How to Build Unshakeable Confidence: Holly Mandel's Improv Approach — Part 2

Why do capable, experienced people still hesitate to speak up — even when they know what they’re saying is right?

In Part 2 of this conversation on Time Billionaires, Rebecca Shaddix and Groundlings improv alum Holly Mandel explore how real confidence is built not through more preparation, perfection, or credentials, but through learning how to take up space before you feel ready.

Using principles drawn from improv (but not acting for the sake of performance), this episode breaks down why overthinking is often a stress response, how fear of “getting it wrong” quietly erodes confidence at work, and why waiting to feel confident first almost never works. Instead, Rebecca and Holly unpack how confidence grows through action, presence, and small moments of courage that compound over time.

You’ll hear practical, relatable ideas anyone can apply, whether you’re leading a team, contributing in meetings, navigating feedback conversations, or simply trying to trust yourself more in high-pressure moments:

• Why confidence isn’t a personality trait, it’s a practiced response
• How “taking up space” changes how others perceive your authority
• Why low-stakes discomfort builds resilience faster than over-preparing
• How small mindset shifts can reduce overthinking and improve communication at work

This episode reframes confidence as something you practice, not something you wait for, and shows how everyday micromoments can quietly rewire how you show up, speak up, and lead.

This episode is especially relevant for anyone interested in confidence at work, leadership development, communication skills, and overcoming overthinking.

Timestamps

1. Elasticity of Comfort Zones & Practicing Discomfort – 00:00:00
2. Brain Science of Stress, Creativity, and Collaboration – 00:02:04
3. The “Five Whys” Technique to Unpack and Overcome Fear – 00:07:30
4. Five-Minute Improv Practices for Creativity – 00:10:17
5. Confidence Without a Script: Using Uncertainty as a Strength – 00:11:41

Connect with Holly

Website: https://www.hollymandel.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-mandel/

For simple daily mindset tips, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.

And if you enjoy the show, please rate it and subscribe to follow it.

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - How to Live a More Productive Life
• (00:06:01) - In the Elevator With An Acting Class
• (00:11:36) - Own Your Accomplishments
• (00:16:33) - How to Give Yourself a Voice
• (00:21:15) - How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions
• (00:21:52) - Rebecca Shattucks: Reclaim Your Time