The Lisa Burke ShowHow to build confidence

Lisa Burke
How do you show up in your own body, to yourself? What’s your own internal dialogue? And how does that manifest as confidence?

How to Build Confidence
How do you show up in your own body, to yourself? What’s your own internal dialogue? And how does that manifest as confidence?


Confidence is a trainable skill, which is a good thing as it can influence so many aspects of our lives from work to personal relationships, even to the relationship we have with our own body and mind. It’s shaped by mindset, nutrition, hormones and fluctuates through the various changes and challenges of life.

Confidence as a skill: how to build self-belief

Founded by Natalia Wrona, Confidence House was created in response to a recurring pattern Natalia observed over nearly two decades of working closely as a make-up artist and photographer with clients: many people appear confident externally, yet feel deeply disconnected internally.

Through guided make-up lessons, image advice, and ‘self-confidence photography’, clients are offered a safe space to reconnect with themselves. These sessions are about reclaiming a connection to your own external-facing body.

“Caring for one’s appearance is not superficial. It can be a powerful act of self-respect. When we treat ourselves with intention, we begin to rebuild confidence from the inside out.”
Natalia Wrona

But confidence is built on the inside, some of which we have control over (nutrition, sport, sleep) and some of which is outside of our control to some degree (life events, hormonal fluctuations).

Menopause, hormones, and confidence

For many women (and men – something we speak about less at the moment), hormonal transitions play a major role in confidence. That reality is at the heart of Lëtz Menopause, a non-profit association raising awareness around perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause in Luxembourg.

Dr. Susanne Folschette explains that confidence loss during hormonal transitions is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Anxiety, sleep disruption, brain fog, and self-doubt can begin years before menopause itself, frequently without women realising what is happening.

Education is transformative. Understanding the biological changes at play reduces fear, restores self-trust, and allows women to advocate for themselves. Menopause is a natural transition that deserves informed support, evidence-based care, and open conversation.

‘Mr. Breakfast’ on nutrition, the brain, and emotional confidence

Confidence is also biochemical. University lecturer and micro-nutrition specialist Anthony Sternotte highlights how nutrition directly influences mood, emotional regulation, and resilience.

Micro-nutrient deficiencies, including iron, zinc, B-vitamins, and amino acids, can impair neurotransmitter production, affecting serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin. Skipping meals, particularly breakfast and lunch, may feel efficient, but over time it undermines energy, focus, and emotional stability.

Nutrition supports confidence by supporting the brain. A well-nourished body creates the conditions for calm, clarity, and self-belief, especially during periods of stress or hormonal change.

Confidence development is multidimensional and trainable

Confidence as a skill can grow when we:

  • understand what is happening in our bodies and take care to listen
  • nourish ourselves properly
  • set boundaries and protect our energy
  • invest time in self-care and self-knowledge
  • allow ourselves to be seen, imperfectly and honestly

Confidence is about trusting yourself even when things feel uncertain. To just keep going.

Suggested reading on confidence and self-esteem

To deepen the journey of confidence development, our guests recommend these books:

  • Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway – Susan Jeffers
  • The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem – Nathaniel Branden
  • The Gifts of Imperfection – Brené Brown

Recommended books on menopause and confidence

  • The New Menopause – Dr. Mary Claire Haver
  • The New Perimenopause – Dr. Mary Claire Haver
  • How to Menopause – Tamsen Fadal
  • Woman on Fire – Sheila de Liz (German)
Lisa Burke Show
The Lisa Burke Show - Confidence House
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