The Position Papers (2/3) | Favourite Positions Podcast

Confidence is often framed as a personality trait – something you either have or you don’t. But what if confidence is actually contextual, shaped by environment, familiarity and perceived expectations?

In this second episode of The Position Papers mini-series, Alexandra Young reflects on how business school reshaped her understanding of confidence. Drawing on psychological research and her experience of being in a high-achieving MBA cohort, she explores why self-doubt often increases in stretch environments, why visible confidence can be misleading, and how participation – not certainty – is what actually builds confidence over time.

This episode reframes confidence as something situational and learnable rather than fixed, and offers practical ways to participate more fully in rooms that matter.

In this episode

• Why confidence is situational rather than a fixed trait
• How high-achieving environments amplify self-doubt
• The gap between performed confidence and internal experience
• The psychological “spotlight effect” in group settings
• Why action builds confidence more reliably than preparation
• Rethinking presence beyond volume or airtime

Key reframes discussed

• Confidence is familiarity with an environment, not personality
• Visible confidence often masks private uncertainty
• Readiness rarely precedes participation
• Silence increases pressure while contribution reduces it
• Presence does not require constant speaking

Key questions from the episode

• Where do you currently feel most confident – and why?
• Is there a room you’ve been avoiding until you feel ready?
• What would you do if discomfort meant learning, not misfit?

Research referenced

• Korn Ferry (2024). Global Imposter Syndrome Study.
• Found 71% of CEOs report experiencing imposter syndrome symptoms, with prevalence increasing at senior levels.
• Gilovich, Medvec & Savitsky (2000). The Spotlight Effect in Social Judgment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
• Demonstrates that people significantly overestimate how much others notice their behaviour and mistakes.
• Google Trends / global search data (2024).
• Reported ~75% increase in searches for “imposter syndrome,” indicating rising public concern and self-doubt discourse.

About The Position Papers

The Position Papers is a three-part Favourite Positions mini-series on business school, confidence and growth, recorded during Alex’s MBA alongside full-time leadership. Each episode explores the intersection of ambition, identity and modern work.

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