How to Own Who You're Not and Build Real Confidence now

Nicole Kalil wrote "Validation is For Parking" to bring balance to the fact that 92% of business books are written by men. Her message challenges the "confidence con"—the false and mixed messages women receive around how to look confident versus how to be confident, which can lead to self-loathing and perfectionism. A crucial insight from chapter 5: understanding what you're not meant for is just as important as knowing your passions and talents. Building confidence starts by taking action and challenging yourself to grow, but you need to look inside yourself—not to external validation or approval—to find lasting confidence. For women 50+, navigating ageism and sexism in the workplace becomes a form of self-empowerment. By understanding and addressing discrimination, you can take charge of your career path, assert your worth, and ensure your skills and experience are valued. Remember: saying yes to something means saying no to something else. Choose intentionally, embrace who you're not, and recognize that confidence is an inside job.