Closing the Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential, and Your Paycheck

by Kelli Thompson

What would you do if you had a little more confidence? Would you take the next step in your career, assume more leading roles, set boundaries, ask for a raise, or even run for office? Doubt and imposter feelings are a big reason women hold back and play small instead of going for what they truly desire at work. Coupled with the systemic gender equity issues and the resulting burnout that plagues women in the workplace today, it’s no wonder that so many women are undervaluing themselves and their abilities. These doubtful thoughts and systemic issues are expensive―they cost women their peace, their potential, and their paychecks. To close the confidence gap and see more women showing up in their full potential at work, we need more women leaders at the top of organizations. Closing the Confidence Gap will show you how to advance with confidence, despite the systemic issues that women face every day at work. You’ll hear deeply personal stories and walk away with practical tools to show you how to claim your role as a confident leader. It’s time to own who you are, trust yourself, and take your bravest next step.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help

264 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2022

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a clear, concise and well-written book!

"What is my smallest, bravest next step?" Too often we get caught up thinking we have to make the perfect, big next step. Kelli confidently and clearly shows the key to success - and confidence - is to take small steps.

Seriously, I can't get over how clear everything is! The stories, examples, research, and exercises. This is a great, impactful read.

[Alice Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelli is a gifted storyteller and expert in aligning your purpose to your pay check. I’ve had the pleasure of watching this book evolve into one of the most accessible, actionable (including loads of easy-to-use templates!), and transformational tools for women leaders on the market.

[Samantha Nowatzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelli is such an insightful and thoughtful coach, speaker, and author . I've had the pleasure of attending some of her events and coaching. I highly recommend following her and reading (or listening) to this book. She is also well versed in the Enneagram and speaks often to imposter syndrome which plagues so many women.

[Renee Rubin Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful exercises for white women early in their career or stuck. For me personally, as someone who has done a lot of thinking about values, my energy, etc, it felt fairly basic. It also does not get into the experiences of People of Color (or the intersectionality of discrimination) in the workplace except in a fairly superficial way. So it you are her target audience - you could find it useful. I heard her speak on a podcast and found her inspiring.

[Marie Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for an inspiration boost! The tips I found here about gaining confidence were helpful and accompanied by practical exercises for a better understanding of oneself.

If you want to better understand if this book is for you, check out the article on the blog:
https://shereadsbusiness.com/2023/03/...

[Kailey Parr · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! It really spoke to me and my inner dialogue.

[KimVTC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read for women in any field, looking to boost their confidence and be true to themselves.

This is NOT your typical, somewhat dry, leadership book - Kelli brings her authentic and genuine voice and shares her personal experiences with readers. It feels like you are having a conversation with a trusted friend instead of reading a leadership book.

Also included are action items and steps you can take to boost your peace, paycheck and potential.

I would have loved to have had this book early in my career and will share this with my daughters as they begin their journeys.

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely not a “read it all at once” book. It certainly had some very useful insights for any woman, and especially women coaching other women in the workforce. Thompson talks about the disparate treatment of women (vs. men) and how to manage your reputation while still speaking up, standing tall, not feeling like you have to do everything, and gaining confidence in the process. An especially good read for women working in male dominated fields.

[Rebekah Sporhase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to my soul! I’ve read a few different leadership books this year and this one was by far the quickest read and most highlighted! I found myself reading it cover to cover in just a few days. Kelli weaves in real and vulnerable stories life stories that make you feel like you’re listening to advice from a friend. And the tips and practical frameworks she provides helped me take quick action steps to dig deep and reflect on my own situations. Highly recommend this book! It’s helped me define my values and focus on taking my next brave step.

[David Carriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closing the Confidence Gap by Kelli Thompson is an empowering and insightful guide for women who are ready to step into their full professional potential. Thompson blends personal stories, research backed insights, and practical leadership tools to address the internal doubts and systemic challenges that hold women back. Her approach is both compassionate and actionable helping readers build confidence, set boundaries, pursue higher leadership roles, and reclaim their peace. This book is a powerful roadmap for any woman seeking to rise in her career with clarity, courage, and conviction.