This summer, Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication Dean Mira Lowe published a new toolkit through the Center for Ethical Leadership in Media (CELM) that outlines 12 methods to help individuals build confidence in the workplace.
The interactive resource supports the center’s mental health and wellbeing initiative and is available here.
It reframes confidence as a learned skill developed through “awareness, practice and small daily actions.” She notes that confidence isn’t a personality trait; instead, “confidence comes from doing.”
Developed so that aspiring, emerging and veteran professionals can benefit, the tools can be used individually and flexibly. Lowe encourages readers to begin with whichever tool resonates most in order to better build toward greater “clarity, courage and self-trust.”
The toolkit highlights several core themes:
Self-awareness as a foundation: Lowe encourages readers to identify what they do well, how they work best, and which values guide their decisions.
Mindset and reframing: She urges users to shift from fear-based thinking to growth-based thinking, reducing pressure and increasing clarity.
Intentional engagement: Lowe promotes consistent participation and visibility, noting that small actions, such as contributing ideas, questions or insights in every space, help build confidence over time.
Feedback and reflection: She reinforces the importance of seeking feedback on one’s contributions, then reflecting and adjusting to strengthen professional presence.
Presence and communication: Lowe offers strategies for showing up with clarity, energy and authenticity, especially in high-stakes moments.
Boundaries and sustainability: She helps individuals understand how to protect their time, energy and focus—key elements for maintaining confidence and preventing burnout.
Professional differentiation: Lowe encourages readers to identify and amplify the qualities that make them memorable and effective in their roles.
The toolkit concludes with a reminder that confidence grows through action. Even small, consistent habits can strengthen clarity, courage and self-trust, helping individuals show up more fully and authentically in their professional lives.
Lowe also provides a reflection worksheet to support ongoing progress and self-investment.
She developed the real‑world strategy toolkit and companion worksheet after taking part in CELM’s prestigious Leadership Lab, where she collaborated with a select cohort of national academics and media professionals.
Learn more here.
