim Stanley of Kim Stanley Insurance to share her top strategies for exuding and strengthening leadership confidence.

1. Define What Confident Leadership Looks Like

“It’s a tightrope walk: exuding certainty to motivate others while staying agile and empathetic in a world that punishes rigidity.”
— Kim Stanley

Confident leaders know their domain, trust their instincts, and keep ego in check. They balance decisiveness with adaptability—and never underestimate the power of empathy.

2. Build Confidence Through Mastery and Resilience

Confidence grows through repetition and resilience. Kim recommends:

• Own your voice: Speak concisely, maintain eye contact, and avoid qualifiers like “just” or “maybe.”

• Reframe failures: Treat setbacks as learning opportunities.

• Create a support network: Lean on mentors and peers to reflect, learn, and grow.
  
  

By mastering your craft and cultivating resilience, you anchor your confidence in real achievements.

3. Overcome Common Challenges

Women leaders often face stereotyping, bias, and imposter syndrome. Kim’s toolkit includes:

• Resilience: Shrug off bias and keep moving forward.

• Networks: Use your community—like WBO—to amplify your reach.

• Results: Let your track record silence doubters.
  
  

Remember: “Confidence is not about avoiding obstacles; it’s about outmaneuvering them.”

4. Leverage Confidence for Better Decisions & Growth

A confident mindset sharpens decision‑making under pressure. When you “know your stuff,” choices become clearer, and teams rally behind decisive action. This clarity fuels business growth and inspires trust in your leadership.

Quick tip: Before big decisions, remind yourself of past wins—they’re proof you can tackle the next challenge.

5. Adopt a Winning Mindset: Conviction + Adaptability

Kim’s signature strategy:

“Ask yourself, ‘Who is better than you?’ The answer: NO ONE.”

Cultivate conviction in your vision and adaptability in your methods. This mindset empowers you to pivot when needed while maintaining unwavering belief in your capabilities.

6. Harness Networking, Mentorship & Lifelong Learning

Your network is your net worth. Mentors provide perspective and practical know‑how, while continued learning keeps you sharp. Kim credits WBO for the guidance, friendships, and mentorship that propelled her 34‑year career in insurance brokerage.

Final Thoughts

“Your past does not dictate your future,” Kim reminds us. Embrace tenacity, own your worth, and let confidence guide your leadership journey.

Ready to lead with confidence? Explore more insights from Kim Stanley at kimstanleyinsurance.com.