Decoding Confidence book reviews featured in HR Director

HR Director l Review by Jean O’Donnell; Global D&A Capability, Kellonova and Co-founder Wayfinder & Leslie Quinton, VP Communications, Ubisoft

Decoding Confidence breaks new ground in leadership development by treating confidence not as a personality trait to admire from afar, but as a practical skill you can build, one deliberate habit at a time. 

Decoding Confidence breaks new ground in leadership development by treating confidence not as a personality trait to admire from afar, but as a practical skill you can build, one deliberate habit at a time. 

Advita has written the book I wish had existed when I was struggling to find my voice and feeling I didn’t belong. It’s not another collection of aspirational platitudes, it’s a handbook for anyone who’s ever felt stuck between knowing they’re capable and actually believing it. 

Advita doesn’t offer a quick fix. Her BELIEVE framework is both research and real human experience. From the neuroscience of how stress hijacks our decision-making to the cultural intelligence required to navigate global workplaces, every chapter provides depth while staying accessible. 

Advita acknowledges what many ignore: not everyone has organisational support, systemic barriers are real, and confidence-building looks different depending on your starting point. The RISE model offers a lifeline to those who need to create their own empowerment when the system won’t provide it. 

The 90-day action plans, the Curiosity Cycle, and the Emergency Reset protocol are tested strategies that translate insight into action. 

This book is essential for anyone stepping into leadership, anyone feeling stuck despite their competence, and anyone who wants to create workplaces where confidence isn’t reserved for the loudest voices in the room. This book doesn’t just teach confidence, it creates it. 

Leslie Quinton, VP Communications, Ubisoft has also read Decoding Confidence and adds:  

As someone who works every day with executives, middle managers, and especially women leaders, I’m always looking for resources that go beyond theory and offer practical, evidence-based tools. This book delivers exactly that. It’s a deeply researched guide to the habits that build true confidence, not just in the workplace but in life. 
 
What I found most valuable is how the author distinguishes between self-esteem and confidence, and explains why developing both is essential for leadership success. She also tackles a common misconception: the difference between confidence and arrogance. In today’s environment of human-centered leadership, knowing how to project authority without dominating is a critical skill, and this book provides clear strategies for achieving that balance. 
 
The content is accessible and relevant for professionals at all stages of their careers and from all backgrounds. Whether you’re just starting or leading large teams, the practical tips and data-driven insights make this book a powerful tool. It doesn’t just tell you what to do, it shows you how, with actionable steps and real-world examples. 
 
I believe that understanding the language and tools to move from performance to accountability is one of the best skills we can develop. This book equips readers with exactly that. It’s not only a great read, it’s a roadmap for becoming a confident, ethical, and effective leader. 

With confidence increasingly linked to performance, retention and leadership readiness, Decoding Confidence offers HR professionals a practical new lens on talent development, and a reminder that confidence is not reserved for the loudest person in the room. It can be learned, built and strengthened by anyone willing to do the work. 

Decoding Confidence, The Seven Habits of Confident Leaders (Practical Inspiration Publishing) by Advita Patel is available here: 
https://decodingconfidence.com/ 

Originally published on HR Director