I had the absolute privilege of speaking to the Organizational Behavior class at Acsenda School of Management, where I facilitated a high-energy, interactive session titled “Unleash Your True Confidence: 3 Science-Based Strategies” for the next generation of HR leaders.
Hosted by Professor Anna Tur, CPHR, and supported by the Acsenda HRM Club, this session was filled with insight, reflection, vulnerability, and action—everything I love about working with emerging professionals.
🎯 What We Covered:
Together, we explored how to build lasting confidence using practical, science-backed tools. Key takeaways included:
1️⃣ Develop Your Emotional Intelligence – Learn to recognize and manage emotions, balance assertiveness and empathy, and become a more adaptable leader.
2️⃣ Reduce Negative Self-Talk – Identify and name your inner critic (or “saboteur”), and use proven tools like the EQ wheel and Positive Intelligence reps to take back control of your mindset.
3️⃣ Fail Fast – Redefine failure as momentum. Each tiny setback is a building block in the confidence/competence loop.
🗨️ Feedback from the students:
“Thank you Acsenda HRM Club for having Anna Gradie as the guest speaker. She is truly an inspiration and continues to touch people’s lives.”
“Confidence is built, not born. I used to think it was something people just had. But now I know—it’s a muscle you build.”
“Public speaking is uncomfortable… but growth rarely isn’t.”
“EQ is leadership’s quiet superpower.”
“I may be juggling school, work, and life in a new country—but I’m showing up.”
🌟 To the future HR leaders of Acsenda:
Thank you for your openness, your thoughtful questions, and your willingness to grow. Your self-awareness and drive will make you the kind of HR professionals the world needs—compassionate, courageous, and confident.
I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
With gratitude,
-Anna
📩 Interested in bringing this workshop to your organization or classroom? Contact me here.
