Authentic Confidence with Ben Fauske

Hosted by Ben Fauske

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Jan 2026

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About the show

Ben Fauske is invested in serving leaders so that great teams thrive. He is a confidence researcher and discovered a pattern followed by world-class influencers. This pattern has allowed him to help thousands of leaders find their own confidence transformations. Join Ben as he discovers the confidence journeys of CEOs and leaders.

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16 recent

January 16, 2026Episode 1534 min

From Athlete to CEO: Leadership Lessons That Build Confidence and Success | Episode 18

In this episode of Authentic Confidence, host Ben Fauske sits down with Corey van de Wetering, CEO of Keller, an employee-owned design-build construction company, to explore leadership, confidence, and personal growth. Corey shares his journey from small-town Wisconsin and competitive athletics to leading a thriving organization, highlighting how discipline, work ethic, and teamwork shaped his leadership style. Drawing on lessons from basketball, farming, and business, this conversation dives into what it truly means to lead by example, build trust, and create a winning culture rooted in accountability and shared values. Throughout the discussion, Corey and Ben unpack topics like authentic leadership, overcoming self-doubt, perfectionism, and navigating pressure as a CEO. They emphasize the importance of coachability, resilience, and people-first leadership in today’s business world, especially within employee-owned companies. This episode is packed with insights on confidence, mindset, team building, and leadership development, making it a must-watch for entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and anyone looking to grow as a leader in business and life. https://www.benfauske.com/ FIND AND FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfauske/ #leadership #motivation #management

December 10, 2025Episode 1433 min

Getting Your Life Unstuck with Kerry Rocole | Episode 17

In this inspiring episode of Authentic Confidence, host Ben Fauske sits down with human resources leader Kerry Rocole to explore her remarkable journey through leadership, personal growth, and overcoming self-doubt. Kerry shares how her upbringing, career in HR at major organizations like Oshkosh Corporation and Nueske’s, and years of balancing work and family shaped her leadership style and passion for developing others. She opens up about a major career disappointment that shook her confidence and the transformative impact of the Confidence Club, a coaching community that helped her reframe her inner critic and rediscover her sense of worth and purpose. Kerry and Ben dive into what causes leaders to feel “stuck,” how underconfidence and overconfidence show up, and how authentic leadership, coaching, and community can help people break free and step into their potential. Now stepping into a new chapter with Rise Leadership, Kerry leads the very Confidence Club that helped transform her, guiding mid-level leaders, business owners, educators, and public sector professionals toward clarity, growth, and resilience. This episode is packed with leadership insights, coaching wisdom, and motivational takeaways for anyone ready to elevate their confidence, reset their mindset, and unlock the next chapter of their career https://www.benfauske.com/ FIND AND FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfauske/ #leadership #motivation #management

November 4, 2025Episode 1330 min

Authentic Leadership with Superintendent Mike Slowinski | Authentic Confidence Podcast

In this inspiring episode of Authentic Confidence, host Ben Fauske sits down with Mike Slowinski, Superintendent of the Kaukauna Area School District, to discuss authentic leadership, education, and the power of believing in others. Mike shares how his journey from aspiring chiropractor to award-winning educator was shaped by mentors who recognized his potential and sparked his confidence. Together, Ben and Mike explore how great teachers and coaches can change lives by recognizing those pivotal “moments” that inspire confidence and help students realize their leadership potential. The conversation also dives into leadership under pressure, as Mike reflects on leading his district through challenges, including the successful $198 million referendum—the largest in district history. He emphasizes collaboration, trust, and the courage to take risks without fear of failure. This interview delivers motivational insights on leadership, confidence, and community building, making it a must-watch for educators, business leaders, and anyone passionate about personal growth and authentic connection. Welcome to the Authentic Confidence Podcast with Ben Fauske. Our mission is to help you find, coach, and communicate confidence in every area of your career. Join us for real conversations about how to build a confident life with world-class Leaders, Educators, and Influencers. https://www.benfauske.com/ FIND AND FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfauske/

April 15, 2025Episode 1243 min

Running a Successful City Is Like Running a Successful Company | Authentic Confidence | Episode 12

Ben sits down with Jake Woodford. The Mayor of the city of Appleton, Wisconsin. As the youngest Mayor in the cities history. How was he able to come in and create a culture where people feel they matter. They discuss how to accept compliments and deal with criticism. How to listen to what people are saying and not just for what you want to hear. Also how, as a leader, you do not have to trash all the old ways to build a new culture. Welcome to the Authentic Confidence Podcast with Ben Fauske. Our mission is to help you find, coach, and communicate confidence in every area of your career. Join us for real conversations about how to build a confident life with world-class Leaders, Educators, and Influencers. https://www.benfauske.com/ FIND AND FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfauske/ #leadership #motivation #management

March 24, 2025Episode 1126 min

Building Culture is Necessary | Episode 11

Ben Fauske talks with Joe Faulds, an attorney who is the Chief of Operations for the city of Green Bay. They discuss how building a strong culture in work place is necessary to get employees excited about their work and not just go through the motions. They also talk about different strategies to get employees all working toward the same goal. And why sometimes it is crucial to receive #coaching from an outside source to help you come up with new ideas and strategies. This talk will hope #motvate you to be a strong leader for your team. Welcome to the Authentic Confidence Podcast with Ben Fauske. Our mission is to help you find, coach, and communicate confidence in every area of your career. Join us for real conversations about how to build a confident life with world-class Leaders, Educators, and Influencers. https://www.benfauske.com/ FIND AND FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfauske/

February 6, 2025Episode 1027 min

Getting Out of Cruise Control | Episode 10

Ben Fauske talks with Evan Walter who is the Village Manager of Burr Ridge, IL. They talk about how to keep your #motivation even when you have achieved a lot of success and know your job is safe. Also the improtance of coaches for the #coaches . Welcome to the Authentic Confidence Podcast with Ben Fauske. Our mission is to help you find, coach, and communicate confidence in every area of your career. Join us for real conversations about how to build a confident life with world-class Leaders, Educators, and Influencers. https://www.benfauske.com/ FIND AND FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfauske/

September 27, 2024Episode 943 min

Dev Gupta | Episode 9 | Authentic Confidence

We are joined by Dev Gupta a man who loves leadership, loves strengths based learning. He is the VP of Solutions Engineering for Akamai Technologies. Get ready to be inspired to work smarter not harder. And discover true work/life balance. Welcome to the Authentic Confidence Podcast with Ben Fauske. Our mission is to help you find, coach, and communicate confidence in every area of your career. Join us for real conversations about how to build a confident life with world-class Leaders, Educators, and Influencers. In this episode, Ben talks with Dr. Malkin. This is his story. DISCOVER YOUR CONFIDENCE PROFILE-FREE: https://www.benfauske.com/ FIND AND FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfauske/

September 6, 2024Episode 838 min

Episode 8 | Intern to COO | Stephanie Theisen

The amazing story of Steph Theisen. She began at Leighton Media as a sales intern. Now is the COO of the company. How does she handle being an executive, a mom, and a wife? She believes in making it look effortless. Even when it is not. The people that work for her love to follow her. Listening to this interview will show you why. She uses authentic confidence to inspire herself and others. Welcome to the Authentic Confidence Podcast with Ben Fauske. Our mission is to help you find, coach, and communicate confidence in every area of your career. Join us for real conversations about how to build a confident life with world-class Leaders, Educators, and Influencers. In this episode, Ben talks with Dr. Malkin. This is his story. DISCOVER YOUR CONFIDENCE PROFILE-FREE: https://www.benfauske.com/ FIND AND FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfauske/

September 5, 2024Episode 747 min

Episode 7 | Going from Stutterer to Stages | Jeff Brewer

Ben talks with Jim Brewer. Jim had a stuttering problem that was effecting his confidence and his career. Jim overcame his stutter and in the process learned how to concur many other obstacles in Life. Jim is now a product launch expert. He helps people who have brands, that are trying to change the world, monetize what they have. Because you can help a lot more people that way. Jim gives his inspiring story on how he went from "stutterer to stages". Welcome to the Authentic Confidence Podcast with Ben Fauske. Our mission is to help you find, coach, and communicate confidence in every area of your career. Join us for real conversations about how to build a confident life with world-class Leaders, Educators, and Influencers. In this episode, Ben talks with Dr. Malkin. This is his story. DISCOVER YOUR CONFIDENCE PROFILE-FREE: https://www.benfauske.com/ FIND AND FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfauske/

May 7, 2024Episode 630 min

Episode 6 | Overcoming Adversity | Steve Jones

In this episode Ben talks with Steve Jones. Steve helps out the Green Bay Packers, He coaches executives from around the world, Fortune 100 companies. He also owns a company called Jaden Jones . Steve has amazing stories of overcoming adversity, and being authentically confident. Welcome to the Authentic Confidence Podcast with Ben Fauske. Our mission is to help you find, coach, and communicate confidence in every area of your career. Join us for real conversations about how to build a confident life with world-class Leaders, Educators, and Influencers. In this episode, Ben talks with Dr. Malkin. This is his story. DISCOVER YOUR CONFIDENCE PROFILE-FREE: https://www.benfauske.com/ FIND AND FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfauske/