In this episode, Gina explores the importance of confidence and assertiveness for IT professionals. She discusses common challenges like speaking up in meetings and handling difficult conversations, and explains how skills such as hypnotherapy, coaching, and business psychology can help. KEY TAKEAWAYS Many IT professionals believe that being confident or assertive is something you’re born with, but the episode emphasises these are skills you can develop—just like coding or problem-solving. Even if you’re a brilliant developer, lacking confidence and assertiveness can hold you back from promotions, recognition, and having your ideas heard. Communication and self-assurance are essential for career growth. The episode shares how hypnotherapy taps into the subconscious to replace limiting beliefs with self-assurance, helping IT professionals overcome past experiences that undermine their confidence. Through exercises like role-playing and real-time feedback, coaching helps IT professionals set confidence goals, learn to delegate, and communicate boundaries effectively—leading to better leadership and less burnout. Strategies like power posing, pausing during speech, and visualisation before presentations can help you appear and feel more confident, making a tangible difference in meetings and public speaking situations. BEST MOMENTS "If you're not confident, your ideas won't be heard, even if they're brilliant. If you're not assertive, you get stuck doing work others don't want to do. And if you fear speaking up, you will struggle to get promotions or recognition." "Many IT professionals struggle with this, especially in environments where they feel like they need to prove themselves." "Myself, in the past, I had trouble delegating too, and I was overworking myself quite unnecessarily. Deep down, I had the feeling that if I didn't handle things, no one could fill my shoes and take responsibility." "Confidence isn't just about feeling good; it's about changing the trajectory of your career. It can literally change your life." HOST BIO Gena Frangina, a seasoned software engineer with over a decade of industry experience, is your trusted host on the "IT Stress Relief" Podcast. Her unique background includes a profound passion for psychology, culminating in the attainment of a Business Psychology MSc. Gena's diverse skill set extends to accreditation as a Hypnotherapist, under the tutelage of Paul McKenna and his renowned team, as well as expertise in wellness coaching. This extensive blend of technical acumen and psychological insight positions Gena as an exceptional host in the IT world. She not only understands the intricacies of the field but also excels in guiding IT professionals towards holistic well-being. Tune in to Gena's podcast for enlightening interviews with IT specialists, and gain access to a wealth of knowledge. https://genafrangina.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/gena.frangina IG: @gena.frangina This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/