The Confidence Code

Introduction

Journalists Katty Kay and Claire Shipman interviewed successful women in politics, business and sport and found many still struggled with self-doubt. In The Confidence Code, they explore the science of confidence, including genetics, brain research and upbringing, and why many women seem to have less of it than men.

They conclude that confidence is partly inherited but can be built, mainly through action and risk-taking.

Who should read this book?

Women and girls who struggle with self-doubt, parents of daughters, and managers who want to support confidence in their teams. Many of its lessons apply to anyone.

Helps with: Build confidence, Lead and grow at work

The central message

Confidence is what turns thought into action. It can be built by taking risks, acting despite fear and accepting failure.

Key ideas and concepts

1. Confidence vs competence

   Confidence often predicts who gets ahead as much as competence does, which is why the confidence gap matters.

2. Action creates confidence

   Taking risks and acting, even when unsure, builds confidence over time.

3. Perfectionism holds women back

   Waiting to be perfect or fully qualified before acting can stall careers.

4. Biology and upbringing

   Genes, brain differences and how girls are raised, for example rewarded for being good rather than bold, can shape confidence.

5. Failing fast

   Accepting failure as part of learning makes it easier to take risks.

Deeper analysis

The Confidence Code is engaging and validating. Kay and Shipman interview well-known women, from politicians to athletes, which makes self-doubt feel relatable rather than shameful. The book's central lesson, that confidence is built by acting, taking risks and learning to fail, is sound and matches what much psychological research suggests about avoidance and courage.

The book's treatment of science, especially sex differences in the brain and the genetics of confidence, has been criticized as oversimplified, and some findings are presented more confidently than the evidence allows. Critics also argue it places the responsibility on women to change themselves, rather than on workplaces that judge men and women differently for the same behaviour. Read with those limits in mind, it offers practical encouragement.

Practical applications

• Volunteer for a task before you feel fully qualified.
• Notice when perfectionism keeps you from acting.
• Take one small risk at work this week.
• Reframe a recent failure as a learning experience.
• Encourage a girl or young colleague to try something bold.

Your 7-day action plan

1. Day 1

   Notice moments of self-doubt.

2. Day 2

   Identify a task you're avoiding because you feel unqualified.

3. Day 3

   Take one small risk.

4. Day 4

   Reflect on a failure and what you learned.

5. Day 5

   Speak up in a meeting.

6. Day 6

   Support someone else's confidence.

7. Day 7

   Reflect on how action affected your confidence.

Outcomes to expect

What readers who apply this book can realistically take away from it:

• Greater willingness to take risks
• Less perfectionism holding you back
• Confidence built through action
• Awareness of what shapes confidence

Strengths and limitations

Reflection questions

1. When have you waited to feel ready?
2. How does perfectionism affect you?
3. What risk could you take this week?
4. How were you raised to think about confidence?

Related books

• Dare to LeadBrené Brown

  Dare to Lead

  Brené Brown

  On courageous leadership.

• The Confidence GapRuss Harris

  The Confidence Gap

  Russ Harris

  A therapy-based approach to fear.

• MindsetCarol S. Dweck

  Mindset

  Carol S. Dweck

  Believing you can grow is the first step to actually growing. The landmark book on fixed versus growth…

• Daring GreatlyBrené Brown

  Daring Greatly

  Brené Brown

  Vulnerability isn't weakness. It's where connection and courage begin.

Part of the reading path: Improve Confidence

About the authors

Book details (title, author, year) are factual. Everything under the headings above is MindsetProdigy's own editorial analysis and interpretation, written to help you decide whether to read the book and how to apply it. It is not a substitute for reading the book itself. Last updated September 27, 2026.