Stop Waiting for Permission—2024 Proved You Don’t Need It

Photo credit: When I started writing this post a few weeks ago, I was trying to figure out what photo would be best for the cover image. I selected this one because, in each of their own way, these women individually made very bold moves this year. I don't see them all of the time or get to talk to them often, but they are inspiring to so many, including me. Thank you Sarah, Christina, Noelle and Bianca!

If I had waited for the stars to align, the approval to come through, or someone to give me the green light, 2024 would have looked very different—and far less exciting. This year, I stopped waiting for permission. And it changed everything.

This past summer, I kicked off a brand-new blog series created for everyone, but especially for businesswomen and female founders who are in transition or trying to navigate their careers, businesses, and the concept of "having it all."

My thoughts and perspectives are deeply influenced by my experiences as a Black female entrepreneur, community leader, and business professional for the last 20 years (which is insane to write, lol).

This week's moment of clarity:

Waiting for permission is often just fear in disguise. Take the leap—the confidence and clarity you’re seeking come after you act, not before.

We’ve all felt it: the hesitation to move forward because we’re waiting for validation, a signal, or someone else’s blessing. Maybe it’s fear of failure or the unspoken pressure to "stay in your lane."

I’ve been there.

I’ve asked myself, Am I ready? Do I belong here? What will people think? But this year, I realized that waiting for permission was costing me opportunities—and more importantly, my own growth and accepting myself for who I am.

It’s normal to have doubts—I’ve been there trust me. But here’s the thing: labels like "imposter syndrome" can do more harm than good in my opinion. They make us question if we really deserve our successes or if we’re just faking it, and that kind of thinking only feeds the fear. Before you know it, every new opportunity feels like a test you’re bound to fail, and you start holding back or downplaying your wins. It’s a vicious cycle that keeps too many of us from going after what we’re truly capable of.

And for women of color, the impact can be even greater due to systemic biases and the added pressure of navigating spaces where they may already feel underrepresented. The narrative of imposter syndrome often fails to address these external factors, which means it can shift the blame inward rather than acknowledging the broader structures at play. Instead of empowering women of color to act, the term can subtly reinforce the idea that they need to "fix" themselves, rather than challenging those structures or stepping into their power as they are.

Instead of boxing ourselves into limiting narratives, we should focus on embracing our strengths, challenging these biases, and stepping boldly into our potential.

How 2024 Proved You Don’t Need Permission

This year, I decided to act. Here’s what happened when I stopped asking for approval and started trusting myself:

Expanding Her Texas: Growing a statewide initiative for women entrepreneurs and business leaders isn’t easy, but waiting for the “right time” would have meant staying stagnant. Instead, we built community across this big ol' state - from Denton to Brownsville and set the stage for even bigger moves in 2025. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay connected with our movement.

Fork and Femme: We took a bold idea—a statewide foodie event celebrating woman-owned restaurants—and made it happen. From collaborating with partners like Candace Nelson to offering microgrants, this wasn’t about seeking permission; it was about creating momentum. Collectively, we spent $77,774.19 with woman-owned businesses this year. Fork and Femme returns next spring. SAVE THE DATE!

Launching BankHER: With BankHER, we created community-driven investing circles to fund woman-owned businesses. Because woman-owned businesses need more funding, but they need more support too. I didn’t wait for a blueprint on how to do it this way or someone else to pave the way—we just started. And it is going to make a massive impact in 2025. And I literally can't wait.

Each of these moments came with risks. There were no guarantees, no safety nets. But by stepping into the unknown, I found something better: clarity, confidence, and connection.

The Risks—and Rewards—of Acting Without Permission

I won’t sugarcoat it. Acting without permission is uncomfortable. You’ll face doubts, setbacks, and critics. And you'll make mistakes and things WILL NOT be perfect. But the rewards far outweigh the risks. For me, it meant:

• Freedom: To pursue ideas that felt authentic and impactful.
• Growth: Personally and professionally, in ways I never imagined.
• Impact: Seeing my work resonate with the communities I care about most.

Waiting for permission keeps you in the safe zone. Acting without it pushes you toward the life you’re meant to live.

One of the most unexpected and humbling rewards this year was being named to the Dallas 500 List by D CEO Magazine. This honor, which recognizes the most influential business leaders in North Texas, didn’t come from following a pre-set path or waiting for permission—it was a direct result of stepping into my purpose, taking bold risks, and leading initiatives that mattered.

It’s a reminder that when you trust yourself and act with intention, others will take notice. But more importantly, you’ll discover a deeper sense of confidence and clarity in your journey.

Why It’s Time for You to Stop Waiting

As we close out this year, I want to challenge you: Where are you holding back? What opportunities are you letting slip by because you’re waiting for someone else to tell you it’s okay?

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Trust your instincts. They’re often more accurate than you think.
• Take the first step. Even if it’s small or scary, forward is forward.
• Redefine failure. The worst thing isn’t falling short; it’s never trying at all.

You don’t need permission to show up fully, take risks, or go after what matters to you. The only person who can grant that permission is you.

As we step into a new year, ask yourself: What are you waiting for? The world doesn’t need more people asking for permission. It needs more people like you—committed, unapologetic, and ready to make things happen. Let’s get it y'all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! May this next year, not be perfect or without flaws, but amazing and impactful for us all.

As always, thank you for reading and your support. If there is an opportunity to speak with your organization or at your event in 2025, let's chat! Shoot me a line: [email protected].