The Weight of the Cape: Leading with Strength and Authenticity
In moments of crisis, women leaders are often expected to wear invisible capes, calm under pressure, decisive in action, and endlessly strong. But what happens when the cape feels too heavy? Being a female leader sets us apart from your typical leadership narrative. When a woman manages her emotions in a crisis, she is sometimes seen as cold. When she’s direct in making critical decisions, she’s often labeled as difficult. This double standard weighs heavily, and it’s one many women leaders grapple with daily.
Regardless of how we arrived at our leadership roles, whether through the gender we were born with or the gender we have chosen, what truly matters is that we are seen for who we are, not judged by our gender. We bring unique strengths, perspectives, and challenges to the table, and those differences deserve acknowledgment without bias.
I often find myself pausing in moments of decision, questioning how others might perceive me. Is this hesitation driven by a difficult situation, personal crises that cloud my self-awareness, or the strength I summon to appear confident when I’m quietly terrified inside? Leadership demands a constant awareness of tone, posture, and presence. And while we strive for perfection, there are times when we feel overwhelmed, longing for a chance to recharge and simply be ourselves.
At the end of the workday, for many women, the responsibilities don’t end, they just shift. We move from professional challenges to personal ones, juggling family decisions, supporting loved ones, and navigating the complexities of relationships. For years, I felt trapped in the cycle of trying to be superwoman, attempting to fulfill everyone’s expectations at the cost of my own well-being. The guilt of not always being present for my children, spouse, or even myself loomed large. It felt like being stuck on a hamster wheel, endlessly running but never truly moving forward.
It wasn’t until my recent divorce and my children becoming independent that I finally found the space to focus on my goals. Solitude offered me clarity and allowed me to be strategic in executing my plans. For the first time, I could pursue my passions guilt-free, unburdened by the constant pull of others’ expectations. Yet, even now, there are moments when the emotions come flooding in, when the pressure, the fear, and the self-doubt feel insurmountable. Writing has become my outlet, a way to process and release emotions that spoken words cannot convey. It’s a reminder that strength doesn’t mean suppressing emotions but embracing and channeling them in positive ways.
These lessons aren’t just personal; they shape how I lead and support others. Recently, I had the privilege of working with a customer to help their department utilize Microsoft Office 365 to better manage strategic organizational goals and leverage AI for efficiency. Change, especially when it involves new technology, can feel overwhelming. Coaching customers through their initial frustrations and guiding them to see the transformative power of AI is deeply rewarding. Those moments of realization, when they overcome the fear of change and embrace new possibilities, highlight what makes our organization different. We don’t just deliver solutions; we work alongside our customers, coaching them through the emotions of change and celebrating their breakthroughs.
These experiences, both personal and professional, fuel my passion for helping others. Whether it’s building healthier teams, coaching students to see the possibilities in their futures, or supporting customers in achieving their goals, this work energizes me. Even on the hardest days, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, a customer’s success, a team member’s gratitude, or a small win that reminds me why I do what I do.
Trying to be superwoman comes at a cost. It requires sacrifices, commitment, and the resilience to push forward despite the hurdles. But it also brings incredible rewards, the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference, the joy of seeing lives transformed, and the fulfillment of living authentically.
To all the women striving to balance it all: you don’t need a cape to be a hero. Embrace your unique journey, let go of guilt, and celebrate your wins, both big and small. Life may be full of challenges, but we get to choose how we live it. I choose to be unapologetically me, loving who I am, leading with authenticity, and building a future that reflects my values. That, to me, is what being a superwoman is all about.
Ready to Transform Your Workplace with Microsoft Office 365 and AI?
Is your organization ready to unlock new levels of productivity and efficiency? Our expert-led training programs are designed to help your team master Microsoft Office 365 and harness the power of AI to streamline processes and achieve strategic goals.
💡 Empower Your Team: Build healthy, collaborative, and productive teams with personalized coaching tailored to your organizations needs.
🚀 Leverage AI: Discover how AI tools can support decision-making, automate repetitive tasks, and drive innovation in your workplace.
Don't just adapt to change thrive in it. Lets work together to create a workplace culture that embraces technology and delivers measurable results.
Click here to connect with us and start building a stronger, more productive team today!