Book Notes/The Confidence Code

The Confidence Code

by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

"The Confidence Code" by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman explores the nature of confidence and its impact on women's success in the workplace and beyond. The authors combine research, personal anecdotes, and practical advice to highlight the differences in how men and women perceive and exhibit confidence. Ultimately, they encourage women to embrace risk-taking and assertiveness to build their self-assurance.

20 curated highlights from this book

Key Insights & Memorable Quotes

Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Confidence Code, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.

Confidence isn't about being perfect. It's about being real.
The more you try to be perfect, the less confident you become.
Women often underestimate their abilities and overprepare.
Taking risks is essential for building confidence.
Success breeds confidence, and confidence breeds success.
Self-doubt can be a barrier, but it can also be a motivator.
Confidence is a skill that can be developed.
To be confident, you have to act as if you are.
Women need to embrace their ambition.
Your voice matters, and you should use it.
Confidence is not about being perfect; it’s about being authentic.
Women need to take risks to build confidence.
The key to confidence is taking action.
Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success.
One of the biggest barriers to women's confidence is their inner critic.
Confidence is about believing in your abilities.
Women often underestimate their accomplishments.
Practice is essential to building confidence.
Support from others can greatly enhance our confidence.
The more you step outside your comfort zone, the more confidence you will gain.