GrowCFO Show #228 The Confidence Code: Secrets to Owning Every Room with Susana Serrano Davey, GrowCFO Mentor
Apr 8, 2025
32:08
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8myIm2OdbA
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https://open.spotify.com/episode/393rj0qXYpByeuWWjgoC5i
Confidence is a critical yet often misunderstood element of professional success. In today's competitive business landscape, understanding the nuanced dynamics of self-assurance can be the difference between breakthrough performance and persistent self-doubt. Susana Serrano Davey, a GrowCFO Mentor, emerges as a thought leader challenging conventional wisdom about personal empowerment through her groundbreaking book, "Confidence is Overrated." Her work represents a paradigm shift, moving beyond traditional self-help narratives to offer a more authentic, introspective approach to professional development.At the core of Davey's philosophy is the radical notion that confidence is not a prerequisite for achievement, but rather an organic outcome of genuine self-acceptance and continuous learning. By deconstructing the myth of performative confidence, she introduces innovative frameworks that encourage professionals to embrace vulnerability, take calculated risks, and view personal growth as a non-linear journey. Her methodology, enriched by personal anecdotes and metaphorical insights—ranging from mushroom hunting to unicorn symbolism—provides a refreshing alternative to conventional confidence-building strategies. Through her work, Davey empowers individuals to reframe their understanding of success, emphasizing internal resilience over external validation and demonstrating how true professional transformation emerges from self-compassion and persistent curiosity.
Key topics covered:
Challenging Traditional Confidence Paradigms
Redefines confidence as an internal journey rather than external validation
Emphasizes self-acceptance over performative achievement
Introduces innovative metaphors like unicorns and mushroom hunting to illustrate personal growth concepts
Book Development Insights
Leveraged AI tools like ChatGPT for manuscript refinement
Incorporated early feedback from zero readers
Developed a more mature, professionally structured narrative compared to her first book
Personal Growth Strategies
Advocates for embracing uncertainty and taking calculated risks
Promotes the value of continuous learning and adaptability
Shares personal stories demonstrating vulnerability and resilience
Technological Integration in Writing
Utilized AI as a collaborative writing assistant
Maintained human emotional authenticity in storytelling
Explored AI's potential and limitations in creative processes
Links
Susana Serrano Davey on LinkedIn
Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
GrowCFO Mentoring
Timestamps
0:01:14 Initial conversational setup
0:06:36 Book introduction and core concept
0:10:07 Discussion on skill acquisition vs. confidence
0:12:30 Metaphorical exploration of confidence
0:16:13 Personal project discussion (mango farm)
0:20:08 Podcasting journey reflection
0:24:23 Confidence as an end result, not a starting point
0:35:37 Unmasking professional confidence
0:39:07 AI's role in book creation
0:42:33 Closing remarks and future collaboration
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