The Executive Mindset Gap: Why You’re Struggling to Think Like an Executive

Your executive mindset isn’t something you turn on and off. It’s who you are. Yet, so many women in leadership—especially in tech—feel like they have to put on a persona at work. They exhaust themselves trying to be what they think an executive should be, rather than fully stepping into their own power.

But what if you showed up to work as yourself? What if leadership didn’t feel exhausting, but natural? That’s what an executive mindset actually looks like.

The Self-Talk That’s Holding You Back

Think about the way you speak to yourself. How often do you catch yourself saying, “Ugh, that was so stupid.” Maybe you don’t say it out loud, but it’s running on repeat in your head. You wouldn’t say that to a colleague, so why do you say it to yourself?

If you repeat something often enough, you start to believe it. That self-criticism seeps into how you carry yourself at work, how you contribute in meetings, and how you lead. But what if you started talking to yourself the way you’d talk to a team member? Instead of berating yourself, what if you asked: “What have I learned from this?”

Executives don’t waste energy second-guessing. They course-correct, learn, and move forward. That’s how you should be treating yourself too.

You Belong in the Room. So Why Are You Holding Back?

When you walk into a meeting, do you hesitate to speak? Do you hold yourself back, waiting for the perfect moment? Or worse—do you wonder if you even belong at the table?

Here’s the truth: you do. But the constant overthinking, people-pleasing, and fear of judgment are draining you. The mental gymnastics of “Should I say this?” or “How will this come across?” are taking up the energy you should be using to lead, strategize, and execute.

Executives don’t overanalyze their every move. They trust themselves to make decisions—and adjust if needed. Imagine how much lighter you’d feel if you adopted that mindset.

The Shift: Thinking Like an Executive Everywhere

An executive mindset isn’t just for the boardroom. It’s how you operate—at work, at home, in every decision you make.

?? Communicate with clarity. No over-explaining, no waffling. Just get to the point. ?? Be strategic. Your to-do list doesn’t dictate your priorities—your vision does. ?? Stop multitasking. When you focus, you make better decisions. Period. ?? Own your presence. Executive presence isn’t about mirroring others. It’s about leading with your unique strengths.

This isn’t about acting like an executive. It’s about becoming one—without losing yourself in the process.

Ready to Shift Into an Executive Mindset?

If this resonates, let’s talk. Whether you're early in your career or already in leadership, this shift changes everything. DM me or book a call to see how we can work together.

And stay tuned—next, we’re diving into the framework for executive decision-making. You don’t want to miss it.

What’s your biggest takeaway from this? Drop a comment below.