How to Own Your Power (as a Woman)
We’ve all been there—holding back, second-guessing ourselves, or shrinking to make others feel at ease. But look around: times have changed. Women are leading companies, movements, and reshaping the world, and yet the old narrative still lingers—telling us to “be humble,” “not be too much,” and to fear being called “bossy.”
But here’s the truth: leading as a woman is not a negative—it’s our strength. It means leading with empathy, authenticity, and resilience. Owning your power isn’t about being aggressive—it’s about stepping fully into who you are, trusting your voice, and leading with the confidence only you can bring.
Here’s how to make that happen:
1. Drop the Apologies—Stand Firm
Think about how often you apologise when you’ve done nothing wrong. It’s almost like an automatic reflex, but it weakens your presence. Saying “sorry” for things that don’t warrant an apology chips away at your confidence.
Try this: swap “sorry” for “thank you.” Instead of “Sorry for the delay,” say, “Thank you for your patience.” It keeps the conversation flowing, and you’re not diminishing yourself.
2. Claim Your Wins—No More Hiding
When you’ve worked hard, share it. Think of it like cooking a great meal—you wouldn’t hide it in the kitchen, right? You’d serve it up proudly. The same goes for your accomplishments. Sharing your wins isn’t bragging; it’s showing others what’s possible. If you don’t tell your story, someone else will—and they might not tell it the way you want.
Tip: If acknowledging your wins feels uncomfortable, start small. Write down three things you achieved today, whether personal or professional, and share one of them with a friend or colleague. It’s a muscle you build over time—start flexing it.
3. Lead Yourself—Even When the Path Isn’t Clear
Life’s full of uncertainty—whether it’s career moves, relationships, or health. Self-leadership is about trusting your gut and making decisions from a place of inner strength, even when the road ahead is foggy. Picture driving at night with your headlights on. You can’t see the whole journey, but you trust what you can see and keep moving forward. The same goes for navigating the unknown—you don’t need all the answers to take the next step.
Reframe: Self-leadership doesn’t mean jumping into the unknown without a safety net—it’s about creating the inner safety that allows you to take risks. Ask yourself, What do I need to feel grounded enough to step into uncertainty? Whether it’s clarity on your values, a trusted circle, or a personal practice that centers you, build the internal foundations that allow you to confidently embrace the unknown.
4. Ask for What You Need—Without Apology
We’ve all been taught to work hard, stay humble, and hope someone notices. But success isn’t about waiting for someone to hand you what you deserve—it’s about owning your space. It’s about setting the tone for how you operate by establishing boundaries with clients, collaborators, and even yourself. You need to be crystal clear on what you require to thrive and what you won’t tolerate. Think of it like locking the doors to your house—if you don’t set those boundaries, anyone can walk in and disrupt your flow. Boundaries protect your energy and your vision, so you can focus on what truly matters without burning out.
Example: Instead of saying, “I’m sorry, I can’t take on that extra work right now,” say, “I’m currently at capacity and won’t be able to take that on.”
Boundary-setting phrases:
领英推荐
5. Build Real Relationships—Beyond Networking
Networking today can feel like a never-ending cycle of empty handshakes and superficial LinkedIn connections. It's exhausting, and frankly, most of it is noise. Real influence comes from deeper connections with people who actually challenge you, who show up when it matters, and who tell you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Forget collecting contacts—focus on building a circle of people who are in it for the long haul. Those relationships? They’ll carry you further than any business card ever could. The stronger your circle, the more grounded and powerful you become.
Tip: If you want your phone to ring, you need to put yourself out there. Building a circle requires you to show up, be vulnerable, and start real conversations. Reach out to people who inspire you and be the one to initiate. Authentic relationships come from being willing to step into the discomfort first.
6. Stop Trying to Please Everyone—Stay True to Yourself
We’ve all been there—trying to keep everyone happy, but ending up feeling frustrated and stretched thin. The truth is, you’re never going to please everyone, and that’s okay. Being true to yourself is far more powerful than trying to fit into someone else’s mold. It’s like wearing a pair of shoes that don’t fit—they’ll only slow you down. When you’re authentic, you move freely, and people respect you for it.
Tip: Give yourself permission to disappoint others. Yes, you read that right. Let go of the need to meet everyone's expectations and focus on what's right for you. Every time you prioritise yourself, you reinforce your boundaries and regain energy to be your authentic self. Start small—say no to something that drains you and see how freeing it feels.
7. Be Intentional—Direct Your Own Path
Power isn’t about reacting to what life throws at you—it’s about being intentional and steering your own course. Think of your life like a GPS. If you don’t set a destination, you’ll just wander around. Set your goals, make your moves, and stay focused on where you want to go. Even when the road gets bumpy, trust that you’re in the driver’s seat.
Tip: Don’t confuse being busy with being intentional. High achievers can fill their schedules but still feel unfulfilled. Instead, ask yourself, Is what I’m doing today moving me toward where I want to be? If the answer is no, it’s time to realign your actions with your true goals.
Bottom Line:
Owning your power is about stepping into who you are, without apology or hesitation. It’s about leading yourself through uncertainty, claiming your wins, and building authentic connections along the way. You don’t need to have all the answers, just trust in your ability to navigate the road ahead.
Are you ready to trust yourself and own your power?
Justine Campbell is a Solutions-Focused Coach focused on supporting Entrepreneurs, Expats, and Leaders to navigate change to thrive, not just survive. Her 30+ year career has taken her across eight countries, blending experiences as a Linguist, Marketing Exec, Business School Graduate, Entrepreneur, Master's Qualified Therapist, and ICF-Accredited Life Coach into the work that she does with clients across the globe. Follow Justine for insights on taking control of your life and creating waves of positive change.