What if confidence isn’t something you’re born with… but something you build?

In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with Juan Bendaña: keynote speaker, author, and Gen Z leadership expert to unpack what real confidence looks like and how you can stop waiting and start leading. From school auditoriums to global stages, Juan has shared his story with over 250,000 students and professionals, inspiring them to build courage, take action, and show up as their authentic selves.

This conversation is about getting honest: Why do we feel stuck? What’s holding us back from speaking up or showing up fully? And how do we create the confidence we need to live a life that feels like ours?

Whether you’re navigating your career, building a brand, or simply tired of doubting yourself, this episode will give you the tools and mindset to lead from within.

What You’ll Learn

– Why confidence is a skill, not a trait

– How to reframe failure and take action anyway

– The 3 things confident people do differently

– Why Gen Z struggles with self-worth and what to do about it

– How to overcome imposter syndrome by building self-trust

– The difference between clarity and certainty (and why it matters)

– How to find your voice and stop shrinking

About Juan Bendaña

Juan is a globally recognized speaker and author of Confident by Choice. He works with schools, companies, and leaders worldwide to inspire purposeful action, bold confidence, and personal leadership. With a background in youth development and performance psychology, he’s redefining what it means to lead in the 21st century especially for younger generations.

Get your copy of Confident By Choice here https://www.juanbendana.com/book

In This Episode:

00:00 – Welcome & Intro to Juan

03:11 – What confidence really means

06:42 – The biggest lie we believe about purpose

10:19 – Self-doubt, self-talk, and showing up anyway

14:30 – Gen Z’s biggest challenge right now

18:22 – Why clarity is more important than certainty

21:50 – How Juan built his career from scratch

26:00 – Overcoming fear of judgment

30:44 – The story behind Do It With Fire

34:00 – Building trust with yourself

39:12 – How to turn your voice into your power

43:21 – Final thoughts and takeaways

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