Study after study shows that women are less confident than men, with far-reaching social and economic impacts. In a thought-provoking book about women's empowerment, Kay and Shipman explore the nature of confidence. What exactly is confidence? How much of it is genetic and how much of it is learned? Interviewing notable scientists and leaders, they teach women how they can overcome their self-doubt, be more confident, and take more action.

The Confidence Code is an interesting book, looking at confidence through genetics and brain physiology, and comparing nature vs nurture vs the hard knocks of life. Kay and Shipman have some good takeaways, yet I think I'd have preferred to read a long article on the subject instead; The Confidence Code was more in-depth than I needed. My biggest takeaway - it's okay to feel nervous and process a situation. Confidence doesn't need to be blustery or brash, but you do need to take action and make decisions.