Rethinking ‘Powerwoman’: Why Empowerment Means Dropping Gendered Labels"(YGT??66)

Hello and happy Sunday,

Welcome to another. YOU GOT THIS! Newsletter.

Somehow I never liked the phrase “She is a powerwoman“ ?

At first glance, calling someone a "powerwoman" might seem like a positive way to recognize a strong, capable woman. But when we look deeper, this term can actually be problematic for several reasons. By using "powerwoman", we’re unintentionally reinforcing the idea that strength in women is unusual, needing a special label, as if it's a rare exception rather than the norm.

We don’t hear the term "powerman" for men, and this imbalance highlights how unnecessary it is to add gender when recognizing power or competence in women. Instead of celebrating individual accomplishments or traits, the phrase reduces a woman’s strength to a broad, gendered label, which can feel patronizing. Compliments like these unintentionally suggest that women’s power is something surprising, rather than a natural part of who they are.

So here is my conclusion: True empowerment comes from recognizing specific traits—whether it’s leadership, resilience, or creativity—without the need for gendered terms. It's time we rethink how we compliment and acknowledge women, ensuring that our words reflect the genuine, individualized recognition they deserve.

In today’s edition of my newsletter, I′ll write about these three topics:

?? My latest learning: Challenging My Beliefs About Networking Events

?? Career Inspiration: Caught in the hamsterwheel??

?? Female Leadership: The Power of Asking Better Questions

I am always happy to receive feedback, suggestions for improvement, and ideas for new newsletters. What would you like to read about here?

Stay courageous!

Best Regards, Katharina

?? My latest learning: Challenging My Beliefs About Networking Events

I’ve always thought I didn’t particularly enjoy large networking events, preferring smaller, more intimate settings. That was my belief. But last week, I realized that it’s only half the truth—it’s not about the size of the event, but the setting and the people.

I was invited to an after-work event through LinkedIn, and I went with some hesitation, feeling a bit like it was my first day at school. And yes, sometimes I have to laugh at myself—here I am, 56 years old, still getting nervous about these things!

As I arrived, I noticed a woman walking in the same direction. We met in the stairwell, and she was so welcoming. From that moment on, I felt at ease. She introduced me around, and the atmosphere was relaxed, with no pressure to talk about titles. What mattered was the genuine connections being made, and I found myself engaged in meaningful conversations about the challenges of balancing business and family.

The keynote speaker sparked even deeper discussions, and I left realizing that my belief about not liking large events was limiting. It’s the people and the environment that make the difference, not the size of the crowd.

So, my learning this week: Don’t let limiting beliefs hold you back from trying something new. When was the last time you stepped into a new networking opportunity for your personal or professional growth?

?? Career Inspiration: Caught in the hamsterwheel?

“How often do you look at your day ahead and ask yourself: Is this really what I want to be doing?”

Steve Jobs famously said, "For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."

For women in leadership, juggling demanding careers and family life, this quote hits home. Between the endless to-do lists, work commitments, and taking care of the kids, it’s easy to fall into a routine where your days blur together. But when you pause and reflect—are you genuinely excited about what you’re doing?

If your answer has been “No” more often than you’d like, it may be time to look at what’s holding you back from a more fulfilling life. It’s not always about big, immediate changes. Sometimes, it's about gaining new perspectives, realigning your priorities, or finding clarity on what truly brings you happiness.

If you're feeling stuck, coaching could be the way to explore these questions and discover what lights you up. Together, we can dive into what’s working, what isn’t, and how to bring more purpose and joy into your daily life.

Are you ready to find out what your “Yes” looks like? Let’s start this journey together.

????Here is a link to book a FREE 30-minute clarity session with me, and let’s start creating a perspective for your life.

?? Female Leadership: The Power of Asking Better Questions

"The leader of the past knew how to tell. The leader of the future will know how to ask." – Peter Drucker

In leadership, the questions you ask can be more important than the answers you provide. I’ve seen time and again that leaders who ask better questions inspire better results. Why? Because the right questions unlock deeper thinking, foster innovation, and encourage ownership within teams. When leaders create space for others to reflect and respond thoughtfully, it builds trust and promotes collaboration. It’s not about controlling the conversation, but about leading it in a way that encourages everyone to contribute meaningfully.

In the fast-paced demands of leadership, it's easy to fall into the habit of providing answers instead of asking questions. Leaders often feel pressured to have all the solutions, forgetting that their true strength lies in guiding their teams to discover insights themselves.

Asking the right questions also helps uncover hidden challenges. Instead of jumping to conclusions or offering quick fixes, leaders can guide their teams to discover the root causes of issues. This approach not only solves problems more effectively but also engages employees on a deeper level, empowering them to take ownership of their roles.

Imagine asking, “What are we missing here?” rather than simply offering a solution. This simple shift in mindset opens the door to new ideas and perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked. Or asking, “How can I support you better?”—a question that creates a safe space for employees to express their needs and allows you to lead with empathy and support.

Another powerful question is, "What challenges are you facing that I may not be aware of?" This opens up dialogue for your team to share obstacles they’re experiencing, enabling you to intervene before small problems turn into larger issues. Similarly, "What would success look like for this project?" helps clarify expectations and aligns everyone towards a common goal.

The impact of these questions is tangible. Studies show that leaders who ask for input see higher employee engagement, better innovation, and improved problem-solving. But knowing what to ask is just the beginning. In coaching, we can explore how to ask the right questions and create a culture that thrives on curiosity and growth.

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership through better questions, let’s explore this deeper in our coaching journey together.

I am happy to help you with these topics with my Leadership program MOVE UP! ????Here is a link to book a discovery session with me to learn more about this program.

??Change starts with you

Nothing will change unless you change something! It's up to you!

The alternative: Keep doing what you're doing...

I wish you a great week; enjoy life, and remember to SHOW UP!

If you say what you want, you increase the chance of being heard! ??

Have a great day, and remember, it is the one who gives up and does not reach success.

And now I wish you all the best and talk soon!

Best Regards, Katharina

??How you can work with me:

Leadership Training: In my course MOVE UP! You can recognize and strengthen your leadership. Join the course ??here .

Amazing Career Coaching: Join the 16-week 1:1 AMAZING CAREER coaching program. Please reply to this mail that you want to join or book a call with me ?? here to learn more.

Need help getting anywhere on your own? Then why not book a free virtual coffee break ?? with me, and we'll find out whether and how I can help you further? ???? Here is a link to book a discovery session with me

??Did you like this email? Do you have a friend who might like it too?

Could you forward this email to them? If you received this email from a friend, you can subscribe to the newsletter ????here .

If you like my work, feel free to ???? buy me a coffee .

PS: This newsletter is written by a human. English is not my native language. So,?I'll make mistakes. And tech bugs ?? crawl in?once in a while.?So, if you see any of these, please let me know. I′m always happy to improve!