Competence, Confidence, and Breaking Free from ‘Proving Energy’ with Becky Mollenkamp
In this powerful episode of The Empowered and Embodied Show, we sit down with feminist business coach, Feminist Founders podcast host, and Messy Liberation co-host Becky Mollenkamp to explore the path from merely surviving to genuinely thriving—particularly for women navigating the business world. Becky shares her deeply personal journey, from the corporate grind to launching the Feminist Founders movement, and reflects on life-altering moments that redefined her purpose. Together, they delve into the distinction between competence and confidence, the pressures of societal conditioning on self-worth, and how to reclaim personal agency by embracing action over fear. This episode is a powerful call for anyone ready to step off “autopilot,” encouraging listeners to align with what truly fulfills them.
"Competence is largely externally driven; confidence is what comes from within. When you have both, you’re unstoppable." - Becky Mollenkamp
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Competence vs. Confidence: Becky emphasizes the difference between competence, which is validated by external achievements, and confidence, which is cultivated from within. To thrive, we need both.
- Proving Energy: The pressure to constantly “prove” oneself, especially in the workplace, can drain confidence. Learning to value internal validation over external expectations is key to genuine self-assurance.
- Taking Action While Afraid: Confidence doesn’t precede action—it’s a result of it. Moving forward despite fear creates resilience and reinforces self-belief.
- Aligning with Authentic Goals: Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, stepping away from a high-revenue path in favor of fulfillment may be the most empowered choice.
- Understanding Systemic Influence: Recognizing societal and systemic pressures helps us differentiate between genuine desires and external conditioning, allowing for more aligned and authentic decisions.
KEY MOMENTS
[0:00] Introduction and Celebrations
[3:55] Welcoming Becky and an Overview of Her Work
[5:03] Becky's Journey: From Journalist to Feminist Coach
[10:26] Recognizing "Proving Energy" and How It Holds Us Back
[15:17] Defining Competence vs. Confidence
[26:55] Practical Tips for Moving Forward Despite Fear
[38:38] Choosing Growth Aligned with Personal Values
[44:17] Final Reflections and Takeaways
Connect with Becky Mollenkamp
Website:BeckyMollenkamp.com
Instagram: @beckymollenkamp
Substack: Feminist Founders
Podcast: Feminist Founders Podcast
Are you ready to reclaim your power and live (and work) with more ease? Discover your unique blueprint to do just that with Kim's Strengthscape Self-Mastery Profile.
Looking for something different and feeling lost about where to start? Rediscover your purpose and how to craft a career that makes sense. Check out Louise's
Are you ready to reclaim your power and live (and work) with more ease? Discover your unique blueprint to do just that with Kim's Strengthscape Self-Mastery Profile.
Looking for something different and feeling lost about where to start? Rediscover your purpose and how to craft a career that makes sense. Check out Louise's Midlife Career Mastery program.
** Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective. **
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