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What if you love your trade, but you're no longer happy doing the job you're in? In this episode of Building Confidence, I'm joined by Gabby, founder of She'll Be Right Handywoman Service, to talk about changing careers, backing yourself, recognising your skills and creating a business that works for you. After nine years working in nursing, Gabby discovered her love for hands-on work and made the leap into a cabinet-making apprenticeship. But despite loving her trade, she experienced challenging workplaces, limited opportunities to develop her skills and the frustration of feeling like her hard work wasn't always recognised. After more than eight years in cabinet making, Gabby knew something needed to change. Rather than walking away from everything she'd learnt, she started looking at how she could use her existing skills differently. That's when She'll Be Right Handywoman Service was born. Now working for herself in Melbourne, Gabby is discovering just how capable she really is, building a thriving business and providing a service that many women in her community have been looking for. We talk about the confidence it takes to try something new, the importance of being honest about what you can and can't do, and why being qualified doesn't mean you have to know everything. In this episode, we discuss: Changing careers from nursing to cabinet making Finding your place in a physically demanding, hands-on career Navigating challenging workplaces during an apprenticeship The transition from apprentice to qualified tradeswoman Recognising gaps in your skills and advocating for opportunities to learn Why honesty and transparency are so important when working with customers Feeling undervalued at work despite giving everything you've got Taking the leap into self-employment Finding a niche by using the skills you already have Building confidence through problem-solving and learning on the job Managing overwhelm, burnout and the realities of running a business Why women are seeking out female tradespeople for work in their homes Creating a career that works with your strengths, needs and lifestyle Whether you're an apprentice, a qualified tradeswoman or someone who feels stuck in a job that no longer makes you happy, Gabby's story is a reminder that your skills can take you in more directions than you might realise. You don't always have to start again. Sometimes you just need to think outside the box, back yourself and find a different way to do the work you love. You can be proud of what you already know, recognise what you still need to learn and build something incredible from there.

What if the fear of starting again is stopping you from trying something new? In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about something I genuinely believe: you're never actually starting from the beginning again. Whether you're thinking about changing jobs, leaving a workplace, starting a new career or taking a completely different direction in life, it can be easy to worry that if things don't work out, you'll end up back at square one. But are you really going backwards? After a conversation with one of my coaching clients about the fear of making the wrong career decision, I wanted to share a different way of looking at starting over. Because even when something doesn't work out the way you hoped, you haven't lost everything you learnt along the way. You still have the skills, knowledge, experiences, relationships and lessons that came from that chapter of your life. And sometimes the most valuable thing you learn is what you never want to experience again! In this episode, we discuss: Why you're never truly starting from square one The fear of making the wrong career or life decision Recognising the transferable skills you've gained along the way Why changing direction doesn't mean you've wasted your time Learning from difficult workplaces and challenging experiences How even the experiences we'd rather forget can teach us something Looking back at your achievements when you feel like you haven't made progress Giving yourself permission to try something new Remembering that personal growth doesn't always happen in a straight line I also reflect on my own apprenticeship and how, despite some difficult experiences, distractions and challenges with my confidence and mental health, I still achieved so much during that time. When I moved into my next job, I wasn't the same person who had started her apprenticeship years earlier. I had new skills, qualifications, friendships and experiences to take with me. And the same applies to you. You might be starting a new journey, but you're not starting it as the same person you were when you began your last one. So if you're worried about making a change because you're scared of having to start again, remember that everything you've learnt comes with you. You're growing more than you realise, even when it doesn't feel like it. 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

What if the little things you do today are what create your biggest opportunities tomorrow? In this episode of Building Confidence, I'm joined by Hannah, founder of HER Engineering, Machining and Maintenance, to talk about her incredible journey from apprentice fitter and machinist to multi-skilled tradeswoman, business owner and specialist working on some seriously massive mining equipment. Hannah's journey hasn't been without challenges. After struggling to secure an apprenticeship, she eventually became the first woman to qualify as a tradesperson at King's Engineering in 93 years. During her apprenticeship, she also experienced a life-changing motorbike accident that left her having to relearn everyday skills, including walking and speaking. But with determination, encouragement and the support of people who believed in her, Hannah continued building her career. We talk about her love of learning, gaining additional qualifications, discovering her passion for hydraulics and heavy mining equipment, and eventually taking the leap into running her own business. Throughout the conversation, one message keeps coming up: the little things matter. Whether it's asking another question, taking pride in sweeping the workshop floor, building relationships with experienced tradespeople or simply checking in on someone who's having a tough day, those little actions can have a huge impact. In this episode, we discuss: Hannah's journey into fitting and machining and becoming the first qualified tradeswoman at her workplace in 93 years Recovering from a life-changing motorbike accident during her apprenticeship The impact of mentors, family and coworkers who believe in you Why you should never stop learning after completing your apprenticeship Building additional skills in hydraulics, plant mechanics and auto electrical work Learning to ask for help instead of trying to do everything yourself Taking the leap from employee to business owner Building a professional reputation through consistency, initiative and quality work Why the little jobs, including sweeping floors, can demonstrate your work ethic Asking why instead of simply doing what you're told Building relationships with tradespeople who might initially seem difficult to approach Why small gestures of kindness can make a massive difference to someone's life Whether you're just starting your apprenticeship, looking to grow your skills or dreaming of starting your own business, Hannah's story is a reminder that you don't have to have everything figured out from the beginning. Keep learning, ask questions, take opportunities and don't underestimate the little things. They might just be what gets you where you want to go. Want to follow along Hannah's journey? Here is her website - https://herengineering.com.au/

What if the people in your new workplace aren't rejecting you—they're just figuring out how to work with you? In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about something that doesn't get discussed very often: teaching men how to work with women. When you enter a male-dominated workplace as a tradeswoman, there's a lot of newness for you. New people, new systems, new expectations and a new workplace culture. But sometimes there's also newness on the other side—because you may genuinely be the first woman some of your coworkers have ever worked alongside. That uncertainty can sometimes look like people being distant, awkward or standoffish. And while sexism and unconscious bias absolutely exist, sometimes there may be something else happening too. Drawing on my own experience entering a workshop where the team had previously had a difficult experience with another woman, I talk about why I often give a new workplace a little time before deciding exactly what's happening. In this episode, we discuss: Why joining a new workplace can feel uncomfortable for everyone involved What can happen when your coworkers have never worked with a woman before Why being standoffish doesn't automatically mean someone doesn't want you there How previous workplace experiences can influence the way people respond to you Giving relationships time to develop before putting a label on what's happening Making the first move when coworkers are nervous about approaching you Staying true to your values and maintaining your boundaries Keeping sight of why you're there in the first place Recognising when the adjustment period has gone on long enough Why one woman's behaviour should never be used to represent all women This isn't about accepting poor behaviour, changing who you are, or taking responsibility for fixing workplace culture. It's about recognising what you can control: how you show up, how you communicate, the boundaries you set and the relationships you choose to build. Sometimes people need a little time to get used to each other. And some of the people who initially have their walls up may eventually become the people you learn the most from. 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 choosing a trade could open more doors than you ever realised? In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with fitter by trade and Women in Trades Project Officer Abbie to talk about the incredible variety a trade career can offer—and the lessons she's learned along the way. Abbie takes us from discovering automotive at school and applying for almost every apprenticeship she could find, through her fitting and turning apprenticeship at BlueScope Steel, working in manufacturing and underground mining, and eventually stepping into a role where she now helps other women find their own pathway into the trades. We also have an honest conversation about what happens after you finish your apprenticeship. Abbie shares the unexpected challenge of finding work as a newly qualified tradeswoman, why employers need to rethink their expectations around experience, and why sometimes a rejection from the wrong workplace can be a blessing in disguise. In this episode, we discuss: Discovering the trades while still at school Applying for apprenticeships when you're not completely sure which trade you want What it's really like completing an apprenticeship with a large employer Learning to think for yourself when support isn't always available The huge variety of work available as a fitter Working in manufacturing and underground mining The challenge of finding work as a newly qualified tradesperson Why employers need to give inexperienced workers an opportunity Moving from working on the tools to supporting other women entering trades Taking advantage of training, licences and every opportunity offered during your apprenticeship Whether you're considering a trade, currently completing an apprenticeship, or wondering where your qualification could take you next, Abbie's story is a reminder that your trade doesn't lock you into one pathway. Stay curious, take the opportunities in front of you, and build as many skills as you can along the way.

What do you do when someone is shocked to discover that you're a tradeswoman… again? In this episode of Building Confidence, I'm sharing one of the more unusual reframes I've created with a coaching client: popping people's tradeswoman virginity. When women still make up such a small percentage of tradespeople, there's a good chance you'll be the first tradeswoman someone has worked with, hired, met on site, or had turn up at their house. Most of the time, the surprise might not bother you—but on a bad day, another "Wow, a girl!" can be the tiny thing that drains the last bit of energy you have. So instead of letting those moments chip away at your confidence, what if we made them a little lighter? In this episode, I talk about reframing—a simple coaching tool that can help us change the way we look at those low-level problems we can't necessarily control. This isn't about pretending something doesn't bother you or ignoring bigger workplace issues. It's about deciding where you want to spend your energy. In this episode, we discuss: What reframing is and how you can use it The small, repetitive experiences that can drain tradeswomen over time Why people may still be surprised to meet a tradeswoman Separating low-level frustrations from problems that actually need action Using humour to take some of the heaviness out of frustrating situations Protecting your energy on the days when your confidence is already low Creating your own reframes for everyday annoyances We have trades to learn, houses to build, engines to fix and careers to grow. We don't need to give all our energy away every time somebody is surprised that we exist. We're here—and we're here to stay. 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 if the career you really want takes two years of hearing "no" before you finally get your "yes"? In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with electrician and protection technician Kasey to talk about her journey from graphic designer to mature-age electrical apprentice, high-voltage field service technician, and now into the specialised world of protection testing. Kasey shares what it was like starting an apprenticeship at 30, staying determined through two years of unsuccessful applications, navigating significant health challenges during her apprenticeship, and eventually discovering just how valuable the skills she'd spent four years building had become. We also explore what happens after you qualify—the confidence shift from apprentice to tradesperson, choosing to leave the workplace where you completed your apprenticeship to continue growing, specialising within your trade, and why continuing to learn can open doors you didn't even know existed. In this episode, we discuss: Changing careers and starting an electrical apprenticeship at 30 Staying motivated through two years of apprenticeship applications Completing an apprenticeship while navigating major personal challenges The transition from apprentice to qualified tradeswoman Moving into high-voltage field service and protection testing Finding specialised career paths you didn't know existed Being the only woman in a field service team Some of the hidden realities of working underground Why your trade qualification doesn't limit you to one type of work Continuing to learn after you're qualified Saying yes to opportunities and seeing where they take you Whether you're trying to get your first apprenticeship, considering a career change, or wondering what comes next after qualifying, Kasey's story is a reminder that there isn't one correct pathway through the trades. Keep learning, stay curious, and don't be afraid to say yes to an opportunity—you never know which door it might open.

What if changing one tiny word could change the way you talk to yourself? In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about the surprisingly powerful difference between "and" and "but"—and how a small shift in language can help us recognise how far we've come without ignoring where we still want to grow. Think about the difference between "I've learnt so much, BUT I still don't know how to do this" and "I've learnt so much, AND I still have more to learn." Both can be true, but they feel very different. Drawing on conversations from my coaching work and my own experiences with friendships, skills and personal growth, I explore how using "but" can sometimes unintentionally minimise everything that came before it. By replacing it with "and", we can make space for gratitude, disappointment, confidence, growth and ambition to exist alongside each other. In this episode, we discuss: The subtle difference between using "and" and "but" How our language can unintentionally minimise our achievements Recognising the skills you already have while acknowledging what you still need to learn Why two seemingly conflicting feelings can exist at the same time Using this tool when setting goals and thinking about your future Appreciating the relationships and community you have while still wanting more Moving from a surviving mindset towards thriving Making small shifts in your self-talk that create forward momentum You can be proud of how far you've come and want more for yourself. You can be an amazing apprentice and still have a lot to learn. You can be a capable tradesperson and find your next role challenging. Those things don't cancel each other out—and sometimes changing one little word is enough to remind yourself of that. 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

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.