The Cost of Looking Confident: Rethinking Leadership, Authenticity, and Self-Doubt with Renu Rothagi

In today’s professional world, confidence is often seen as a non-negotiable trait of leadership. But what if the pressure to appear confident comes at a hidden cost?

Addressing this critical question, Global HR Community (GHRC) hosted an insightful webinar titled “The Cost of Looking Confident” on Saturday, 4 April, featuring renowned HR leader and global advisor Renu Rothagi.

The session brought together professionals from diverse backgrounds to explore the realities behind confidence in the workplace unpacking themes such as imposter syndrome, self-doubt, leadership expectations, and the importance of authenticity.

The webinar began with an engaging networking activity, encouraging participants to introduce themselves and share their expectations. This was followed by an introduction to GHRC and the central theme of the session, setting the tone for an open and reflective discussion.

Through interactive conversations and real-life experiences shared by attendees, several key insights emerged:

• The constant pressure on leaders to always appear confident
• The increasing prevalence of imposter syndrome across roles and industries
• How fear of judgment can limit creativity and participation
• The strong link between confidence and the willingness to take action

Guided by Renu Rothagi, the session moved beyond theory into practical application. Participants explored actionable strategies such as:

• Cognitive reframing to shift limiting beliefs
• Embracing vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness
• Taking action despite self-doubt
• Building psychologically safe workplaces that encourage openness

One of the most powerful takeaways from the session was a mindset shift from focusing on appearing confident to embracing authenticity. The discussion emphasized that true leadership is not about perfection, but about being genuine, curious, and willing to grow.

The session concluded with meaningful reflections, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of how confidence, authenticity, and self-awareness intersect in leadership journeys.

Watch the full session here:

The success of the webinar was made possible by the active participation and thoughtful contributions of attendees, making it an engaging and impactful learning experience.

As conversations around mental wellbeing and leadership continue to evolve, such initiatives by Global HR Community reinforce the importance of creating spaces where professionals can reflect, connect, and grow authentically.