Closing the Confidence Gap to Build Resilience with Kelli Thompson

Momentum Matters

Momentum Matters
Closing the Confidence Gap to Build Resilience with Kelli Thompson
Nov 05, 2025 Season 4 Episode 6

Closing the Confidence Gap—at work and beyond.


In this episode of Momentum Matters, CEO/cohost April Benetollo sits down with Kelli Thompson—award-winning author of Closing the Confidence Gap, TEDx speaker, and executive coach—to unpack how high achievers become influential leaders.

Kelli shares:

  • Her path from banking & HR to entrepreneurship and executive coaching
  • Why confidence is a side effect of action—and how to swap “but first” for “while also
  • The difference between achiever and strategic leader (and how to make the jump)
  • A practical framework to speak up with authenticity (not a one-size “executive presence”)
  • Navigating systemic barriers: non-promotable work, the “helper’s high,” and delegation that sticks
  • Insights from her TEDx “Pedestal Problem” on authority bias and trusting your own voice

About Kelli Thompson
Kelli is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and executive coach whose work appears in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, MarketWatch, Quartz, and Business Insider; she’s been profiled in Forbes and is a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business (Coach of the Year).

Resources & Next Steps

  • Book: Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck
  • Watch her TEDx by searching “Kelli Thompson TEDx”
  • Learn more about Momentum Leaders: momentumleaders.org

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Credits & Partners
Produced by Social U.
Brought to you by America’s Thrift Stores, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Protective Life, and Regions Bank. A full list of corporate partners is at momentumleaders.org.
Special thanks to our Momentum members, donors, and volunteers.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org

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