Empowering Women Through Coaching: Unlocking Leadership Potential
When I was in my early 30s, juggling two young kids (at the time), co-founding a growing church, and trying to navigate a world that seemed to demand perfection, I remember feeling like I was constantly running uphill. One afternoon, after a particularly intense meeting, a mentor asked me, “Jen, why are you trying to lead like everyone else? You already have everything you need to succeed—your empathy, your insight, your way of connecting with people. Lean into that.”
That conversation changed everything. For years, I thought leadership meant trying to fit into a predefined mold, often shaped by conventional norms that emphasized a specific way of leading—one that didn’t always align with my own strengths or approach. But the truth is, the best leaders embrace who they are, not who they think they should be. That’s why I’m so passionate about coaching—because it helps people let go of limiting beliefs, unlock their unique strengths, and step into leadership roles with authenticity and confidence.
The Strengths Women Bring to Leadership
I remember coaching a woman, let’s call her Maya, who had been promoted to a leadership role at her company. She was nervous about stepping into the position, but one thing stood out immediately: her team believed in and trusted her. When I asked her about it, she shrugged and said, “I guess I just try to listen to them.” What she didn’t realize was that her empathy and ability to connect were driving collaboration and loyalty within her team—qualities that make women exceptional leaders.
Women have a way of leading that’s uniquely intuitive, relational, and powerful:
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: I’ve consistently witnessed how women’s natural ability to empathize with and understand others fosters trust and ignites collaboration. People thrive when they feel heard and valued, and women leaders excel at creating those environments.
Inclusive Leadership: Women tend to prioritize diversity and inclusion, bringing fresh perspectives to the table. This isn’t just about doing the “right” thing—it’s about driving innovation and making better decisions.
Resilience and Adaptability: If you’ve ever watched a woman juggle a hundred things at once without missing a beat, you know this is true. Women leaders bring an incredible ability to pivot, problem-solve, and stay calm under pressure.
Collaboration: Many women excel at building strong teams and fostering open communication. This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a game-changer for solving tough challenges and driving growth.
The Challenges Women Face in Leadership
Not long ago, I coached a woman we will call Susan who shared how difficult it was to navigate meetings where her ideas were overlooked—until a male colleague repeated them. “It’s like I have to work twice as hard just to be seen and many times my colleagues won’t even make eye contact,” she said dejectly. Her story is one I’ve personally experienced too many times to count and hear often- and it’s one of the unique challenges women face in leadership.
Imposter Syndrome: So many of the women I coach wrestle with an inner voice that says, “You don’t belong here.” It’s exhausting and frustrating, but coaching can help reframe those narratives..
Gender Bias and Stereotypes: The “likability trap” is real. Women are often expected to lead with authority but not too much authority—be confident but not too confident. It’s a delicate dance, but it doesn’t have to be.
Work-Life Balance: Let’s be honest: society still expects women to “have it all” and make it look easy. Leadership, family, relationships—it’s a lot, and the pressure can feel overwhelming.
Limited Networking Opportunities: Many women leaders express the difficulty of finding mentors and peers who truly understand their experiences and aspirations. Establishing meaningful connections often requires extra effort, and balancing this with other responsibilities can feel overwhelming.
How Coaching Helps Women Thrive
A woman I worked with recently shared how she felt like she was constantly putting out fires and never actually getting anywhere, instead of focusing on her bigger goals. Through coaching, she realized she wasn’t honoring her own inner knowing—or her bigger vision. We worked together to realign her priorities and help her step into her life with purpose and clarity.
Coaching is transformative because it’s not about changing who women are—it’s about helping them recognize that they already possess the strength, wisdom, and capabilities they need to thrive. It’s about helping them to: identify the blocks or limiting beliefs holding them back, remove barriers that stand in their way, and create a clear, actionable plan to achieve their goals with confidence and purpose.
Self-Awareness: Coaching helps women identify their strengths and values so they can lead in ways that feel true to themselves.
Reframing Challenges: That obstacle in your way? It might just be your next opportunity. A coach helps you see it from a fresh perspective.
Strategic Goal-Setting: We all have dreams, but without a plan, they’re just ideas. Coaching turns those dreams into actionable steps.
Building a Support System: Whether it’s mentors, allies, or friends who cheer you on, a strong support system is critical—and coaching can help you build one.
Authentic Leadership: Forget trying to fit a mold. Coaching empowers people to lead in ways that reflect their unique strengths and style.
Strategies for Thriving as a Woman Leader
One of my favorite moments in coaching is when a client realizes she doesn’t have to play by someone else’s rules to succeed. I remember working with a woman who finally said, “I don’t need to bend myself to fit in the mold they want me to be—I just can just be me.” That shift in mindset transformed her confidence, and her leadership style flourished.
If you’re a woman stepping into—or dreaming of—a leadership role, here are some tips to keep in your back pocket:
Own Your Style: Your empathy, intuition, or knack for bringing people together? Those are your superpowers. Don’t hide them—lean into them.
Set Boundaries: Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Protect your energy, your peace, and make time for what makes you come alive.
Find Your People: Seek out mentors and friends who inspire you, challenge you, and remind you of what’s possible.
Speak Up: Your ideas are valuable. Don’t wait for permission—take up space in the room.
Champion Diversity: As a woman leader, you have the opportunity to amplify other voices and make sure the table gets bigger.
The Future of Women in Leadership
A year ago, I led a workshop with a friend with a group of powerful young women, all leaders in their own right- each one eager, ambitious, and full of ideas. Watching them share authentically about their vision for their lives and the future gave me so much hope.
The world is changing, and women are at the forefront of that change, leading with heart, authenticity, and courage. More and more organizations are waking up to the value of women in leadership—and the ripple effect is powerful. But we still have work to do, and it starts with believing in ourselves and championing one another.
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Women aren’t just the future of leadership—we are leading right here, right now. With the right tools, support, and mindset, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish. Coaching is one way to help women step into their power, lead authentically, and create lasting change in their organizations and communities.
If you’re ready to explore what’s possible for your leadership journey—or you’re an organization looking to invest in your women leaders—let’s connect. Together, we can create a future where women not only thrive but lead with confidence, purpose, and heart.
