Friends, we made it—100 episodes of Real Confidence! And because I believe in practicing what I preach, I’m doing something different. No guest. No script. Just me, pulling back the curtain on what real confidence looks like when you hit the big milestones because I’m hitting one myself.

I’m turning 60 in two weeks (!) – the age research shows that we human beings reach peak confidence!

Six decades of life, 100 episodes of this podcast, hundreds of confidence coaches certified and countless moments that have shaped what confidence means to me right now.

And guess what? It’s not what I thought it would mean AT ALL.

You already know from listening to me that confidence isn’t a destination. It’s not something we “arrive” at just because you’ve done the reps or racked up the awards.

Confidence shifts. It deepens. And sometimes it throws you a curveball just when you think you’ve got it figured out.

So, what actually matters when you hit the big milestones? What do you keep? What do you leave behind? And how do you push forward when the doubts creep in—because, yes, they still do.

This episode isn’t about looking back. It’s about what’s next—for you, for me, and for the confidence we build every single day. Let’s get into it together, including the biggest lessons - from my powerhouse guests to moments that nearly made me quit.

But before we get into that, thank you for being with me 100 episodes in and 60 years now in the making of who I am and practicing what I preach.

We got this.

I recently watched a friend die. I was in the room, witnessing the unplugging of her life support while trying to support her family in their decision before and after it was done. It was the hardest day of my own life so far, by far. And as unprepared I was for the event and emotions, I also didn’t expect to become more prepared for my own death.

Talking about death has never scared me — It’s not like we can escape it— but I get why many of us want to avoid the topic, especially when it comes to our own eventual demise. Talking about death feels heavy, messy, and uncomfortably real. But what’s more frightening to me, is avoidance. The kind that leaves our loved ones guessing, unsure, and unprepared when everything falls apart.

The hardest part of planning for the inevitable isn’t the logistics—it’s finding the courage to start the conversation. But then I think about the alternative: the questions no one can answer because they didn’t ask. And now they have to make critical decisions leaving the weight of uncertainty hanging over the people I care about most. That’s what pushes me forward. Not because I’m fearless, but because I refuse to let fear have the last word.

You see, confidence doesn’t come before this type of conversation. It shows up in the middle of it, somewhere between the tears, the uncomfortable pauses, and the sighs of relief when you realize you’re finally saying the things that matter most.

And I want that for you, which is why this episode of the podcast is about The D Word.

Okay, stop everything and listen to this. I just interviewed the most INCREDIBLE woman on my podcast, and her story is going to blow your mind!

Picture this: A total rockstar Venezuelan electrical engineer with an MIT MBA, killing it at Microsoft, who suddenly decides to become a family photographer after suffering a concussion.

WHAT?

YES.

Andre's story is everything about confidence wrapped up in one wild ride. She went from managing massive corporate budgets to building a photography business that not only feeds her soul but makes MORE money than her corporate job. And get this—she did it while being present for her kids and completely redesigning her entire life.

And.. She was terrified. She lost her professional identity. People thought she was CRAZY. Her first clients would literally say things like, "You went to MIT and you're just a photographer?"

Instead of giving up, she was like, "Watch me."

Andre’s story is proof that confidence isn't about having everything figured out. It's about having the guts to completely reinvent yourself when something doesn't feel right.

Key takeaways from our conversation include:

• Your career path isn't carved in stone - it's clay you can reshape
• Sometimes a total life pivot is the most authentic move you can make
• Identity is fluid - your job title doesn't define your worth or potential
• You can choose to believe in yourself, even when others are skeptical

Boston-based Andre Toro is a former electrical engineer and MIT MBA grad turned-portrait photographer obsessed with fostering human connections and emotive storytelling through the images she captures. Learn more about her work at andretorophotography.com.