Unleashing the Power of Leadership: Why Female Founders Must Showcase Their Skills For Increased Visibility In 2025.

“The world is starving for new ideas and great leaders who will champion those ideas.”-Lisa Su.

Did you know that women are 50% less likely than men to emphasize leadership in their LinkedIn profiles?

Neither did I.

And then I checked-and yup, it's true

A new study reveals gender gaps in how men and women showcase their skills on LinkedIn. According to the researcher, "Men are more likely to emphasize leadership and negotiation, while women focus on support-oriented skills". It goes on to state that even women who are already leaders are less likely than their male counterparts to tout their leadership skills.

In this edition of "Here's The thing", I'll be sharing reasons why female entrepreneurs often shy away from spotlighting their leadership talents, the benefits of embracing them, and actionable steps to overcome these challenges in 2025.

So whether you’re launching your first business or scaling your empire, showcasing your leadership is the missing key to your success.

Let’s unlock it together.

Unlocking Success: How Leadership Skills Can Propel Female Founders Forward

Studies show that startups with women leaders are 20% more likely to succeed. That's because as founders, your leadership skills tell a story of resilience, innovation, and bold vision. They set you apart in a crowded marketplace and position your business as a force to be reckoned with.

Here's some of the other benefits of showcasing your leadership skills:

1. Establishing Your Credibility:

Investors, clients, and partners want to work with those who exude confidence and capability. By demonstrating your leadership skills, you'll build trust -while at the same time, establishing yourself as a credible authority in your field.

“Every job I took, I was deeply uncomfortable in terms of feeling unqualified. Every step, every risk I took, built confidence.”- Amy Hood.

2. Attracting Funding and Partnerships:

It's a sad fact that for many female founders and women-owned startups, access to funding remains a challenge. Studies show that investors are more likely to back startups led by individuals who present themselves as decisive, visionary leaders. When you seize opportunities to highlight your leadership -it can open doors to funding opportunities and lucrative partnerships.

3. Inspiring Teams and Building Company Culture:

Strong leadership sets the tone for your company culture. When you embrace and showcase your leadership qualities, you inspire your team to follow suit, creating an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

4. Amplifying Your Brand:

Here's the thing: No matter the popular view, your personal brand and business brand ARE intertwined. By positioning yourself as a confident leader, you elevate your startup’s reputation, making it more attractive to customers, media outlets, and industry influencers.

“I’m always looking for new mentors and asking people, ‘Hey, if you were in my shoes, what would you do?’ It’s pretty amazing what you can get from that.”- Kendra Scott.

Breaking Barriers: Four Hidden Struggles Female Founders Face in "Owning" Their Desire to Lead.

Despite many strides in the area of female entrepreneurship-and many benefits to be derived, women still struggle to confidently showcase their leadership abilities.

If you're a founder who's feeling stuck when it comes to owning your leadership as a female founder-you’re not alone.

Recent research shows that 60% of women report feeling hesitant to self-promote - losing opportunities suited to their innate abilities, skills and knowledge.

Here's four reasons why:

1. Imposter Syndrome:

While men DO struggle with "Imposter syndrome"-this phenomenon disproportionately affects women, particularly in male-dominated industries. These persistent feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt makes many female founders hesitant to claim leadership roles.

2. Fear of Backlash:

Often, women who assert themselves as leaders often face criticism for being “too ambitious” or “aggressive.” This "fear of backlash" leads to many founders downplaying their leadership qualities so as to appear more “approachable.”

3. Cultural Conditioning:

Societal norms often encourage women to prioritize humility and teamwork over self-promotion. This conditioning often makes it difficult for women to comfortably highlight their individual accomplishments.

“Some people only ask others to do something. I believe that, why should I wait for someone else? Why don’t I take a step and move forward?”- Malala Yousafzai.

4. Lack of Mentorship and Representation

The current underrepresentation of women in leadership positions means fewer role models and mentors to guide female founders in confidently owning their leadership skills.

Your 2025 Blueprint: Four Innovative. Strategies to Elevate Your Leadership Potential As a Female Founder.

Make no mistake about it-women leaders are sorely needed in this season. However, moving past these barriers requires a mix of mindset shifts, strategic actions, and systemic changes.

Here below, are four actionable solutions for 2025:

1. Start "Normalizing" Self-Promotion:

A great place to start is by creating a culture where celebrating your wins is the norm. Share your leadership journey on social media, in interviews, and at networking events. Use platforms like LinkedIn to spotlight your achievements, from leading a major project to overcoming a tough challenge.

Remember, you’re not bragging-you’re inspiring.

2. Leverage Women-Centric Networks:

Join communities and networks tailored for female entrepreneurs. Seek out organizations that provide mentorship, resources, and a platform to showcase your leadership potential-and peers who understand and support your journey.

3. "Redefine Leadership":

Debunk the idea of "Masculine Energy"- leadership isn’t just about being loud and commanding; it’s "Nuanced" with elements that include collaboration, empathy, resilience and vision. Own the unique qualities you bring to the table-and recognize that YOUR leadership style is just as valid and impactful as anyone else’s.

“Leadership is a combination of innate traits that you’re born with and experiences you gain along the way. That is what shapes you as a leader.”-Michele Buck.

4. Embrace Thought Leadership:

Start establishing yourself as a "Thought Leader" in your industry by publishing articles, hosting webinars, or speaking at conferences. When you position yourself as a "subject matter expert", you naturally highlight your leadership skills without needing to overstate them.

Female founders are rewriting the rules of business, but one challenge remains: confidently owning their leadership skills- let’s change that.

It’s time to own your leadership and let the world see your brilliance. Start by sharing one leadership achievement on your social media profile today.

Need help crafting your story?

My Free 30-minute Clarity Sessions are still available

Reach out to me at Zoma Business Solutions for expert strategies tailored to female founders both established-and aspiring.

Together, we’ll make your "leadership" the spotlight of your success.

And in case you missed my "Live LinkedIn Event" on Thursday 16th January : Lead Boldly: Unleashing the Power of Women in Leadership-here it is.