Rebranding Safety – The Power of Networking and Selling Confidence

Overview

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build. If you’ve ever felt nervous speaking up in a meeting, unsure about giving a presentation or overwhelmed by all the “shoulds” in your professional life. You’re not alone.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to build confidence in your role as a QHSE or risk professional. You’ll learn how to grow your network, find a mentor, dress for success, and know your worth. This guide will also provide you with tools to help you own the room even if your hands are shaking.

Rebranding Safety – The Power of Networking and Selling Confidence

1. Confidence Isn’t Born. It’s Built

You may look at someone who speaks confidently or networks with ease and think, “They’ve just got it.” The truth is, many of the most confident-looking people started off nervous, really nervous. Sydney Atwell, a risk professional who’s worked across different industries, once struggled to order food due to anxiety.

If you feel like you’re not confident enough, that’s okay. The goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s to start small, keep showing up, and build confidence one step at a time.

2. Build a Supportive Network

Being in QHSE and risk means helping businesses make safe, informed decisions. To do that, you need to feel confident in your decisions.

That’s where your network comes in. Talking to other professionals, even outside your own field, can give you new ideas, support, and clarity. It’s okay not to know everything. It’s about knowing where to find the answer.

Tip: Join forums such as the Health and Safety Network or groups like Beyond QHSE. Don’t just sit through boring courses. Join conversations that spark ideas and confidence.

3. Know Your Worth (Even When You Doubt It)

Confidence grows when you start to believe in what you bring to the table. Sydney shared how important it is to remind yourself of your strengths and to hear feedback from others.

If you need encouragement, ask for it. And when someone offers it, believe it.

4. Find a Mentor Or Be One

Having a mentor can change your career. They don’t even have to work in the same field. People in procurement and international health and safety leaders have mentored Sydney.

You can find a mentor by:

• Asking someone you admire on LinkedIn
• Reaching out to a speaker or podcast guest
• Talking to someone within your company

And if you’re more experienced, become a mentor. You’ll learn as much as you give, and mentoring others can be a huge confidence boost.

5. Dress the Part, Your Way

What you wear impacts how you feel. This isn’t about looking trendy. It’s about dressing in a way that makes you feel strong.

After a personal setback, Sydney worked with an image consultant to rebuild her confidence through style. Her biggest takeaway? Clothing is your armour.

Whether that’s your favourite t-shirt or your go-to work boots, find what makes you feel like you, and wear it with pride.

6. Experience Includes Years and Insights

Real experience doesn’t always come from doing the same thing for 20 years. It comes from exploring different roles, industries, and ideas.

You can build experience by:

• Talking to others in different sectors
• Asking “what if?” questions in meetings
• Bringing outside ideas into your own work

Every conversation is a chance to grow. Treat it like professional development.

7. Celebrate Your Individuality

The best teams are made of different types of people. If you’ve ever felt like the odd one out, remember, your difference is your strength.

Being yourself in your personality, your background, your clothes, or your ideas helps you bring fresh thinking to old problems. That’s what allows businesses to thrive.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for permission. If you want to feel more confident, start now.

• Talk to someone new
• Ask for feedback
• Try a new outfit
• Join a networking group
• Mentor or be mentored
• Take a risk

You already have what it takes. Now it’s time to show it. As Sydney says, “Know what you bring to the party.” The more you understand your own strengths, the more confident you’ll feel. Remember, confidence isn’t loud. It’s real.
At Risk Fluent, we believe in smarter, people-focused risk management. Our mission is to help you grow in your role, with policies and procedures, confidence, courage, and community.

Let’s build a safer, more human workplace together.