Ladyboss Mindset. This topic gets me SO excited. I just want to scream!
But before I lose my voice–let’s look at how 2024 is THE time to empower women in leadership to speak up and be heard.
As a mother, stepmom, wife, daughter, sister, business owner, and Branding Ladyboss, I’ve juggled the demands of my career with the beautiful chaos of family. But I’ve always tried to embody the “Ladyboss” mindset in everything I do.
What’s the Ladyboss mindset?
I define it as embracing one’s authentic self while fearlessly breaking barriers, so we create new possibilities for women in leadership.
And in a world where only 10.4% of leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies are held by women, we gotta WERK it, every day, all day.
Wild Feminist is just one of the things I am.
How To Tap into Your Inner Ladyboss
Being 100% you is powerful.
But here’s the thing… it’s not always easy. I used to feel stuck trying to fit into roles and expectations that were never truly mine. When I was in the corporate world, I checked all the boxes: two college degrees ✔, MBA ✔, great job ✔… I was hustling and achieving, but I felt like I was chasing someone else’s version of success.
So, in 2019, I wrote the piece below while wrestling with that inner turmoil—because I felt so disconnected from my truest self.
The Fear of Unbecoming
From the time we’re conceived in our mother’s womb, we’re told what to do, who to be, how to live. It’s for our best interest. Our parents and our guardians are praying that we’re healthy, safe, successful, and more than anything, happy. What does it all mean? When do we become?
As a daughter, wife, sister, ladyboss, friend, and stepmother, I struggle to find my place in the relationships between my two stepchildren, my husband, the ex-wife, the in-laws, my parents, all social norms. Isn’t ‘livin’ the dream’ about graduating from college, having tons of friends, being skinny, being pretty, and making a lot of money? Shouldn’t I be a mother and a wife, have a great job, live in a big home with a pool and big kitchen with a family that loves, doesn’t judge, and cares deeply about each other?
But where in all of that ‘dreaming’ is what I want? Where do you stop to think about yourself and how you can give to YOU and then to others. When do we stop caring about the path our parents and society created for us and just be who we are. At our core. At our truest, rawest selves. When do we listen to our inner guide?
That was me before I took the leap and left corporate in 2021. I felt scared and unsure if I could make it on my own, but I knew I had to listen to my inner guide.
Leaving the corporate world taught me that showing up as my authentic self—no masks, no filters—was the only way I could truly connect and thrive. I had been building my personal brand, but I was still blown away when people actually wanted to hear my opinions once I stepped out on my own.
In a world increasingly dominated by AI and automated tools, it turns out that being unapologetically human is refreshing. It’s what connects us all. When I became a stepmom to Jayden and Skylar, and later when baby Ava joined us, I found myself in a new space—relating to women balancing careers and motherhood. This shared experience didn’t fit the ‘perfect’ path I was told to follow, but it made me feel more connected and authentic than ever.
And that’s why I’m here today—to show you that embracing your whole self, the messy, imperfect, and real you, is where true power lies.
Don’t fear unbecoming what others expect. Embrace becoming the person you’re meant to be.
Navigating The Maze of Most Resistance
How Turning Challenges into Triumphs Breaks Down Barriers
Every leader faces challenges. But as women, we often encounter unique barriers. From gender bias, gender pay gap to juggling babies and teens, the path to leadership WILL be stacked with obstacles. Leadership is a learned and earned skill both at work and home.
Companies with women executives are 30% more likely to outperform other companies.
There are moments when the weight of career and family challenges feel like too much and I can’t go on. But I pick myself up, put on my Ladyboss pants and just keep going.
Because if not me, who?
Who will pave a new path for my daughters?
Who will stand up for the voiceless and stand strong for love and hope?
Every challenge is a shaping my approach to leadership. Pressure makes leaders…or diamonds? 😉
Leadership Is a Story of Grit and Growth, Packaged as ‘Resilience’
I remember when I was told by a MBA counselor that I didn’t have the GMAT score to get into a top MBA program. I was hysterical and felt defeated. I have so many great qualities for any university, why am I being judged by my GMAT score?!
So you know what I did? I proved them way wrong. I wrote an extra essay explaining why my scores suck and that I hate testing. I showed my fantastic undergraduate grades and work experience AND I showed up to every MBA networking event in NYC to get myself in front of the admissions team.
What happened? Well, I not only stood out to the admissions team – shout out to Rodrigo Malta – I got in first round at Texas McCombs School of Business 🤟
Take that haters! Now that’s the Ladyboss mindset in action.
Building Your Ladyboss Network
The Power of Connection and The Real Reason Why No Ladyboss Stands Alone
No “Ladyboss” thrives alone. Building a supportive network is crucial for personal and professional growth. Throughout my career, mentorship and collaboration have been invaluable. Groups like The WIT Network founded by Christine Bongard is just one of them.
Now I’m a Community Leader and The WIT Network – Austin Chapter that provides a local connection which women are dying for!
The Women in Tech Network – Austin, Texas Chapter
Remember–you’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Your ideal manager, team and/or clients are out there. SO FIND YOUR TRIBE who will appreciate the unique values you bring to your table.
If You Do One Thing – Make Sure It’s Collaboration
I’ve witnessed firsthand how the magic of collaboration breaks barriers and fuels innovation. Especially for women since we are social creatures by nature. It’s about bringing diverse perspectives together to bring solutions that one mind alone might never think up. Collaboration isn’t just about working together; it’s about creating a plan of shared vision and goals, where each idea gets people closer to their individual goal. It’s 2024–the era of ‘mean girl’ competition is over. It’s all about joining forces.
While employed as a corporate Ladyboss I was also part of Together Digital and led the Austin Chapter. This was a group focused on supporting women in digital through mentorship, job opportunities, and education. By leading this chapter, I had the chance to host a SXSW panel! I talked about being a stepmom who was also journeying through her career, and I met some of the most amazing women that day, simply by sharing my story.
I was the City Champ of Austin’s Together Digital Chapter and spoke on a panel at SXSW.
When I was at Microsoft and Gartner , I made a concerted effort to join ERGs at the company and with partners. I joined the women’s groups, attending monthly meetings, sitting on the boards, and creating different events. I was also part of IAMCP for Women which supports Microsoft Partners and it was beyond helpful in networking outside of my direct team. Those relationships continue to support me as a leader of my own company.
Even in my entrepreneurship journey, juggling building my business, my personal brand and still making sure I have time to show up for my family, I never forget the essence of collaboration—leaning on and learning from others. It 💯 enriches both my personal and professional success.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m grateful for the incredible women who have influenced me, from mentors who guided me through my corporate journey to peers who stood by my side in entrepreneurship. These relationships have been mutually enriching, creating a spirit of collaboration that has moved me forward. Women like Alex Cattoni, Amy Eliza Wong, and Kelly Hopping are those powerhouse influences that I am consistently inspired by.
With Alex Cattoni, founder of The Copy Posse, a multi-7 figure copy coach, and YouTube sensation on a mission to “De-douchify the Internet with Badass Copy
Step Up And Embrace Your Ladyboss Mindset
Now is the time to step into your leadership roles with confidence and make a positive impact. Welcome your “Ladyboss” mindset with open arms and flip the ‘mean girl’ narrative. Yesterday was the best time to start. But today is the second best.
Sometimes Ladybossing looks like this, raising up a little ladyboss while working.
Remember that your story is POWERFUL. Share it. Own it. And let it inspire others to do the same.
In the words of the great Dr. Maya Angelou, “I am a woman, phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.” 💜
🚀 Ladies, let’s take your LinkedIn presence to the next level! 🚀
I’m thrilled to invite you to join me at the upcoming Austin Community VIRTUAL Event for The WIT Network
Maximizing LinkedIn: Creating Digital Influence and Supercharging Your Opportunities
In today’s world, your digital footprint is often your first impression. And what better platform to showcase your personal brand and create new opportunities than LinkedIn?
With over a billion members across 200+ countries, LinkedIn is the ultimate space for business professionals to shine, connect, and grow. During this event, we’ll dive deep into strategies that will help you stand out, attract new opportunities, and turn your digital presence into a magnet for success!
📅 Friday, October 18, 2024 ⏰ 1:30-2:30 p.m. Eastern Time | 12:30-1:30 p.m. Central Time
Ready to join us? 💪 Register now and let’s show the world what women in tech are made of! ➡️ Register Here