#213 Confidence Blueprint: Setting Your Young Person Up for Success with Jennifer Gershberg

Flourish Coaching

Feb 10, 2026

In this episode, Lisa and Jennifer discuss:

How real confidence is built through skills rather than personality or bravado
The decline in foundational academic and communication skills
The relationship between anxiety, ambiguity, and skill development in young people
What parents can realistically do at home to help young people become capable, confident adults

Key Takeaways:

Test anxiety is usually caused by weak study methods and a lack of preparation, and it improves significantly when students learn how to study, manage time, and approach different types of exams effectively.
Confidence comes from knowing you can rely on yourself in uncomfortable situations, which is built through competence in studying, communication, decision-making, and follow-through, not reassurance or positive thinking.
Imposter syndrome should be normalized and reframed as a sign of growth and high achievement, especially when students are entering new environments like college, internships, or early careers.
Parents can actively coach confidence by helping their kids speak clearly and concisely, reduce filler words and rambling, use physical presence when communicating, and take action even when fear is present.

“New experiences are supposed to feel uncomfortable….because this is literally how growth occurs.” – Jennifer Gershberg

About Jennifer Gershberg:

Jennifer Gershberg is a campus and keynote speaker, course creator, and former University of Maryland professor. Through her campus programs, keynotes, trainings, and online courses, she helps prospective and current college students build confidence and competence by teaching the fundamental skills needed for academic and professional success. While on the faculty at the University of Maryland, she earned multiple teaching awards, including the Allen J. Krowe Award for Teaching Excellence, and has been featured on podcasts such as Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget. Jennifer attended Cornell University and the George Washington University Law School. She is known for her deep commitment to student wellbeing and her being “nurturing but tough—exactly what students need.”

Episode References:

The Defining Decade by Meg Jay: https://www.amazon.com/Defining-Decade-Your-Twenties-Matter/dp/0446561754
Sample Birkman Report Available at: flourishcoachingco.com/birkman
#041 Nursing Program Admissions with Jon Rice: https://flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/041-nursing-program-admissions/
Learn more about Jennifer’s course, Welcome to College, at: https://flourishcoachingco.com/incoming

Get Lisa’s Free on-demand video: THE CAREER IDENTIFICATION COMPASS: How To Be Certain Your 15 To 25 Year Old is On The Right Path to Launch With Confidence–Not Confusion: flourishcoachingco.com/video