Can you build a successful trade career while raising a family? Absolutely.

In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with award-winning boilermaker Samantha Hall to talk about her journey from being a stay-at-home mum to becoming a qualified tradeswoman, industry award winner, and mentor for young women entering manufacturing.

Sam shares the realities of juggling motherhood with an apprenticeship, overcoming self-doubt, navigating a male-dominated workplace, and why backing yourself—even when others don't—is one of the most important skills you can develop.

Today, she's not only building truck trailers but also helping build the confidence of the next generation of tradeswomen through mentoring programs across Queensland.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Starting an apprenticeship as a mum
• Balancing family life, childcare, and a trade career
• Overcoming stereotypes in a male-dominated industry
• Why supportive teammates and mentors make a difference
• Transitioning from apprentice to qualified tradeswoman
• Winning industry awards and recognising your own achievements
• Mentoring young women entering manufacturing
• Why confidence grows through action—not perfection
• The importance of staying curious and never pretending to know everything

Whether you're thinking about starting a trade, returning to work after having children, or wondering if it's "too late" to chase a different career, Sam's story is proof that your circumstances don't have to define your future. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply take the first step and keep going.

What if a little bit of self-doubt is actually a good thing?

In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about something I call appropriate self-doubt—that little voice that makes you stop, double-check, ask a question or recognise when you might need some help.

We often think becoming confident means getting rid of self-doubt completely. But especially in the trades, having no self-doubt isn't necessarily the goal. Sometimes that second thought of "Hang on, have I missed something?" is exactly what keeps us learning, improving and, most importantly, safe.

In this episode, I explore the difference between self-doubt that keeps you stuck and self-doubt that helps you grow. I also share practical ways to respond to that doubt rather than allowing it to spiral into "I can't do this."

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between crippling and appropriate self-doubt
• Why having zero self-doubt isn't necessarily the goal
• How a little uncertainty can help keep you safe
• Asking for help when you're doing something for the first time
• Moving from being a question asker to a problem solver
• Why being inexperienced isn't something to be ashamed of
• The importance of double-checking—even when you're experienced
• Learning from mistakes instead of allowing them to destroy your confidence
• Asking yourself where your self-doubt is actually coming from

You don't need to know everything to be confident. Sometimes confidence looks like trusting what you know and being willing to stop, check, ask questions and keep learning.

The goal isn't necessarily no self-doubt. It's making sure your self-doubt is working for you instead of stopping you from moving forward.

That distinction is really clear when you talk about someone attempting a task they've never done before: the doubt itself isn't the problem—it can prompt them to check the manual, ask an experienced tradesperson or make sure they haven't missed a safety risk.

If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation here

If you are business wanting to give your employees more tools to succeed you can book a business chat here

Zadie proudly sponsors this episode.

Zadie is a workwear brand made by tradeswomen for tradeswomen and is made to fit your hips, thighs and butt; check them out at https://www.zadieworkwear.com.au/

What if the career you love is waiting just outside your comfort zone?

In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with heavy vehicle technician Rachael to talk about her journey from a high school student unsure of her future to becoming a trusted breakdown technician who thrives on solving problems in the field. Along the way, we discuss overcoming workplace challenges, finding mentors, pushing through self-doubt, and why stepping into the unknown completely changed her career.

Rachael shares the highs and lows of her apprenticeship, the realities of being one of the few women in the workshop, and the persistence it took to earn the opportunity she'd been asking for. Her story is a reminder that confidence isn't built by waiting until you're ready—it's built by taking the next challenge, even when you're scared.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Finding an apprenticeship through work experience
• Navigating difficult workplace cultures as a young apprentice
• Why supportive mentors can change your career
• The importance of asking questions and staying curious
• Pushing through self-doubt to chase new opportunities
• Life as a heavy vehicle breakdown technician
• Why diagnostics became the part of the trade she loves most
• Building confidence by getting outside your comfort zone
• The value of networking and connecting with others in the industry

Whether you're an apprentice, a qualified tradesperson, or simply wondering if it's time to take on your next challenge, this episode is a reminder that growth often begins where your comfort zone ends. Every difficult experience, every new skill, and every challenge you overcome becomes part of the confidence you carry into the next stage of your career.