In this second episode of Zentano’s Confidence in Leadership series, Rich and Dave go beneath the surface to explore the forces that quietly drain confidence in capable leaders. Rather than dramatic failures, confidence is often eroded through constant micro pressures, organisational politics, and the need for perfectionism, all of which trigger unconscious “masks” designed to protect self-worth.

Rich introduces the idea of psychological masks, such as the Pretender, Overachiever, Striver, and Self-Doubter, and explains how these coping strategies can become unhealthy when they operate unconsciously. Drawing on his research into confidence and self-esteem, he unpacks the delicate balance between self-worth and competence, and why leaders often lean too hard on control and performance when their sense of self is under threat.

The episode closes with practical micro-habits leaders can use in real time to stabilise confidence, reconnect with their “connected centre,” and move away from performative confidence towards something more grounded, human, and sustainable.

Key Talking Points

1. Why leadership confidence rarely collapses in a single moment and instead erodes through micro-pressures over time
2. The concept of psychological masks and why leaders often wear them unconsciously
3. How pressure, organisational politics, and perfectionism act as “silent confidence killers”
4. The relationship between self-worth and competence, and how imbalance drives over-control and over-performance
5. Why performative confidence is not the same as grounded confidence
6. Four common masks leaders adopt: Pretender, Overachiever, Striver, and Self-Doubter
7. How political environments amplify insecurity through unhelpful internal narratives
8. Why perfectionism is often the fear of being truly seen
9. Practical micro-habits to stabilise confidence: