An Insight into Self-Confidence from everywomanClub Member Rebecca Salt

Rebecca Salt

Rebecca Salt is Group Communications Director of Balfour Beatty, giving her responsibility for the construction company’s corporate communications and PR. She previously spent a decade in the transport and logistics industry with CEVA, Excel and DHL.

Her wealth of experience has given Rebecca a confidence that all successful businesswomen thrive on. She believes success is based on having the conviction to do a job effectively when surrounded by senior colleagues and giving compelling cases when discussing business strategy.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN CONFIDENT?

I don’t think you necessarily have confidence as perceived by other people. I approach business the best way I can and work to continuously improve. I think women in business are naturally less assuming than their male counterparts.

WAS THERE A TURNING POINT IN YOUR CAREER WHEN YOU REALISED YOU HAD SUDDENLY BECOME MORE CONFIDENT?

Not necessarily. During my career, I’ve learned that confidence is about having the conviction to do a job effectively when surrounded by senior colleagues. You need to be able to make a compelling point about your area of the business, so that everyone around you is confident that you’re doing the right thing. It’s important to have a full understanding of the business areas you’re dealing in and be knowledgeable enough to answer any question that a colleague may have.

WHAT DOES BEING CONFIDENT MEAN TO YOU?

It’s about being quiet and understated while maintaining a high level of gravitas. You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room, you just need to be the voice that is heard, listened to and respected.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO LACKS CONFIDENCE?

Nobody wants to see someone look shy or nervous when, for example, they’re giving a presentation. Everyone is willing you to do well, so concentrate on the positives, ignore the negatives and make sure everyone enjoys hearing what you have to say.

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