When we think about courage in our careers, we often picture big moments: the job interview, the promotion pitch, the leap into something new. But the real bravery often comes before any of that - when you quietly ask yourself:

For many women, that’s the hardest part because stepping into leadership isn’t just about skills or experience (although those matter too). It’s about identity, belief, clarity, and most of all, courage.

If you’ve ever hesitated to call yourself a leader, even after years of working hard, supporting others, and showing up with excellence - know that you’re not alone.

Here’s what I often hear from the women I coach:

– “I’m not qualified enough.”

– “I’m not confident enough.”

– “I don’t think I am capable.”

– “What if I get found out?”

None of these mean you’re not capable. They just mean you’ve been conditioned, by workplaces, culture, and sometimes your own inner critic, to doubt yourself and that’s exactly where career courage begins.

If you’re struggling to take that first step or even say “I want to lead” out loud this is where working with a coach can be a game changer.

I work with so many brilliant women who are right on the edge of something big.

They don’t need someone to tell them what to do - they need someone to hold the mirror up, ask the right questions, and help them back themselves fully.

That’s where the courage comes in…so you can say “I’m ready to explore this and I’m ready to get support to do it properly.”

If you believed, deep down, that you had everything it takes to be a powerful, thoughtful, impactful leader, what would you do next?

Would you apply for something? Speak up? Ask for mentorship? Hire a coach?

Now: what’s stopping you?Whatever your next move is, know this you don’t need to wait until you feel perfectly confident to get started. You just need enough courage to take the first step.