The confidence formula: Proven strategies for high achievers
For many, stepping into new situations — such as delivering a presentation, negotiating a deal, or taking on a leadership role — can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

Confidence in these moments isn’t just an innate ability; it’s a learned skill that needs to be cultivated with the right strategies and support. With the right coaching, you can build confidence in challenging, unfamiliar environments and learn insights into how investing in your self-development can accelerate your progress.
Prep is key
Thorough preparation is your best friend in these situations. The more you know, the more equipped you’ll feel to handle it.
Research and understand
Whether preparing for a pitch in Canary Wharf’s high-stakes corporate boardrooms or a leadership summit, start by equipping yourself with as much information as possible. Know your audience, the key issues at hand, and your goals. A strong foundation builds meaningful confidence.
Practice makes perfect
Rehearse your presentation multiple times, anticipate possible objections in a negotiation, or role-play leadership scenarios. Your coach can provide the perfect environment for practice, offering constructive feedback and helping you fine-tune your approach.
Have a backup plan
High-pressure situations rarely go as planned so build contingencies! Your coach can guide you in identifying potential risks, ensuring you’re ready for anything.
Adopt a growth mindset
Your mindset plays a pivotal role in building confidence. Shifting your perspective from fear of failure to one of growth can make a huge difference.
Embrace challenges as opportunities
For instance, if you’re presenting to senior executives, reframe it as the perfect chance to demonstrate your expertise and to grow professionally. Your coach can help you see daunting tasks as real opportunities for learning and advancement.
Visualise success
As a coach, I often use visualisation exercises to help clients mentally rehearse and feel success. Picture yourself delivering a smooth presentation, negotiating effectively, or leading your team with poise.
Replace your self-doubt with positive self-talk
Confidence coaching includes strategies to identify your self-limiting beliefs (or inner critic) and replace them with affirmations like, “I have the tools and knowledge to succeed.” This is a great starting point for true self-development.
Use body language to communicate confidence
Your body language not only influences the first impression you give others but it also affects how comfortable you feel within yourself.
Stand tall and maintain an open posture
In high-stakes environments where first impressions matter, a confident posture — shoulders back, head held high — conveys authority, trust and competence.
Make eye contact and offer a firm handshake
Simple actions like these signal confidence, even if you feel nervous. Coaches can role-play these interactions to ensure you’re projecting the right message.
Control your breathing
Learn breathing techniques from your coach to calm your nerves and stay focused in high-pressure moments.
Focus on the process, not the outcome
Fixating on results can create stress which is pointless and unhelpful. Instead, focus on the steps you can control.
Break it down
During a presentation or negotiation, concentrate on delivering your message clearly and authentically rather than worrying about what others may be thinking. In leadership, focus on guiding your team effectively.
Celebrate small wins
Whether it’s successfully delivering one key point in a presentation or resolving a minor issue during a negotiation, every win boosts your confidence. And don't forget to celebrate these milestones to maintain momentum!
Seek support and feedback
Confidence grows from the support shown by others who can provide guidance and reassurance.
Work with a coach
In fast-paced, high-pressure corporate environments, for example, where time is limited, your coach will offer targeted strategies to build confidence quickly. You will even gain insights tailored to your specific challenges and goals.
Ask for constructive feedback
This is a safe space for you to explore strengths and areas for improvement. Their feedback helps refine your approach and boost your sense of self.
Manage expectations and accept imperfection
Perfectionism only serves to hinder your confidence, especially in new situations. Accepting that mistakes are part of the process helps you approach challenges more positively and rationally without resorting to stress.
View mistakes as growth opportunities
A leadership coach can help you analyse setbacks and unpack valuable lessons, ensuring that you move forward stronger.
Set realistic expectations
If in high-stakes scenarios like pitching to investors, focus on progress, not perfection. Your coach will guide you in managing expectations and staying focused under pressure.
Engage in continuous learning
Confidence only sees meaningful growth when you invest in your skills and knowledge over time.
Pursue professional development
Whether it’s enrolling in leadership workshops or attending presentation training, your coach can recommend resources and tools to help you upskill.
Develop resilience
Coaches help you build emotional resilience so that you can handle setbacks with resilience and confidence.
Leverage emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is an essential skill for confidence, particularly in leadership and negotiation.
Increase self-awareness
A coach can guide you in identifying and managing your emotional responses, helping you stay calm no matter the external pressures you face.
Empathise with others
Whether you’re negotiating or leading a team, giving space to the perspectives of others helps build trust and strengthens relations. Your coach provides tools to continuously improve your empathy and communication skills.
Handle stress effectively
Confidence coaches often teach stress-management techniques that help you stay calm and focused, even in high-pressure environments.
Why coaching matters for high achievers
Whether you’re preparing for a presentation, navigating a negotiation, or stepping into a leadership role, coaching provides a structured framework for building confidence.
Your coach objectively helps you identify blind spots, identify strengths, and provide actionable feedback tailored to your unique challenges. In fast-paced environments — where high achievers are constantly navigating new challenges — coaching offers the clarity, tools, and mindset needed to thrive, not just survive.
Building confidence isn’t about being perfect — it’s about preparation, mindset, and continuous growth. Whether you’re delivering a presentation in a boardroom, leading a team through change, or negotiating a pivotal deal, confidence is your key to success. By adopting these strategies and seeking support from a coach, you can face new situations with clarity and from a position of strength.
Remember, confidence is a journey of growth wherein you are stronger and more capable of handling whatever comes your way.
