For too long, the dominant leadership narrative has centered on a narrow definition of success ~ one that mostly excludes women, especially Black Women, Women of Color, LGBTQ+ individuals, Disabled Women, Fat Women, and other marginalized identities.
Breaking the glass ceiling isn’t just about working harder or proving your worth within a system designed to keep certain voices out. It’s about dismantling the structures that demand overwork, assimilation, and silence in exchange for a seat at the table.
The Myth of “Pushing Harder”
Many women in leadership roles have ~ through lived experience ~ internalized the belief that success requires constant overworking, suppressing emotions, and out-performing everyone in the room. These expectations are even more amplified for women who face additional layers of systemic oppression.
True leadership isn’t about pushing through ~ it’s about tuning in. The strongest leaders aren’t the ones who deplete themselves but the ones who know how to resource themselves and advocate for change that includes all voices.
Nervous System Regulation: The Key to Sustainable Leadership
Your nervous system is at the core of how you show up, how you communicate and set boundaries, and how you handle challenges. If leadership mimics survival ~ constantly proving, over-performing, or staying silent to avoid conflict ~ you’re likely in a state of fight, flight, or freeze. This is particularly relevant for women who have been conditioned to shrink themselves in the face of bias, micro-aggressions, or workplace discrimination.
Learning to regulate your nervous system allows you to:
- Speak up with clarity instead of from stress or reactivity.
- Set boundaries ~ even in the face of felt guilt, even in spaces that don’t encourage it.
- Navigate difficult conversations without shutting down or over-explaining.
- Lead with presence, not pressure.
Finding Your Voice Without Exhaustion
- Embrace Your Authentic Voice – Your voice is powerful just as it is. Women from historically excluded communities have navigated systems that often demand perfection, but true impact comes from authenticity, not over-polishing. Your experiences, insights, and truth hold immense value ~ exactly as they are.
- Use Your Body as an Anchor – When you feel unseen or unheard, check in with your body. Take a deep breath, feel your feet on the ground, and remind yourself that you belong in every space you step into.
- Redefine Strength – Strength isn’t about ignoring your limits; it’s about honoring them. Rest, boundary-setting, and self-advocacy are radical acts of resistance.
- Regulate Before You Communicate – Before stepping into a high-stakes conversation, regulate your nervous system through breathwork, grounding exercises, applied neuro exercises, or movement. A regulated leader is a more impactful leader.
The Power of Community
Leadership isn’t meant to be a solo journey. The power of community lies in shared wisdom, support, and collective strength. Surrounding yourself with people who uplift, challenge, and believe in you makes all the difference. Whether through mentorship, networking, or grassroots movements, finding a community that sees your worth can help you navigate obstacles and amplify your voice. No one rises alone—true leadership is built on connection.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling Without Breaking Yourself
Finding your voice as a female leader isn’t about conforming to a system that was not built for you ~ it’s about rewriting the rules. True equity in leadership means dismantling oppressive structures, amplifying diverse voices, and redefining success in a way that values presence over pressure, impact over exhaustion, and sustainability over sacrifice.
You don’t have to push harder. You have to lead smarter. And that starts with reclaiming your voice ~ not just for yourself, but for those who come after you.
— If you’ve ever struggled to speak up, felt your voice shake in high-stakes moments, or questioned if your words truly mattered, this practice is for you! —
Click HERE for immediate access to the FREE “Find Your Voice” Guided Audio Training.
Take 11 minutes to activate the power of your voice with this guided practice. Includes: Grounding, breath-work and voice-work exercises to help you regulate your nervous system and build a confident voice.
