As women increasingly step into leadership roles, a shift is unfolding: where previous generations felt pressured to adopt traditionally masculine traits to succeed, today’s leaders are increasingly encouraged to embrace their feminine traits.
While research has yet to fully uncover the roots of imposter syndrome, this shift has created a safer space for women to express their struggles openly. The data is evident about the widespread nature of it, a KPMG report found that 75 per cent of female executives across diverse fields experience challenges with confidence and imposter syndrome. As we continue to measure success against outdated standards and external KPIs, is it time we reframe what success—and confidence—truly look like?
Fleur Chambers knows a thing or two about redefining the confidence narrative, especially for high-achieving women who are often told they need to “fix” their insecurities to find success. As an internationally recognised mindfulness teacher, social entrepreneur, and author, Fleur is leading a shift from perfection-driven ideals to a gentler, more resilient form of self-trust in her new book, Wholehearted Confidence.
“True confidence isn’t about proving yourself,” says Chambers. “It’s about trusting yourself and finding a way to be with all of who you are, even the parts you’re not always proud of.”
A former HR professional who left the corporate world to build a social enterprise, Fleur defies the typical ‘woo woo’ meditation teacher stereotype. With a sharp and yet compassionate business acumen, she tapped into the booming global meditation app market, projected to exceed USD 7.25 billion by 2031. Through equal parts ‘right place, right time’ and strategic positioning, she has grown her mindfulness community to over 45,000 followers and attracting over three million downloads on Insight Timer, where she ranks in the top one per cent of instructors.
“Honestly, I’m astounded and incredibly grateful that I get to reach millions of people worldwide,” Fleur explains. “It’s an honour to share my work – both my understanding of mindfulness but also, my approach to philanthropy.”
Her journey to confidence has been anything but traditional. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia and ADHD, she discovered mindfulness as a lifeline, a practice that’s not about “doing it right” but about learning to live fully in the present.
“Many leaders believe confidence will come after they’ve achieved certain milestones’ – getting that big promotion, securing a deal, reaching a target or finally landing that funding,” she explains. “But confidence isn’t about ticking external things off a list; it’s about embracing all parts of ourselves, including our insecurities, with curiosity and compassion.”
In Wholehearted Confidence, Fleur presents her Four-Part Framework: Reimagine, Befriend, Grow, and Expand, as a guide for people, especially leaders, to nurture confidence that doesn’t depend on external achievements.
“Confidence means redefining the KPIs we think we need,” she says. “It’s about seeing the beauty in our imperfections and recognising that they don’t make us any less capable.”
The perfectionism trap
Fleur speaks candidly about the perfectionism trap and how it held her back early in her career. Like many women, she was caught up in the need to “do it all,” believing that success required her to meet an impossible standard.
“I remember lying awake at night, going over every little thing I could’ve done better. I thought confidence would come once I ‘had it all together,’” she recalls. “But the more I chased that ideal, the further I felt from it.”
Fleur believes that matriarchal leadership, the act of leading with empathy, deep listening, and a focus on collective wellbeing, offers a way forward for women leaders who are pressured to “fit” into more rigid, patriarchal models of success.
“It’s about showing up with our full selves and trusting that who we are, imperfections included, has value. This recognition of humanness allows our team the safety to do the same”
Confidence as an invitation to connection
Fleur’s concept of confidence goes beyond personal growth; it’s about connection; connecting to others, the natural world, and larger purposes. Through her social enterprise, The Happy Habit, Fleur’s work has helped fund clean drinking water for 60,000 people in Bangladesh, with each book sale contributing directly to this cause.
“For me, confidence isn’t just a personal journey. It’s an invitation to use our strengths for a greater purpose,” she explains. “By creating a business grounded in my values, I’m connecting my inner work with a tangible impact on the world.”
Through reflective writing prompts, values check-ins, and practises Wholehearted Confidence equips readers to find clarity, calm, and an enduring sense of self-worth.
“Ultimately, it’s about daring to hold both joy and sorrow, light and shadow,” she says. “When we can do that, we’re not just leading ourselves—we’re creating a space where everyone around us feels safe to do the same.”
Readers can join Fleur’s mission by purchasing a copy of Wholehearted Confidence via The Happy Habit website.