The Confidence Code

Two accomplished reporters combine cutting-edge research and compelling case studies to show how women don't feel as confident as men and what they can do about it. With an obvious command of her craft, Sandy Rustin's performance is notable not only for the easy-to-hear sweetness of her voice but also for her keen ability to sound more assertive when the authors have an important point to make. Her approach commands respect and makes this timely book sound as empowering as it is enlightening. With its colorful stories of women in a variety of professional fields, this is a smoothly written and helpful examination of how pervasive self-doubt is among women, especially in the subtle ways they overthink performance situations, fear conflict and disapproval, and have trouble recovering from defeat and failure. T.W. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

February 10, 2014
Broadcast journalists Kay and Shipman (Womenomics) address the self-confidence gap between women and men, consulting a range of experts to determine what female confidence looks like and how it can be achieved. Their sources include WNBA players, successful entrepreneurs, and senior U.S. military, all of whom admit to facing crises in confidence. They visit a neuropsychologist studying rhesus monkeys to explore nature vs. nurture theories on anxiety and the brain’s neurotransmitters that enhance or inhibit confidence. The authors discuss obstacles to self-assurance women face like “negative habitual thought,” internalized pressure to conform to feminine stereotypes, and a “hormonal tendency to avoid risk.” Studies cited suggest women are more critical of their own scientific skills and spatial reasoning, and speak up less in a group setting. Kay and Shipman provide a great blueprint for raising daughters by discouraging perfectionism, noting that perfectionism smothers achievement and is the enemy of confidence. For readers themselves, the authors include techniques for eliminating “negative automatic thoughts” with self-compassion and recommend “quick fixes” like meditation, correct posture, and healthy habits. All of this research, as well as the authors’ own recounting of experiences with doubt in their professional lives, effectively builds into a comprehensive set of ingredients for the confident woman.