tepping into leadership isn’t just about managing people—it’s about managing the stories you tell yourself.
In this episode of You’re the Boss, Now What?, host Desiree Petrich sits down with executive communication coach Matt Mosich to unpack how storytelling can transform your confidence and leadership identity.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not confident enough for this role,” or “I don’t belong at this table,” this conversation will challenge that narrative and show you how to rewrite it.
Why Confidence Isn’t About Personality
Most new managers believe confidence comes from experience or extroversion—but it’s actually built through awareness. As Matt shares, our internal stories shape how we show up.
When we tell ourselves “I’m not a leader,” we unconsciously behave as if that’s true—staying quiet in meetings, hesitating to make decisions, and missing opportunities to build trust with our teams.
The key is to recognize those internal narratives, question them, and replace them with intentional ones.
Reclaiming Your Leadership Identity
Matt’s turning point came from reading The Four Agreements—a book that prompted him to identify the “agreements” he had unconsciously made with himself:
- I’m not a storyteller.
- I’m not a salesperson.
- I’m not an entrepreneur.
Sound familiar? These internal agreements limit how far we grow—much like a goldfish confined to its bowl. When you become aware of your “bowl,” you gain the ability to expand beyond it.
Leadership confidence isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about choosing the story you want to live.
Sitting in the Question
Desiree connects this idea to something every new manager faces: the urge to fix problems fast. But sometimes, growth happens in the pause—when we “sit in the question.”
Instead of rushing to appear confident, ask yourself:
- What story am I telling myself about this situation?
- Is it helping or hurting my ability to lead?
- What evidence do I have that proves this story wrong?
When you learn to slow down, reflect, and share your process with your team, you create authentic connection—and that’s where trust is built.
The Human Side of Confidence
The best leaders aren’t the ones who never struggle—they’re the ones who are honest about the struggle.
Matt shares that even confident people have doubts. What sets great leaders apart is their comfort with failure. As author Mark Manson puts it, “Confidence isn’t a belief in success; it’s a comfort with failure.”
That’s the kind of confidence that inspires teams—not because it’s perfect, but because it’s real.
Key Takeaways
By the time you finish reading (or listening), you’ll learn:
- Why the stories you tell yourself shape how you show up as a leader
- How to reclaim your identity and choose confidence intentionally
- How storytelling helps you connect, build trust, and lead authentically
Why This Matters for New Managers
If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome in leadership, felt stuck between wanting to be liked and wanting to be respected, or hesitated to speak up in meetings, this episode is for you.
Matt and Desiree remind us that confidence isn’t a title—it’s a daily decision.
In-Episode Quote to Remember
“Confidence isn’t stoicism. It’s not the absence of fear. It’s trusting yourself enough to learn if you fail.” – Matt Mosich
Listen to the Full Conversation
This episode of You’re the Boss, Now What? dives deep into how storytelling can help you build confidence, fix a toxic culture, and handle conflict at work as a manager.
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: [link to episode]
About the Guest
Matt Mosich is an executive communication coach and storytelling expert who helps leaders and keynote speakers connect through authentic communication.
About the Host
Desiree Petrich is a leadership development consultant, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. As the founder of Intentional Action, she helps leaders and teams strengthen communication, build trust, and create workplaces people actually enjoy. She also hosts You’re the Boss, Now What?, a leadership podcast for new managers.
