Why Women Leaders Need the Right Support to Thrive

We need female leaders to have a bigger voice at the table, now more than ever. Full Stop.

As female leaders, we face incredible opportunities and challenges, and the research tells us that it’s magnified for women who are further marginalized within our gender. But one thing I see time and again, even among the most successful women, is that too many of us are navigating our journeys without the confidential support we deserve. Without the right coaching, it’s easy to miss out on opportunities, undervalue ourselves, and struggle to reach the impact and influence we know we’re capable of.

The truth is, the journey to the top doesn’t need to feel so isolating or uncertain. Let’s talk about what’s really at stake when we or our team does not have the right support and guidance.

~ Not Earning What You’re Worth

It’s a well-known fact that women, even at the executive level, are often underpaid compared to their male counterparts. Women earn roughly 83 cents for every dollar men earn*. That difference compounds over time, resulting in what’s known as the “Million Dollar Mistake” — the lost earnings over a career due to gender disparities in salary negotiation.

And why is that? Many of us struggle to advocate for ourselves. Negotiating a salary or asking for a raise can feel intimidating, especially when we’ve been conditioned to avoid “rocking the boat.” But here’s the thing: with the right strategies, you can go into these conversations prepared, clear, and confident. You can learn to stand firmly in your worth and negotiate with confidence, knowing you deserve every penny.

~ Not Advancing or Landing Roles/Board Seats

There’s a common misconception that once you reach the executive level, self-doubt disappears. But studies show otherwise: KPMG found that 75% of female executives have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers**. These feelings can be a huge barrier to advancement. They can keep us from stepping into roles we’re more than qualified for or taking on projects that would showcase our abilities.

I’ve seen how imposter syndrome can paralyze even the most accomplished leaders. But when you have a trusted advisor in your corner, you get the support to reframe those limiting beliefs and to take strategic actions that align with your skills and vision.

~ Not Having a Voice or Impact with your boss/CEO/Board

Being in the room doesn’t always mean you’re truly heard. Many female leaders struggle with making their voices resonate in CEO and board meetings. Often, it’s not about what you’re saying but how you’re saying it, and the confidence behind it. Without the right strategies, ideas may fall flat, or your influence may not reach the levels you know it could.

You deserve to be influential in every room you step into, and with the right support, you can achieve that. Together, we can work on honing your executive presence, finding clarity in your message, and creating strategies to make sure your contributions are seen, respected, and acted upon.

The Right Coach Can Impact Your Impact

The right coaching support helps you not only to address these challenges but to exceed your own expectations. This isn’t just about building skills — it’s about positioning yourself to lead fearlessly and to create the impact you envision.

Let's explore how coaching can help you break through barriers and reach the impact and influence you’ve worked so hard for.

Book your discovery call today, and let’s get started on making this your most impactful chapter yet.

Cheering you on always!

Sheryl

*Women earn roughly 83 cents for every dollar men earn, and gender differences in negotiating a salary may be one of the largest contributors. (The Million Dollar Mistake)
** According to a KPMG study, 75% of female executives in the United States have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers.