Episode 350

#350 Lucy Gernon: Redefining Confidence—No Quotes, No Apologies

Published on: 7th May, 2025

Confidence might be the most overused word in leadership—but Lucy Gernon is here to give it teeth.

After two decades in the pharmaceutical world, Lucy faced a moment of reckoning when a family tragedy pushed her to stop waiting and start living on her own terms. Now, as a multi-award-winning executive coach and founder of the Executive Presence Blueprint, she helps high-achieving women get out of their own heads—and into positions of power.

In this episode, Lucy opens up about overcoming self-doubt, people-pleasing, and the inner critic that once held her back. From side hustle strategies to emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership, she shares what it really takes to build confidence that lasts—not the kind that sounds good on Pinterest, but the kind that actually gets you promoted.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

From Science to Stage: A Career Rewired by Purpose

“Even as a microbiologist, I always loved people more than Petri dishes.”

The Wake-Up Call: When Life Says ‘Go Now’

“When my father-in-law died suddenly, I realized: I was living to please others, not myself.”

Why She Stopped Quoting Gurus and Started Trusting Herself

“I used to borrow quotes—until a coach said, ‘What about your frameworks?’ That changed everything.”

The Confidence Myth, Debunked

“It’s not about being loud. It’s about being certain—in your voice, your value, your vision.”

Motherhood, Mortgages, and Making It Work

“I didn’t leap blindly—I side-hustled, saved, tested, and built. Strategy beats spontaneity.”

What Executive Presence Looks Like Now (Hint: Not a Guy in a Suit)

Harvard data, leadership shifts, and why charisma, inclusion, and vision matter more than ever.

Her Signature Framework for Female Leaders

Gravitas, communication, appearance—and the one trait that still tops them all: confidence.

Learning to Let Go: Why Clients Must Do the Work

“It’s not my job to fix someone. The right clients are ready to act, not just listen.”

AI and Coaching: Collaborators, Not Competitors

“I use AI every day—to refine frameworks, spark ideas, and scale tools. But human connection? That’s irreplaceable.”

_________________________

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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Lucy Gernon

 

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Chief Change Officer™: Ensemble
A public town hall for change, power, and reinvention
Chief Change Officer™: Ensemble is the free, public edition of Chief Change Officer™, the Global Top 1% flagship podcast created and hosted by Vince Chan.

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