Join Michelle and Nicola as they explore the gap between who you are and who you present yourself to be—and how to bridge it with small acts of courage.

KEY TOPICS:

The Confidence Gap • Why capable midlife women often show up smaller than they actually are • How life experience creates both competence and fear of visibility • The double-edged sword: more capable than ever, yet more hesitant to be seen

Where It Comes From • Childhood conditioning: "children should be seen and not heard" • Being rewarded for being agreeable throughout life • Generational patterns passed down from mothers and grandmothers • Life experiences that taught us it's risky to be visible when things go wrong

Signs You're Living in the Gap • Softening your opinions in meetings or staying silent when you have something to say • Recording videos but never posting them (or re-recording endlessly) • Avoiding photos and waiting until you've "lost weight" or "got that job" • Using "just" to diminish yourself: "I'm just a stay-at-home mom" or "I'm just a VA" • Wearing clothes that blend in rather than reflect your personality • Undercharging for your services or offering desperation discounts • Watching others take the space you should own

The Cost of Staying Small • Missed opportunities and serious FOMO • Being overlooked for work you know you could do better • Holding yourself back from the visibility your business needs • Second-guessing yourself constantly

Micro-Bravery: Small Steps to Close the Gap • Post your opinion on social media (nothing controversial, just authentic) • Update that profile photo you've been avoiding • Remove "just" and "should" from your vocabulary • Announce your plans publicly to create accountability • Start with small visibility wins before going live on Instagram • Wear that pop of color—even if it's just in a scarf or handbag • Remember: confidence comes AFTER doing the thing, not before

Key Insight: You don't have to be loud to be confident. Confidence is grounded, not shouty. Own your expertise and life experience.

Connect: 📧 studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk 📱 Instagram: @thereinventiondiaries

www.nicolaauckandphotography.co.uk www.mrsstylewright.com

Share your confidence gap story with us—we'd love to hear about a time you played small and what you did to step into your power.

Episode: Career Paths, Reinvention & Apprenticeships with Mel Papworth

Hosts: Michelle & Nicola

Guest: Mel Papworth, Greater Lincolnshire Career Hub

KEY TOPICS:

Career Reinvention Journey Mel shares her non-traditional career path from admin roles at Valo and Ford Motor Company through juggling four jobs while raising kids, to becoming an accidental manager at Nationwide Building Society. A broken foot (thanks to a kitten rescue attempt!) led to a life-changing pause during which she discovered her dream role in career education.

The Power of Apprenticeships

• Apprenticeships aren't just for 16-year-olds - available at ANY age, even into your 70s
• Mel completed a Master's in Senior Leadership via apprenticeship
• Great alternative to university with hands-on learning and earning while you learn
• National Apprenticeship Week highlights ongoing opportunities

Advice for Parents & Students

• Use process of elimination: identify what you DON'T want to do first
• Attend PD (Personal Development) days - they're actually career days!
• Speak directly to school career leaders who know your child best
• Visit local businesses - knock on doors and explore what they do
• Don't assume university is the only path

Breaking Barriers

• Women weren't allowed past certain lines in factories during Mel's early career
• Career paths can be non-linear - it's okay to change direction
• Going back to education at 32 for GCSEs opened doors to better opportunities
• Your 16-year-old choices don't lock you in forever

Resources:

• Greater Lincolnshire Career Hub on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mel Papworth on LinkedIn
• Parent webinar on apprenticeships (check Mel's LinkedIn for details)
• Gov.uk for apprenticeship listings (though not comprehensive)

Memorable Moments:

• The kitten that changed everything
• Four jobs + college at age 32
• Thailand trip for 50th birthday
• Winning Apprenticeship of the Year award
• The Chapel Roan Grammy dress debate

Contact: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk | @thereinventiondiariespodcast

www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk

www.mrsstylewright.com

Guest: Flick Hamnett-Day - Social media marketing expert, keynote speaker, scout leader, and real ale campaigner

Episode Highlights

From Stage to Social Media Flick shares her unexpected journey from a 5-year performing arts career to becoming a social media expert. After leaving the stage for financial reasons, she found herself in corporate roles that nearly cost her sense of self.

The Mirror Moment A powerful turning point came when Flick burst into tears looking in a mirror - not from sadness, but from finally seeing herself again after losing her identity in a conforming corporate role. Her husband's sarcastic "you've worked out how a mirror works" became a pivotal moment of self-recognition.

Reframing Fear as Excitement Drawing on her stage experience, Flick explains how fear and excitement are the same adrenaline - it's all about reframing "I have to do this" into "I get to do this."

The Expert Journey Flick discusses her struggle with calling herself an "expert," battling comparison and imposter syndrome before finally owning her expertise in social media marketing.

Mental Health & Confidence She candidly shares how poor mental health once silenced even her inner critic, making her grateful now to hear that voice - even when it's negative - because it means she's present and alive.

Sister Act 2 Wisdom Flick references the profound message: if you wake up every morning saying "I am a writer" (or whatever you aspire to be), then you ARE that thing - regardless of what critics say.

Finding Your Tribe The importance of surrounding yourself with "radiators not drains" - people who lift you up rather than bring you down.

New Venture Flick announces her new podcast "Wildly Intentional" with co-host Verity, discussing business, ADHD, and authentic entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways

• Don't listen to people you wouldn't take advice from
• Confidence comes AFTER doing the thing, not before
• Your story matters - don't hide parts of yourself
• Trust yourself before external validation arrives
• Show up 110% as yourself to avoid losing who you are

Connect with Flick: The Social Dragonfly (all platforms) New Podcast: Wildly Intentional

Connect with the hosts: Nicola - www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk

Michelle - www.mrsstylewright.com