The Neuroscience of Credibility, Confidence, and Competence: Why It Matters More After 40
- Nov 21
- 3 min read
By Pat Schultz
Credibility, confidence, and competence are often used interchangeably, but they’re distinct—and understanding their relationship can transform how we lead, influence, and show up in the world.
Competence is what you can do.
Confidence is what you believe you can do.
Credibility is what others believe you will do.
These three qualities are intertwined, but not identical. Together, they form the invisible architecture that shapes how others perceive us—and how we perceive ourselves.
The Lesson from My First “Dream Job”
In the 1980s, I landed what I thought was the perfect role: marketing director for a regional nonprofit. Fresh from earning my MBA, I was confident in my academic foundation. I’d written a research paper on financial innovation, understood strategic marketing, and had a deep drive to succeed. On paper, my competence was solid.
But competence alone wasn’t enough.
During the interview process, I realized I had to project confidence—the belief that I could thrive in the unknown. I needed to speak with clarity, energy, and conviction, translating theory into authority. Fortunately, I genuinely believed in my ability to do the job, and that self-belief came through.
What I didn’t fully grasp then was that credibility—how others perceived my trustworthiness and reliability—was still in question. I lacked a proven record in that particular sector. To the hiring committee, I was an unknown. My credibility hadn’t yet been earned.
That experience became a masterclass in the neuroscience of trust and perception.
The Brain Behind the Bias
Our brains are wired to make snap judgments. The amygdala and prefrontal cortex play major roles in assessing safety and trust. When people evaluate our credibility, their brains are subconsciously asking: Can I rely on this person? Are they competent, consistent, and confident enough to follow through?
Confidence activates mirror neurons—when we speak with conviction, others’ brains begin to “mirror” that sense of assurance. This is why belief in yourself is contagious; your nervous system communicates it before your words do.
Competence, on the other hand, activates a more cognitive evaluation—the prefrontal cortex looks for data, patterns, and evidence. People trust what they can see and verify.
But credibility requires both systems working together: emotion and logic, instinct and evidence. It’s not just about what we know—it’s about how consistently we show it.
Why This Matters for Women Over 40
For women over 40—especially those pivoting careers, launching businesses, or redefining leadership—this trio of traits takes on new meaning.
At this stage of life, we’ve accumulated tremendous competence through experience. Yet the workplace and society often undervalue that expertise, subtly signaling that confidence and credibility must be re-earned in every new chapter.
Here’s where neuroscience becomes empowering: the brain’s neuroplasticity means confidence can be rebuilt, credibility can be re-established, and perception can be reshaped—at any age. The more we act on our knowledge, the stronger the neural pathways for self-assurance and authority become.
Each time we follow through on a promise, deliver results, or speak up with clarity, we strengthen both our internal confidence circuitry and others’ external trust in us.
The Takeaway
Confidence opens the door.
Competence equips you to walk through it.
Credibility determines whether others keep that door open—or close it behind you.
Understanding the neuroscience behind these dynamics reminds us that credibility isn’t static; it’s relational and earned over time through consistent alignment between what we know, what we believe, and what we deliver.
For women over 40, this awareness is power. It means that your worth isn’t tied to how others once saw you—it’s tied to the brain’s lifelong ability to grow, rewire, and redefine what’s possible. You’re not starting over. You’re starting from wisdom.
Connect With Pat
@successcoachpat
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