Women in the Workplace: Lead Authentically and Embrace Your Power

I want to share something that’s been on my mind lately about the journey we all face as women leaders. Navigating leadership isn’t just about achieving success; it’s about overcoming the unique challenges that come with it. I’ve experienced this firsthand, and participating in the Advancing Women Leaders program last Spring provided a forum for us to share our stories and struggles.

It was eye-opening to see how many other women felt the same struggles I have experienced at various times in my career: balancing authenticity, dealing with self-doubt, and navigating workplace dynamics. Knowing I wasn’t alone was comforting, and learning strategies to tackle these challenges was empowering. I left with a sense of purpose and clarity that I hadn’t felt in a long time.

Breaking Free from Gender Stereotypes

One thing I’ve learned is that as women leaders, we face this constant expectation to balance being approachable yet authoritative. Show too much warmth, and you’re seen as weak. Be too assertive, and you’re labeled as harsh. It’s exhausting!

What helped me was embracing my own leadership style; whether empathetic, assertive, or somewhere in between. Confidence in who I am set the tone for how others viewed me. I also started focusing on clear communication, tailoring my message to my audience without losing authenticity. Seeking feedback from trusted allies was a game-changer.

Building relationships, whether with mentors or allies, also helped me amplify my voice. And here’s a tip that stuck with me: consistently deliver results. When you lead with outcomes, stereotypes begin to fade.

Reclaiming Confidence and Combatting Self-Doubt

Impostor syndrome is so real. I can’t tell you how many times over the years I doubted myself despite knowing I had the skills and experience. To be honest, this still happens to this day from time to time; the hesitation to take a big leap or even just share my insights in meetings. Yep, been there.

What helped me move forward was first recognizing those feelings without judgment. I started reframing self-doubt as a sign I was stepping outside my comfort zone; a necessary part of growth. Keeping a journal of my achievements is also a huge confidence booster. On tough days, I can remind myself of everything I have accomplished and taking action; just doing the thing, even if I felt uncertain, was key. Confidence doesn’t come first; it follows courage.

Overcoming Structural Barriers

We all know the structural barriers are real: fewer sponsorship opportunities, exclusion from informal decision-making networks, and limited access to leadership pipelines. It’s frustrating, but it’s not insurmountable.

I have learned to focus on building strategic relationships. I sought mentors who believed in my potential and weren’t afraid to advocate for me. Networking became less intimidating when I saw it as a way to stay connected and informed. And I started advocating for myself, ensuring my contributions were visible.

Why I Recommend the Advancing Women Leaders Program

If any of this resonates with you, I can’t recommend the Advancing Women Leaders program enough. It’s a 12-week interactive series led by Kim Meninger, a leadership coach who just gets it.

During the sessions, we explored strategies to overcome impostor syndrome, define career goals, and build strategic relationships. The focus on authentic self-promotion and inclusive leadership really resonated with me and I think it will resonate with you as well. I walked away with practical tools and, most importantly, a community of women who inspired and supported each other throughout the experience. These are women that I am proud to add to my network and look forward to celebrating in their success.

If you’re ready to embrace your power and lead authentically, this program is for you. Let’s rise together! Enroll today!