Support for Women's Self-Esteem and Identity

When you’ve worked so hard to reach the top, why does self-doubt creep in even stronger? For many successful women leaders, loneliness and isolation at the top can amplify feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, commonly known as imposter syndrome. Even the most accomplished leaders get affected by this. As I climbed the ladder in my leadership journey, I expected to find greater confidence and validation. However, reaching the top brought about an unsettling mix of self-doubt and isolation. The paradox of feeling successful yet profoundly disconnected. Looking back, I can see some of the things that fuelled this sense of disconnect. This included lack of relatable peers locally (being CEO at 32),, the increased pressure to build on the work of my predecessor, fewer opportunities for honest reflection with trusted peers, and the absence of a sounding board to bounce off the high stakes decisions. Thankfully, loneliness doesn’t have to be a permanent part of leadership. As woman in leadership, you can combat both isolation and imposter syndrome by building intentional support networks and seeking mentors who can relate to their unique struggles. So, in addition to the list from yesterday, here are a few more on some of the ways to reclaim your confidence and connection. 1. Engaging in women's leadership groups. Professional groups focused on women in leadership provide spaces to connect with others who understand the specific challenges of being a woman at the top. These communities offer valuable reassurance and validation that help women combat feelings of inadequacy and gain strength from shared experiences. Some of the communities I have seen here on LinkedIn include The Ladies Book Breakfast Forum, WOMEN IN HR KENYA, and Women On Boards Network Kenya among others. Search for your industry group and be part of its activities and engagements. 2. Seek out mentorship   A trusted mentor can be a powerful ally against imposter syndrome. By connecting with someone who has walked a similar path, you can gain perspective from someone else's own journey and learn strategies to manage self-doubt. Mentorship also helps reinforce their accomplishments and provides guidance, helping them see themselves as competent and capable. 3. Finally, practice self-validation techniques.   Journaling, self-affirmations, or setting aside time to celebrate achievements can help counter the negative self-talk that loneliness and imposter syndrome trigger. Remember who you are. Recognize and acknowledge personal wins, no matter how small. These help to foster your confidence and reduces reliance on external validation. In this journey, success and self-belief can thrive together. Imposter syndrome can make the journey to success feel lonely and filled with self-doubt, but it doesn’t have to be this way. What are other networks available here on LinkedIn? Tag and help a sister 😀 #africa #leadershipdevelopment #professionalwomen #personaldevelopment #

For years, I tried desperately to fit in at work. And yet, I was repeatedly branded as too aggressive, too assertive, and just... “too much.” One manager even called me a “bulldozer” — publicly, in front of dozens of people. The unspoken rules were clear. I needed to: ✅ Tone it down ✅ Be more positive ✅ Smile more and say less So, I tried to play by the rules… I held back in meetings. I suppressed my emotions. I smiled and nodded, even when I disagreed. And you know what? I was TERRIBLE at it. I tried and failed, over and over again, to fit the mold. I became a watered down version of myself that I barely recognized, and I still wasn't meeting their expectations and manufactured standards. The whole thing left me anxious, stressed, and depleted. It wasn’t until years later that I realized I was practicing something called self-shielding—the act of suppressing or toning down your true self to conform to others' expectations, often to avoid criticism or rejection. And here’s the kicker: Self-shielding is WAY more common (and destructive) for women. We’re told to be assertive, but not too assertive. Ambitious, but not too ambitious. Strong, but always with a smile. And so, we self-shield. We mute our brilliance, dilute our opinions, and shrink our presence to make others comfortable — often with disastrous results. Here’s the deal, friends...   No matter how much I edited myself, it was never enough, because I was chasing an impossible goal. I was trying to find a version of me that didn’t exist. I was trying to be enough FOR THEM, but I needed to be enough FOR ME. I needed the courage to bring the full force of who I was to the table—mindfully, authentically, and unapologetically. Even if it made others uncomfortable. So to all the women out there who have been told they’re “too much” at work: ✴️ Reclaim Your Narrative: Don’t apologize for being passionate or assertive. Embrace and celebrate what makes you exceptional. ✴️ Redefine Success on Your Terms: Be enough for yourself first. Align with your values, not others’ expectations or standards. ✴️ Find Your People: Build a community that celebrates your greatness and lifts you up, no matter what. You deserve to be surrounded by people who see your “too much” as just right. You got this. I’m cheering for you. 🎉 ***************************** Hi, I'm Sarah 👋 I help leaders and organizations live and work at their best. Follow me for more honest stories and reflections about life, leadership, and the land as I attempt to navigate the swirl. #womenleaders #womenatwork #selfshielding #leadershipcoach #autheticityatwork #changingwork

Neither of my parents went to college. I did, and following my dream to be a teacher, I studied elementary education. However, life had other plans for me, and my career took an unexpected turn into the world of business. I discovered a passion for it. I worked hard, and knew I was making meaningful contributions. But my unconventional path weighed on me. As a young woman, I couldn't shake the worry that someone would eventually tap me on the shoulder and say, "Hey! We caught you! You don't really belong here." The fear stayed with me until I heard a professor from Kellogg speak at a Women's Foodservice Forum and I learned there's a name for that feeling: Impostor Syndrome. Realizing that I wasn't alone in this experience was transformative. It boosted my confidence and made me recognize how much societal expectations had influenced my self-perception. That awareness was liberating. Years later, I had the honor of sharing my own story at that very same event—a full-circle moment that I deeply cherished. You can watch it here: https://lnkd.in/eqP_SKpM But it's frustrating to know that nearly 80% of women still struggle with low self-esteem in the workplace. So, what can we do? Here are 5 strategies that have worked for me: • Keep a "Fan File" of your wins. Revisit it when self-doubt creeps in. • Avoid comparisons. Let your unique strengths be your guide. • Focus on your strengths and sharpen them. • Build a support network that pushes you to grow. • Embrace "Go-Learn-Iterate." Failure is part of the journey. And, in case no one's told you yet: You belong here. You're doing great. And we need you to take your seat at the table!

As a leader, one of the most critical lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being your own biggest fan and champion, especially for women in leadership. While it’s essential to seek out mentors (we all know I advocate for this), build supportive networks, and advocate for others, it’s equally crucial to recognize and celebrate your own achievements and capabilities. Here’s why: Self-Advocacy is Empowerment By championing yourself, you set a powerful example for others. You demonstrate confidence, resilience, and the belief that your voice and contributions matter. This not only empowers you but also inspires those around you. Visibility and Recognition We women often face unique challenges in gaining visibility and recognition for our work. By actively promoting your own successes and strengths, you ensure that your hard work and impact are seen and acknowledged. This visibility is key to career advancement and opening new opportunities. Breaking Barriers Historically, women we have been conditioned to downplay our achievements. By confidently owning your accomplishments, we challenge these outdated norms and help break down barriers for future generations of female leaders. Building Self-Confidence Celebrating your victories, no matter how small, builds self-confidence. This inner belief is fundamental in navigating the complex landscape of leadership, making tough decisions, and leading with authenticity. Creating a Culture of Self-Support When women champion themselves, they contribute to a culture where self-support and mutual encouragement become the norm. This culture shift is vital in creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces. To all the incredible women leaders out there: believe in your worth, celebrate your milestones, and don’t shy away from showcasing your brilliance. Be your own biggest fan because your journey and achievements are worth celebrating. Here’s to embracing our power and leading with confidence! #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #SelfAdvocacy #CareerGrowth

"We need to pay them what they are worth and not be surprised when they ask for it, and we need to celebrate their success and ambition and encourage them to be ambitious." YES! YES! YES! So much of the work that I do as a speaker is intended to help people see their worth and value. The people that struggle with that the most are women. Women who doubt and diminish themselves, especially at work. My goal is to activate and elevate their self-worth, self-belief + self-advocacy. When we believe in ourselves and our worth, we are more likely to advocate for and celebrate ourselves...without apologizing for it. But the problem is that, for most of our lives, women have been told: ❌ "Don't toot your own horn!" ❌ "Let your work speak for itself." ❌ "You should be happy with what you have." And by listening to that advice, many women have held themselves back or been held back by others in their careers. I'm grateful to have been raised by a dad who taught me to advocate for myself and to negotiate. I'm grateful to have a mom who started her own business and who knows her worth. Both of them have helped me become a successful female entrepreneur, who loves what she does and has a tangible impact on the world through her work. So, what can we do to address the issue of women leaders in the workplace? Try starting with one of these approaches: 1️⃣ Mentorship: Women often lack access to mentors who can help them navigate their careers, which impacts their growth and advancement 👉 Who can you invest time in or take a chance on, serving as their mentor? 2️⃣ Self-advocacy: Women need to be equipped and empowered to ask for what they want and deserve, whether it's compensation or career opportunities, without fear of being called "aggressive" or "pushy" 👉 What's one way you could advocate for yourself and what you want? 3️⃣ Sponsorship: Leaders, both men, and women, can be more intentional about actively sponsoring and advocating for women in their organizations 👉 Who could you open a door for? Invite into an opportunity? Introduce to a strategic connection? 4️⃣ Recognition: It's time for us to normalize women's ambition and achievements, encouraging them to "go for it" and make their aspirations known (without feeling selfish or guilty) 👉 As you reflect on the past year, what's something you're proud of - something about who you are or what you've accomplished - that you can celebrate now? Take one of the steps above, and encourage the people around you to do the same. If we want to change the future, we have to be willing to advocate for ourselves and one another. 🙌 #WomenInLeadership #GenderEquality

Why do I love being a facilitator for #IAmRemarkable? As an ally for #diversity & #inclusion, I love helping #women & underrepresented groups find their voice Women sometimes hesitate to take on leadership roles, not because of a lack of competence but due to a lack of self-assurance or confidence Research shows that while men & women share similarities in how they browse & look for jobs, women are 16% less likely to apply to a job after viewing it, and also apply to 20% fewer jobs than men. Women hold back if they don’t meet 100% of the criteria, while men usually apply after meeting about 60% Helping women find their voice is one way to close the confidence gap Being able to confidently speak about your achievements, accomplishments or aspirations is critical for women to get roles & promotions. If people don’t know what you have achieved, your probability of being promoted or getting the roles you want diminishes Here are my tips for helping women close the confidence gap: ✍ Write it down: People know the power of journaling, writing things down to establish yourself as a determinant person. So, write down your accomplishments, achievements & aspirations. It’s important to write down your achievements so that you can easily recall them when time comes to write your performance appraisals. It’s important to be able to articulate your achievements so that your value to the organization can be recognized & be considered for promotions 🆘 Support: Help yourself. Many women support groups are available to help you close the confidence gap. There are global (eg Rotary International) & local women’s support groups, join Toastmasters International or participate in a #IamRemarkable workshop. Take the first step in building confidence. It never hurts to ask for help & to surround yourself with people who will help boost your confidence or self-esteem. Remember that nothing will change if you don’t take action & taking action is one step forward in building confidence in yourself 🤔 Ask the question: If you are a people manager, help the women in your team by asking them “what have you achieved?” during performance appraisals. It’s a great way of helping the women in your team reflect on their accomplishments & what they are proud of achieving and then clearly articulating the value they bring to your department or organization. During development conversations, ask women in your team what would they like to work on to develop themselves. It’s a great way to boost confidence when a manager takes an active role in developing employees So don’t hold back Take the bold step & apply for that dream job because you have to be in it to win it! Talk to people about your accomplishments & achievements. It’s not bragging when it is fact. Advocate for yourself. If you don’t who will? How do you help women build their confidence? Share your tips below ---------- #leadership Anna Vainer #coaching #mentoring #kevinleads #HR #employee

Amidst the demands placed upon us by society, especially as women, it's crucial to prioritize our mental wellness. For me, that means taking my forest therapy walks—where I can appreciate fresh air and nature, reflect, and recharge. Through the guidance of mentors, I've learned valuable lessons: 1. Prioritize wisely: Different stages of life have different priorities. We can't do it all, and that's okay. Focus on what you can do, and let go of what you can't. Decide what you want to be present and do it well. 2. You are enough: Because we try to juggle everything, we are stretched and can’t seem to reach what we think are the right expectations, leading to self-guilt for our shortcomings. It’s a waste of energy to keep dwelling on what could have been. No one is perfect; celebrate your efforts that you have tried, for you are enough. 3. Practice Self-Love: Self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. Take the time to recharge and love yourself. Only then can we truly care for others in a sustainable manner with the right energy management. It's a journey that I am still learning, but I appreciate the space and empowerment my family, friends, and colleagues have given me to be who I am and to have a voice. I can be serious and introverted, but I can also not take myself so seriously and enjoy a good party. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I want to dedicate this to the women who are struggling to find themselves and also to the allies who champion inclusion and opportunities. Only when we take courage and build connections, can we help each other move forward toward a safe and inclusive space. Let’s share with each other the best advice that has helped us to grow. #IWD2024 #inspireinclusion #SelfCare #Allyship #courage #bestadvice #womenofmarriott #beginbelongbecome #wearemarriott

“I’m never gonna be a white man”… I heard the frustration in my client’s voice. She was referring to the camaraderie and connections fostered through golfing and other bonding experiences that created a sense of exclusion in her workplace. There are tons of us who don't naturally fit into those circles. I've experienced and witnessed the challenges we face navigating an organizational culture that often revolves around white male networks. 💯You are being excluded. 💯Your way is NOT made easy like theirs. 💯You DO have to fight to be heard and seen. Your feelings are valid! And, this is why we gotta recognize our own uniqueness and strengths. We HAVE to embrace our hips and our hair. Our vernacular and our wit, and yes even our sassiness 💁🏽♀️ Our identity as Black women IS our source of pride and authenticity. We bring a wealth of diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich any environment we grace with our presence 👏🏾 While it may seem daunting to compete in an environment that values specific networks, remember that true connections are not limited by race, gender, or shared hobbies. ✅Seek out allies and advocates from all walks of life who appreciate you for who you are and recognize your exceptional abilities. ✅Embrace mentoring relationships with individuals who genuinely value your contributions and are willing to help you navigate obstacles. ✅Forge your own network that fosters empowerment, support, and a sisterhood that’s proud of who we are. You are not alone ❤️ You BELONG! #executivecoaching #womenleadership #personaldevelopment #sisterhood #professionalwomen