The Confidence Code by Katty Kay

The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know

A blend of science and storytelling, this guide explains how confidence—distinct from competence—is crucial to success and why many women undervalue their abilities. Drawing on research in psychology, genetics, and neuroscience, along with interviews with high achievers, it shows how social conditioning and perfectionism fuel self-doubt. It offers clear, practical strategies to build self-assurance: take action over rumination, embrace risk and failure as learning, quiet the inner critic, and practice habits that strengthen courage and resilience to narrow the confidence gap.