Women, Courage and Leadership

Hear me roar! Imagine this data – there are more women in CEO roles called Julie, Karen and Michelle than there are men in CEO roles. What do you think? Does it matter? Who cares? It isn’t really an issue that my son isn’t sitting at the table or that there are limited opportunities today or in the future for him to sit at the table or in a leadership position? This isn’t about men versus women or any gender for that matter, it is about equality, equity and the power of the mix at the table and in leadership. We can all play a part in helping women and our future generations sit at the table, start businesses and be leaders.

This week I delivered the group coaching session for our new Outstanding Women in Leadership Program (OWL) and what a success! I see a key to more women at the table and this is only one element of it is empowering, educating and coaching women to get there and stay there.

Here are my greatest tips on Courage, Leadership and Habits (check out our NEW Leadership Habits Journal too!)….

Here are some tips for women in leadership positions:

1. Believe in yourself: Have confidence in your abilities and don’t let self-doubt hold you back. This is a MUST. You are beyond awesome and embrace it.
2. Communicate effectively: Be clear and concise in your communication. Listen actively and ask questions to ensure you understand others’ perspectives.
3. Build relationships: Develop strong relationships with colleagues, employees, and stakeholders. Networking and collaboration can be valuable in achieving your goals.
4. Embrace diversity: Embrace diversity and be open to different perspectives and ideas. This can help foster a more inclusive and innovative work environment.
5. Lead by example: Set a positive example for your team by displaying the behaviours and values you want to see in others.
6. Be resilient: Leadership can be challenging and sometimes requires perseverance. Develop a resilient mindset to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward. We can help here!
7. Continuously learn and develop: Seek out opportunities to learn and grow as a leader. This can help you stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing circumstances.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. As a woman leader, you have unique strengths and perspectives that can be valuable in your role. Embrace your individuality and lead with authenticity.

Learn more here!

Why Courage is a MUST for Women!

Courage is an essential quality for anyone, including women. Here are some tips for developing courage:

1. Face your fears: Courage isn’t about being fearless, but rather about facing your fears and moving forward despite them. Identify your fears and take steps to confront them.
2. Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally can help you build resilience and inner strength.
3. Surround yourself with supportive people: Seek out people who believe in you and will encourage you to take risks and pursue your goals.
4. Develop a growth mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. This can help you see setbacks as temporary and view failures as learning experiences.
5. Speak up: Use your voice to advocate for yourself and others. Don’t be afraid to speak up for what you believe in, even if it’s unpopular.
6. Set boundaries: Establish boundaries to protect your time, energy, and resources. This can help you prioritize your goals and stay focused on what’s important.
7. Take action: Courage requires action. Take small steps towards your goals, and over time, these small actions can add up to significant progress.

Remember that courage is a muscle that can be developed with practice. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t feel courageous all the time. Start with small steps and build your way up to bigger challenges.

Grab our NEW Leadership Habits Journal

Your Character is built from your Habits!

Here are some habits that women can develop to help them achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being:

1. Set goals: Define your goals and break them down into actionable steps. This can help you stay focused and motivated.
2. Prioritize self-care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Make time for activities that help you relax, recharge, and de-stress.
3. Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, into your daily routine. This can help you stay centered and present in the moment.
4. Develop a morning routine: Create a morning routine that sets you up for success. This could include exercise, journaling, or affirmations.
5. Learn something new: Make a habit of learning something new every day, whether it’s a new skill, a new language, or a new idea.
6. Build strong relationships: Prioritize building and maintaining strong relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you.
7. Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This can help shift your focus towards positivity and increase your overall happiness.

Remember, developing new habits takes time and effort. Start small and be consistent, and over time, these habits can have a significant impact on your life.

Until next week!

Stay Kind & Courageous, Sonia x

Author of Leadership Attitude, Just Rock It! and First Comes Courage

Keynote Speaker, Courage Crusader and Imperfect Founder

P.S. You got this!

By Sonia McDonald – CEO Of LeadershipHQ And Outstanding Leadership Awards, Leadership Coach, Global Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, CEO, Mum And Award Winning Author.

Sonia is passionate about her voice. When Sonia speaks, everyone in the room feels like she is having a conversation with them as her audience will feel as if they are the only one in the room. She speaks from the heart. She is brave. She wants everyone to be brave. She is an impactful and motivational leadership expert and speaker that creates a life-changing experience. People call Sonia sassy, inspirational, real and a speaker who leaves a lasting impression. Her high-energy, authenticity and humour combined with actionable and practical advice, empowers her audience and provides them with great drive and confidence to take courageous actions and inspire great leadership in all aspects of their lives.

Sonia also is founder of LeadershipHQ and McDonald Inc. and is also a renowned and award-winning author, having written several of her own books, Leadership Attitude, Just Rock It! and First Comes Courage as well as being a regular contributor in The Australian, HRD Magazine, Smart Healthy Women and Women’s Business Media. She was named as one of the Top 250 Influential Women in the world as well as Top 100 Australian Entrepreneurs by Richtopia.

Through her leadership advisory and coaching work at LeadershipHQ, and founding the Outstanding Leadership Awards, Sonia is internationally recognised as an expert in leadership and culture, organisational development, neuroscience, kindness, and courage.

Sonia is also a full-time single parent and has a passion for women in business and teenage mental health. Sonia travels and speaks across Australia and Globe, and she is on a mission to building a world of great leaders and leadership.