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.

How much of the feedback you receive is fact—and how much is just someone's opinion?

In this episode of Building Confidence, I unpack one of the simplest tools I use with my coaching clients: understanding the difference between objective and subjective feedback. Learning to recognise the difference can completely change how you approach job applications, award nominations, workplace feedback, and even self-doubt.

Using examples from the trades, industry awards, and my own career, I explore why some decisions are based on measurable facts while others come down to personal opinion. Once you understand the difference, it becomes much easier to decide what feedback is worth acting on—and what feedback is okay to leave behind.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between objective and subjective feedback

• Why award applications and interviews often involve personal judgement

• How employers assess apprentices versus experienced tradespeople

• Deciding which feedback deserves your energy

• Turning objective feedback into a practical growth plan

• Why not every opinion needs to shape your confidence

• How this mindset can help reduce overthinking and self-doubt

• Using feedback as a tool for growth instead of something to fear

Whether you're applying for an apprenticeship, putting yourself forward for an award, or trying to make sense of workplace feedback, this episode will help you separate facts from opinions and focus your energy on the things that genuinely help you grow.

This episode is porudly supported by the NAWIC NSW awards - entry closes 23rd of August 2026. Find out more information here - https://nawic.com.au/Site/Site/Chapters/NSW/NSW_Awards.aspx

What happens when you stop waiting for change and decide to create it yourself?

In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with Amanda, founder of Awesome Women in Construction, to talk about how one breakfast with 14 women grew into a thriving community supporting women across every part of the construction industry. From networking events and regional roadshows to awards nights and programs helping women return to the workforce, Amanda shares what it takes to build a movement that creates real opportunities.

We also dive into the power of asking for help, finding your community, creating flexible career pathways, and why backing yourself—even before you feel ready—can open doors you never imagined.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Awesome Women in Construction began and has grown over the past decade

• Building a supportive community in the construction industry

• Why networking is about connection, not perfection

• The importance of sponsorship, advocacy, and creating opportunities

• Supporting women returning to work and into apprenticeships

• Flexible work, career pathways, and the future of construction

• Knowing when it's time to leave an unhealthy workplace

• Why asking questions and asking for help are career-changing skills

Whether you're just starting your career, looking for your next opportunity, or wanting to connect with like-minded people in the construction industry, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to do it alone. Sometimes all it takes is walking through the door, asking the question, or reaching out to your community to discover what's possible.

Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'm always anxious," "I always make mistakes," or "This is just who I am"? The words we repeatedly tell ourselves can shape the way we think, feel, and act—often without us even realising it.

In this episode of Building Confidence, I explore the concept of self-fulfilling prophecies and how the stories we tell ourselves can keep us stuck. Drawing on my own lived experience with mental health, as well as the conversations I've had through coaching and mentoring, I share a simple mindset shift that has helped me move from feeling stuck to taking small, meaningful steps forward.

This isn't about pretending everything is okay or ignoring difficult emotions. It's about recognising when acknowledging your feelings has become getting stuck in them, and learning how to gently shift your focus toward healing, growth, and support.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What self-fulfilling prophecies are and how they influence our behaviour

• The difference between acknowledging your feelings and becoming stuck in them

• Why the language you use with yourself matters

• Small mindset shifts that can help you move forward one step at a time

• The importance of reaching out for support when you need it

• Finding the resources that help you become unstuck, whether that's a coach, therapist, GP, mentor, or trusted friend

If you're feeling stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, anxiety, or negative self-talk, I hope this episode reminds you that change doesn't have to happen all at once. Sometimes all it takes is one small step, one helpful conversation, or one tiny shift in perspective to start moving in the direction you want to go.

This podcast episode is supported by the Go Company

The GO Company is dedicated to supporting women in underserved industries by providing essential sanitary solutions. We are kicking off this partnership with a Instagram giveaway – link to enter - https://www.instagram.com/p/DUHZgMbjCsY/

Check out there range of practical period products - https://www.thegocompany.com.au/go-shop

What do you do when the career you've been chasing takes seven years to become reality? You keep going.

In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with electrician and maintenance supervisor Kym to unpack her journey into the trades. From spending seven years applying for apprenticeships, relocating across Queensland, fighting to protect her apprenticeship, navigating health challenges, and stepping into leadership, Kym shares the resilience, determination, and self-belief that have shaped her career.

We also have an honest conversation about transitioning from apprentice to tradesperson, advocating for yourself in male-dominated industries, dealing with inappropriate workplace questions, and why the support you build around yourself can make all the difference.

In this episode, we discuss: • Finding an apprenticeship after seven years of trying • Moving away from home to start a trade • Fighting to protect an apprenticeship and create change for future apprentices • The realities of TAFE, study, and learning as a mature-age apprentice • Transitioning from apprentice to qualified tradesperson • Managing career changes alongside health challenges • Stepping into leadership within the mining industry • Building confidence by staying true to your goals and leaning on your support network

Whether you're trying to land your first apprenticeship, navigating your trade journey, or considering your next career move, this episode is a reminder that your path doesn't have to be linear to be successful. Keep showing up, keep learning, and don't let someone else's opinion determine what's possible for you.

Returning to work after time away can feel exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. Whether you've been recovering from burnout, navigating bullying, welcoming a new baby, managing an injury, or simply taking time to heal, stepping back into the workplace is a transition—and it's okay if it doesn't feel easy.

In this episode of Building Confidence, I share my own experience of returning to work after burnout, along with the strategies I've used personally and the tools I've shared with the women I've coached through similar transitions. We talk about rebuilding confidence, preparing your mind and body, managing the discomfort of feeling "rusty," and giving yourself permission to ease back into work with kindness rather than pressure.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Returning to work after burnout, bullying, maternity leave, or injury

• Why recovery doesn't always feel complete before you go back

• Preparing yourself physically and mentally for work again

• Creating routines that make the transition easier

• Why feeling rusty is normal—and doesn't mean you're incapable

• Being kind to yourself while you rebuild your confidence

• Practical ways to ease back into the workplace one step at a time

If you're preparing to return to work or supporting someone who is, I hope this episode reminds you that you don't have to be perfect before you begin. Recovery isn't about waiting until you feel 100% ready—it's about taking the next step, trusting yourself, and allowing your confidence to grow as you move forward.

Shewear proudly supports this episode.

She Wear safety work boots that women have designed to fit and look good on women. Not only do they have specially designed work boots for women, but they also have a wide range of women's work wear from various brands in one spot!

Get shopping at http://www.shewear.com.au