Building Confidence
A podcast about growth, realistic tools, practical strategies, and support. Whether you’re starting out, facing challenges, or looking to level up, Building Confidence brings you real conversations, practical insights, and inspiring stories to help you navigate your journey with confidence. Your host, Louise, is a heavy vehicle and plant mechanic by trade who started her apprenticeship at just 15 years old. Over the years, she has faced and overcome harassment, impostor syndrome, mental health struggles, and workplace challenges—while also achieving industry awards and experience in both large corporations and family businesses. Now a life coach and mentor for tradeswomen, Louise is here to share the lessons she’s learned so that her struggles weren’t for nothing—and so you can build the confidence to take charge of your own path.
Episodes
What do you do when the career you've been chasing takes seven years to become reality? You keep going.
In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with electrician and maintenance supervisor Kym to unpack her journey into the trades. From spending seven years applying for apprenticeships, relocating across Queensland, fighting to protect her apprenticeship, navigating health challenges, and stepping into leadership, Kym sha...
Returning to work after time away can feel exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. Whether you've been recovering from burnout, navigating bullying, welcoming a new baby, managing an injury, or simply taking time to heal, stepping back into the workplace is a transition—and it's okay if it doesn't feel easy.
In this episode of Building Confidence, I share my own experience of returning to work after burnout, along ...
In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with heavy vehicle mechanic and dual-trade auto electrician Caitlyn Hayes to chat about the journey that has taken her from applying for countless apprenticeships to working FIFO in Western Australia.
We talk about what it takes to back yourself when opportunities don't come easily, how to advocate for yourself in the workplace, why mentoring can change the course of your career, a...
I explore the metaphor of watering grass versus watering concrete, discussing the importance of focusing efforts on environments where growth is possible, highlights how investing energy in the wrong areas can lead to burnout.
If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation here
If you are business wanting to give your employees more tools to succeed you can book a business chat her...
In this week’s interview, Alice shares her 23-year journey as a tradeswoman, overcoming challenges related to gender bias, workplace respect, and career transitions. Discover valuable and practical insights on supporting women in trades, the importance of community, and how to succeed in a male-dominated industry!
Takeaways
- Surround yourself with good people and support networks.
- Be consistent in your boundaries and res...
Anxiety can sometimes be chatter in your mind and sometimes it can be yelling – sound familiar? It can be like a team meeting where peoples voices are not being taken into account, and they get louder and louder until you cannot ignore them.
In this episode I go through how to have a productive team meeting with your anxiety.
If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation her...
In this episode, Caitlin Knox shares her inspiring journey from stepping out of university to becoming an apprentice development lead. We discuss the realities of trades, the importance of attitude, navigating vocational training, and seizing leadership opportunities early in a career.
Apprenticeships at Komatsu - https://www.komatsu.com/en-au/careers/apprenticeships
"I’ve become the gun tradie I used to look up to."
Saf joins us on the podcast to share her 16 year long carer in the trades, sharing challenges she over came and her mindset of continues learning which has lead her to becoming the gun tradie that she used to look up to!!
takeaways
- Choosing an apprenticeship can be the best decision for personal growth.
- Embracing the unknown leads to unexpected opportunities.
- Building ex...
In this episode, I share practical strategies for building confidence through regular actions, the importance of gathering evidence of success, and managing ADHD symptoms without shame.
If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation here
If you are business wanting to give your employees more tools to succeed you can book a business chat here
This podcast episode is supported by th...
In this weeks episode I chat to Kate, a qualified heavy diesel mechanic based in NZ. We discuss Kate’s journey from the air force into the trades which unfortunately wasn’t smooth sailing. We talk about the impact of workplace bullying, confidence building, and overcoming adversity in professional settings.
Key takeaways-
- Starting a trade as a mature aged apprentice
- Spending over a year trying to get an apprentices...
In this episode I share a fact about bullying that is rarely discussed – the impact on your learning. This really impacts you during your apprenticeship when learning is intense but beyond your apprenticeship it effects your performance. I through how this impacted me and how I moved through it.
If you are a tradeswoman or tradesperson who would like to feel less anxious and more confident, don't hesitate to book a coaching c...
This week I interview Ashley Belteky, heavy vehicle mechanic and the founder of Blue Leader. She shares her journey from being a mechanic to a leader, sharing the steps she took along the way which included trying a few different jobs in the mechanical space!
Key takeaways
- Leadership involves understanding and influencing people, not just technical skills.
- Soft skills and emotional intelligence are crucial for effective leader...
In this episode I explore the feelings of change, emphasizing how embracing the unfamiliar can lead to growth and better opportunities. I highlight the importance of self-awareness and continuous personal development in navigating career and life transitions.
If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation here
If you are business wanting to give your employees more tools to succeed...
In this episode I explore how setting 20-minute goals can create momentum, boost motivation, and can help create space for you to want to plan effectively for the future. I talk about the importance of small, achievable targets to build energy and confidence over time.
If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation here
If you are business wanting to give your employees more tools ...
In this episode I have the wonderful opportunity to chat with Chelsea Lawson, who is a mechanic, mum and mentor. We explore how to advocate for yourself and how important it is to trust your judgment!
If you would like help and support to implement this process, you can book a coaching consultation here
If you are business wanting to give your employees more tools to succeed you can book a business chat here
In this episode, I explore the concept of observer mode, a powerful mental tool for gaining clarity, reducing emotional reactivity, and improving self-awareness. I share practical examples from my coaching practice, discuss how to observe thoughts and scenarios objectively, and highlights its importance in managing confidence, emotions, and interpersonal situations.
If you would like help and support to implement this process you c...
Join Bardie and I as we explore life lessons, the power of community, mental health, and authenticity in the trades industry. This conversation offers insights on personal growth, building meaningful relationships, and embracing change at any age.
Bardie shares her journey and what helped her through the hard times in life and in the trades as a carpenter.
Follow Bardie on Instagram at Bards.Builds
Key Topics
In this episode, I discuss how to give and receive constructive feedback effectively, especially in technical and trades environments. I share practical examples, personal mentoring stories, and tips for resourcefulness and trust-building in feedback processes.
If you are a tradeswoman or tradesperson who would like to feel less anxious and more confident, don't hesitate to contact me through my website, Louiseazzopardi.com, and we...
In this episode I chat with Bridget Bell, who is currently working as a trainer and assessor. We dive into Bridget's journey from drag racing to becoming a leader in the automotive industry, sharing valuable lessons on upskilling, community building, and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Resources mentioned in the chat -
Girls Torque – Australian Women’s Motoring Network
FREE monthly newsletter ht...
In this episode, I reflect on my five-year journey in coaching and speaking on the problems tradeswomen face, sharing insights from my impact report. I discuss the challenges and successes faced by tradeswomen, the importance of community support, and the mission to create inclusive workplaces. I share the need for self-celebration and acknowledges the transformative impact of mentorship in the trades industry.
If you would like he...
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