Over the years, I've hired and promoted a lot of young women and young men. Much of the time, this is how it went: ME: I'd like you to take on a bigger role. YOUNG MAN: I'm thrilled. I'll do a great job. I won't let you down. YOUNG WOMAN: Are you sure I'm ready? I'm not sure. Maybe in a year? These reactions aren't innate. Men aren't naturally more confident than women. We tell them to believe in themselves, and we tell women to doubt themselves. We tell them this in a million ways, starting when they're young. We've got to do better. Every single one of us. What would happen if one woman told the truth about her life?