Written by Megan Winkler, Business Coach for Creatives
Megan Winkler, MBA, is a business coach for creatives, merging Divine Masculine business strategies with Divine Feminine intuition and flow. She's the author of the upcoming book, Breaking Up With Burnout.
Who else is tired of articles endlessly listing the challenges women face in business? I mean, we get it. When I first sat down to write this article, I titled it “5 Challenges for Women in Business,” and you know what? My motivation to write disappeared.
The problem? We’re so hyper-focused on the challenges that solutions often get lost in the noise. So, let’s shift the narrative and talk about what we can actively do as women in business—whether you’re a business owner or working for someone else.
Get ready to feel empowered!
1. Set boundaries
Between career goals, personal responsibilities, soccer practices, vet appointments, groceries, and endless to-dos, many women find themselves juggling far too much.
The fix? Boundaries. While it’s become a bit of a buzzword, the essence of boundaries is incredibly powerful. As Nedra Glover Tawwab explains in Set Boundaries, Find Peace, “A boundary is a cue to others about how to treat you.”
Setting boundaries might feel tough at first, but it’s one of the most impactful forms of self-care you can practice. Whether it’s saying “no” to something that doesn’t serve you or delegating tasks, boundaries create the space you need to focus on what truly matters—to you.
2. Document your wins
Imposter syndrome is real, affecting an estimated 75% of women in leadership positions (KPMG, 2019). The result is many women hold back from chasing big opportunities, underprice their services, or get caught in endless comparison traps.
While imposter syndrome is a challenge that can take years to overcome, start documenting your wins. Our brains are naturally wired to notice threats, not successes. So, give your brain a boost by keeping a running list of wins—big or small. Over time, you’ll rewire your thinking and build a stronger belief in your abilities. And pretty soon, the imposter syndrome you have around your work will fade into the background.
3. Lean on your support system
Feeling like you’re “always on” is a fast track to burnout. From solving shipping issues to addressing team concerns and brainstorming your next big idea, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing it all. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to.
Start prioritizing your support system—professionally and personally. This could mean delegating tasks, outsourcing responsibilities, or even embracing conveniences like grocery pickup. (Seriously, it’s a game-changer!)
Ask yourself: Who can I lean on to create more balance in my life?
4. Speak up
The uphill race women face in business isn’t exactly new, but here’s the good news: Your voice has power.
Speaking up for yourself and other women helps challenge stereotypes and shift the narrative in your workplace or community. Whether it’s confidently pitching your ideas, addressing biases, or advocating for fair treatment, these small acts can create ripples of change.
Plus, when you speak up, you inspire others to do the same.
5. Celebrate your business success
It’s one thing to document your wins; it’s another to celebrate them! Whether it’s nailing a client proposal or hitting a personal milestone, share your victories.
Self-promotion can feel awkward at first, but over time, it becomes a fun way to connect with others. And here’s the best part: Celebrating your wins gives other women permission to celebrate theirs.
Success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s also about inspiring others along the way.
The bottom line
The road for women in business isn’t always smooth, but focusing on solutions rather than struggles changes the game. So, what will you do today to thrive in your business?
Read more from Megan Winkler
Megan Winkler, Business Coach for Creatives
Megan Winkler, MBA, believes in doing business differently. With an MBA and 15+ years of business ownership experience plus extensive training in energy healing modalities, Megan helps her clients create business plans, marketing sprints, and sales strategies that honor their strengths, natural talents, and unique value offerings to create thriving businesses that help change the world for the better.
Sources:
Tawwab, N. G. (2021). Set boundaries, find peace: A guide to reclaiming yourself. TarcherPerigee, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
KPMG. (2019). Advancing the Future of Women in Business: A Global Survey of Female Leaders. Retrieved here.
