The Confidence Gap: Why Women Underestimate Their Potential in Finance
- dumitrascusilvia
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 28
In Finance, we measure everything—risk, return, performance, projections. Yet one crucial factor doesn’t appear in any spreadsheet: confidence. It’s the hidden driver that determines who advances in their career and who gets left behind.
It’s not about numbers on a balance sheet—it’s about the numbers in our heads. How often have you asked yourself: Am I really ready? Am I qualified enough? Will I be taken seriously?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many women in finance experience the confidence gap—the difference between their actual skills and their self-perceived ability.
Research shows a striking pattern across industries: men apply for promotions when they meet about 60% of the requirements, while women often wait until they meet 100%, sometimes more, before taking the leap. It’s not about competence—women often outperform their peers—but about confidence.
Take Elena, an analyst at a mid-sized Romanian investment firm. She consistently delivered strong results for three years, yet hesitated when encouraged to apply for a team lead position. Meanwhile, a less experienced male colleague applied and got the role. Months later, after joining a mentorship program for women in finance, Elena applied again—and this time, she succeeded, now managing a team of eight.
Her lesson? Confidence is built by doing, not by waiting for perfection.
How Women in Finance Can Close the Confidence Gap:
Seek Mentorship and Mirrors: Surround yourself with people who reflect and reinforce your strengths.
Practice Visibility: Speak up in meetings, share ideas, and make your contributions known.
Act Before You Feel Ready: Apply for opportunities even if you don’t meet every requirement.
At Women in Finance, we believe every woman deserves a seat at the table—not because she’s flawless, but because she’s capable. Your potential is already there; confidence unlocks it.
Comments