Xiaohongshu
Many students assume confidence is something you’re either born with or not - but in reality, most people experience self‑doubt, comparison and the feeling of not being “good enough” at some point in their lives. This honest, reflective keynote explores what imposter syndrome really looks like, why it shows up, and how to build confidence in a way that feels genuine rather than forced.
Through personal stories, practical insights and moments of vulnerability, our speaker will share the challenges, setbacks and internal narratives that shaped their journey. You’ll hear about the myths we’re taught about confidence, how comparison culture affects our sense of self, and the small, sustainable strategies that help people move forward even when they don’t feel ready.
This session is designed to help you recognise your own patterns of self‑doubt, understand where they come from, and leave with tools to reframe unhelpful thoughts. It’s a grounding, empowering space to reflect on your strengths, your progress and the value you already bring.
Meet your session lead:
Ola Awosika works in Business Transformation. She currently works as the director of Business Operations at a Fin Tech company called Fundraise Up and is a founder of the consultancy The Aweo Group supporting charities, for-good organisations and social enterprises through organisational transformation to enable scale. Born in Nigeria and later moved to the UK, Ola began her career in international law before a transformative experience in India led her to pivot into social impact, working with some of the UK’s leading government-backed organisations seeking social integration and systematic reform. A previous professional basketball player and national-level athlete, Ola is an ambassador for the NBA and Nike, and a Fellow of the RSA. She hosts The Black Card Talks, a radio show and platform dedicated to honest conversations about race and race relations. Driven throughout her career by a deep sense of justice, she now works at the intersection of transformation, operational excellence, inclusion, and systemic change.
Skill focus: Confidence, Self‑Awareness
Please note that seating for the keynote sessions are first come, first served basis, so try to grab a seat early!
⭐ ExtendED Conference
This session is part of the ExtendED Conference - two days of trying things out, meeting new people and discovering skills you didn’t even realise you had. Think of it as a little festival of confidence‑building: workshops, keynotes, creative moments and chances to connect with brilliant people from across UCL and beyond.
Dip into as many sessions as you like. Follow your curiosity. Collect some unexpected insights along the way. We're excited to see you there!