How "Risk" Changes Everything: A New Paradigm in Mentoring for Women

As a seasoned mentor and advocate for women's empowerment, I've seen firsthand the transformative impact that mentoring can have on individuals striving to reach their full potential. Yet, in today's landscape, mentoring isn't just about providing guidance and support—it's about challenging traditional notions of risk and redefining what it means to embrace opportunity.

At Women Who Risk, through initiatives like the Changing the World for Women Forums and the EmpowerHER Mastery Mentoring Program, we've pioneered a unique approach to mentoring—one that revolves around the concept of risk-taking. This approach, which I've coined as Risk Mentoring, isn't just about career advancement; it's about empowering women to navigate challenges with confidence, confront self-doubt head-on, and seize opportunities for growth.

Research, such as that highlighted in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology, underscores the importance of mentoring for women's professional development. Women often derive greater benefits from mentoring relationships, yet they are less likely to have access to formal mentorship opportunities compared to their male counterparts. This disparity underscores the need for innovative mentoring models that cater specifically to the needs and experiences of women.

In our work at Women Who Risk, we've recognized that traditional notions of risk are often shaped by gender biases and stereotypes. Women are perceived as risk-averse, yet the reality is far more nuanced. Our early research, detailed in the White paper "Rethinking Risk," illuminated the gendered dimensions of risk, highlighting how women are judged more harshly when they take risks comparable to those taken by men. This biased perspective not only limits women's opportunities for advancement but also deprives organizations of diverse perspectives and innovative thinking.

Addressing this imbalance requires a paradigm shift—one that acknowledges and embraces the unique risk awareness and leadership capabilities of women. As Grant Thornton aptly notes, "Risk-taking role models of both genders are important." By fostering an environment where women are encouraged to take calculated risks and assert themselves confidently, organizations stand to benefit from increased creativity, resilience, and adaptability.

Our Risk Mentoring Model combines group facilitation and private coaching to create a supportive and empowering environment for women to explore their potential. Dr. Meggie Mapes, a respected researcher at the University of Kansas, highlights the multidimensional benefits of this approach, ranging from economic gains to enhanced psychological well-being.

But the impact extends beyond individual growth—it's about driving systemic change. Through platforms like the Changing the World for Women Forums, we're fostering meaningful conversations and catalyzing action towards gender equality and empowerment. These initiatives serve as catalysts for profound personal and professional growth, offering invaluable insights and strategies to help women thrive in every aspect of their lives.

I'm passionate about empowering women to overcome self-doubt, embrace risk, and lead with confidence. That's why I'm offering free Risk Roadmap sessions to women ready to unlock their inner courage and achieve unprecedented success. These sessions provide clarity, actionable steps, and empowerment to help women pursue their goals fearlessly.

If you're ready to embrace your potential and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, I invite you to claim your free Risk Roadmap session today. Together, we can redefine risk, challenge the status quo, and create a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.

With an impressive 26-year track record, Teri Bybee is dedicated to empowering women to conquer self-doubt, importer syndrome, and perfectionism. In her role as the visionary behind Women Who Risk, she has introduced "Unlocking Your Inner Courageous Leader" – a powerful, complimentary resource leveraging energy psychology to transform mindsets for leadership and empowerment. Access this invaluable tool for personal growth at https://www.womenwhorisk.com/unlock