The surprising emotion tied to visibility.

You are not lacking confidence.
You may be carrying shame.

Many high performing women say
“I know what I’m doing, but I hesitate to speak up.”
“I prepare excessively, then still hold back.”
“I wait until I feel ready.”

This is often labeled as a confidence problem.
Research suggests otherwise.

Psychological studies consistently show that shame sabotages confidence not by reducing competence, but by making visibility feel unsafe.