Gen Z’s Confidence Is Good for Business

Confidence isn’t just a personality trait, it’s a trained professional advantage. In an industry that thrives on bold ideas, it’s the fuel gen z needs to speak up and stand out. As a former college volleyball player and a current senior account executive, I’ve seen first hand how confidence has opened doors and learned that it can and should be trained like a muscle. However, for most gen z professionals, there needs to be a supportive work environment to foster this growth.

You have likely heard the age-old phrase, 'easier said than done,' but confidence is actually easier done when said—literally. It’s not just a mindset, it’s chemistry. Research shows that positive self-talk reinforces neural pathways that improve emotional regulation and resilience, two traits that are invaluable in fast-paced client environments where the difference between problem-solving and panic can be razor-thin. Similarly to muscle strengthening, continuing to rep positivity will enhance your 'mental fitness' and create confidence.

This isn’t just a theory, it’s something I’ve experienced. When you get to the collegiate level in any sport, you have two options: sink or swim. For most, you go from being the best player in your high school to joining a team of athletes who are just as skilled and fit as you. Now you have to develop a mindset that you are capable of being better, and then work harder, find an edge, and earn your spot. I can say without a doubt, my best volleyball was played when I was confident. During my senior season, I hit a rhythm where my confidence felt unshakable, and my performance followed suit. But a string of mistakes during one game quickly planted a seed of doubt. Suddenly, I was second-guessing myself, and it showed in my stat line. That stretch taught me something critical: confidence isn’t a bonus, it’s a performance lever. And in agency life, just like on the court, it determines how you show up when it counts.

As a green account executive just a few months into my career, I got my first peer-to-peer shoutout that said something along the lines of 'Kennedy is not afraid to speak up.' At the time, I wasn’t sure if this was praise or a playful roast. Looking back, I know it was the former because confidence in yourself and the willingness to kindly voice your opinion or knowledge builds other people’s confidence in your ability to lead. Gen z brings more than a fresh perspective, we bring cultural fluency. We see what’s resonating with younger audiences in real time. When we speak up, it’s not just for our benefit; it can shape more relevant, responsive work.

I’m not suggesting that gen z professionals should over-inflate their egos, but actually the opposite. Confidence is best served kindly, which means you’re polite to those around you, but you’re not afraid to raise your hand and ask a question. Kind confidence is knowing when to speak up, not to prove you’re right, but to move the conversation forward. Gen z team members who feel empowered to ask questions or challenge assumptions often spark breakthroughs that others may have missed. Gen z’s fresh outlook can be innovative for your business processes and outputs, and when handled kindly, it builds peer and client respect.

While it is important to speak up and share your knowledge and experiences, confidence isn’t pretending to know everything. It’s trusting your ability to find the right answer. When we model this, we create a culture where it’s safe to follow up. I have found one of my key client conversation tools to be, “That’s a great question! Let me check with my team to get a consolidated answer for you.” This way, I’m not eroding their opinion of me, nor am I leaving them with an unhelpful or inaccurate answer. Rather, I’m exuding confidence in my ability to connect with the right people and figure it out.

A University of Melbourne study found a strong correlation between self-confidence and occupational success. Research suggests that individuals who project confidence are more likely to achieve higher positions and receive greater recognition in their careers. In my experience, kind confidence is best built one bite at a time. For instance, I may not understand the full puzzle yet, but I can absolutely tackle these corner pieces.

Confidence should be a muscle that we allow zen z the space to build, not one we should be expected to flex on command. Like any muscle, confidence takes time and repetition to strengthen. Some days are harder than others, but growth thrives at the intersection of challenge and encouragement. When we make space for kind confidence, curiosity, and perspective, we’re not just creating a safe environment for gen z to grow—we’re unlocking better thinking, stronger work, and more collaborative teams.