Glenn Close, winner of Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, brought the audience to their feet with her acceptance speech, “We [women] have to find personal fulfillment. We have to follow our dreams. We have to say, I can do that and I should be allowed to do that.”

Lady Gaga, winner for Best Original Song, “I just have to say, as a woman in music, it is really hard to be taken seriously as a musician and songwriter…These three incredible men have lifted me up and supported me.”

Three-time nominated actress Regina King won her first Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. In her moving acceptance speech, Regina reinforced the importance of diversity and representation and pledged that everything she produces in the next two years will be “50 percent women”.

She turned the spotlight on “anyone in a position of power in any Industry” and challenged “to stand with us in solidarity and do the same…I challenge you to challenge yourself.”

What are you doing to challenge yourself?

Now that 2019 has begun, what are you doing to challenge yourself personally?  What plans have you made to continue to navigate your career with political savvy and intention so that you don’t allow others to define you?  Men, how do you intentionally lift up and support incredible women around you?

As an executive coach for over twenty years, I have met many amazingly strong, talented, and capable women.  However, self-limiting beliefs often get in the way of them asking for what they want. Granted, all of us regardless of gender, to a certain extent can be subject to self-limiting beliefs, but far too many women shy away from the spotlight when they deserve to be on the red carpet!

Is your self-talk self-destructive?

What is your self-talk saying to you?  If you answer yes to any of these statements, step back and challenge yourself to ask “Why?”

True or False:

	Do you believe that most people are more confident than you and wish you could be just as strong and self-assured?
	Are you uncomfortable asking for what you want?
	Are you hesitant about asking for a promotion, because you have a tendency to minimize your achievements?
	Are you reluctant to seize opportunities for self-promotion, because you believe you aren’t good at it or don’t know how to do it?
	Are you holding yourself back from expressing your unique and exciting ideas, because you worry about not being the subject matter expert?
	Do you shy away from the spotlight, because you’re concerned about exposing your own flaws and imperfections?

If you’re female, these limitations, which are not as common with men as they are with women, may sound all too familiar. They may overwhelm, distract, and discourage you. While not all of my female clients fall into the above obstacles, I oftentimes find myself having to challenge many to move beyond their comfort zone to adopt a stronger voice and ask “Why not me?”

Unencumbered by the above limitations, men seem to enjoy the benefits of having a significantly different outlook than women, especially in how they self-promote, define and pursue success. We know through research that men are typically more motivated by power; women are more motivated by affiliation – the desire for warm relationships with others.  These differences explain why men are more apt to engage in dominant behaviors, to initiate negotiations, and to self-select into competitive environments—behaviors likely to facilitate professional advancement.

Do you wonder what’s holding you back?

Possessing female motivations doesn’t have to define how far you go. You can adjust. You can focus on achievements and the obstacles to overcome, rather than limitations. It will require that you find your voice, become your best PR person, and proudly celebrate your unique abilities.

Surround yourself with champions and sponsors within your company who can offer you encouragement – those who “lift and support you”. Along the way, shine the light on those who do this for you – especially if they are men who can set the example for other men.

Are you ready to invest in your future success?

To make sure that change for the better comes to you, you must elevate your leadership and visibility quotient. But…YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO IT ALONE!

Learn the skills to showcase your remarkable brand at our upcoming Art of WOW Conference®. For women only, this two-day program on February 26-27 guides you to identify opportunities for success and to enhance your power and status within your organization. Sign up today to close the gender gap, project your unique persona, be a compelling communicator, command more respect and attention, and feel more balanced. Discover your “personal fulfillment” and the courage to say “I can do that!”

Or “Why not me!”

Looking forward to seeing you—at WOW!

Best,

Roz