Let's Talk about Women, Power, and Profit
Recently I joined my friend, Eleanor Beaton, and others to talk about Women, Power & Profit: The Controversial Blocks that Hold Women Back From Making BANK, and what we could do to change that. It got me thinking about more of the reasons why we hold ourselves back.
We know that women are powerful, but many of us don't realize how much potential we have for success in the business world. As women entrepreneurs, we face unique challenges that can prevent us from achieving our true potential.
Here are some of my thoughts:
The Gender Gap
One of the biggest factors that stand in the way of women’s success is the gender gap – meaning there is a lack of representation among women in leadership positions and higher-paying roles. Unfortunately, this is still a very real issue today. According to a 2018 report by McKinsey & Company, only 11 percent of C-suite executives are women, and just 5 percent are female CEOs. This gender gap affects our ability to secure high-paying jobs and limits our access to resources and networks that could help us succeed.
Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is another obstacle for many successful business owners. It’s “a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud.” Imposter syndrome can be especially detrimental for female entrepreneurs who often need to prove themselves more than their male counterparts. But instead of allowing these feelings to hinder progress, we should use them as motivation to keep pushing forward!
Limited Support System
It can be difficult for women entrepreneurs to find mentors or advisors who can help guide them on their journey – especially if they’re starting out with limited resources or connections. That’s why it’s so important for us to build networks with other like-minded individuals who understand what we’re going through and can offer support when needed. Plenty of online platforms (such as LinkedIn) allow you to connect with other female entrepreneurs and build relationships with those who can provide guidance or insight into different areas of business ownership.
Women are often underestimated because of external factors like sexism or gender roles. Unfortunately, that attitude can be internalized, leading women to doubt their capabilities and focus on what's expected of them rather than expanding into untapped potential. It doesn't have to be this way! Women everywhere should consider stepping out of their comfort zones and identifying what they truly want from their careers and lives. With some assistance, newfound confidence, and real action steps created specifically for our individual goals and ambitions in business, we can achieve greater heights of power and economic freedom. There is no limit to how far you can go when you tap into that wellspring of ambition inside you! I'm here to help women make positive changes in their professional lives – let's take ownership of our financial freedom together.
The bottom line is that women, power, and profit don't happen overnight; it takes hard work and dedication to succeed in any field, let alone entrepreneurship! The good news is that there are ways around the roadblocks we may encounter along the way—whether it's addressing the gender gap head-on, tackling imposter syndrome head-on, or building up a strong support system with fellow female business owners—we can all work together towards creating meaningful change in our communities! By focusing on these key issues and recognizing our potential, we can ensure no woman gets left behind on her quest for greatness!
