Episode 11: Ego vs Confidence: Leading with Conviction, Not a Need to Prove

In this 11th episode of The Erin Coupe Podcast, Erin dives into the nuanced yet powerful distinction between ego and confidence—two forces that quietly shape how we show up in leadership, relationships, and life. While ego craves validation, control, and certainty, true confidence is rooted in authenticity, self-acceptance, and presence.

Erin shares personal experiences and insights to help you recognize when ego is leading the way and how to shift toward authentic confidence.

Highlights:

• Erin discusses the temptation to say "yes" to opportunities that stroke one's ego rather than aligning with true confidence.

• How ego is concerned with image and validation, while confidence is rooted in self-acceptance and authenticity.

• Erin contrasts ego-driven behaviors, like interrupting and dominating conversations, with confident leadership that values listening and allowing others to contribute.

• Steps to shift from ego to authentic confidence, including building self-awareness, detaching from external validation, and embracing growth over perfection.

• The importance of leading with presence and curiosity rather than performance and certainty.

Key Takeaways for Listeners:

1. Build Self-Awareness: Notice when your ego is speaking—especially when you feel the need to prove, control, or seek approval.

2. Detach Your Worth from External Validation: Confidence comes from within, not from titles, praise, or achievements.

3. Embrace Growth Over Perfection: Confidence welcomes mistakes and failure as opportunities to grow.

4. Lead with Presence, Not Performance: Presence attracts trust and influence far more than seeking to dominate a room.

5. Practice Humility & Curiosity: The most confident leaders are open-minded, invite different perspectives, and prioritize learning over being right.

🌟 Want more? Download Erin’s free guide to mastering your mindset and join her email list for ongoing tools, insights, and updates on her book launching this September.

New short episodes drop every other Wednesday. Erin’s 10-20 minute episodes meet you where you are - pressed for time. This is your purposeful reminder to stop, reflect and think mid-week amidst all the pulls and demands on your attention, energy, and mental space.

🔗 You can find The Erin Coupe Podcast on all major streaming platforms.