Women in Leadership: Finding Your Stride

Mar 10

Women in leadership are reshaping industries, driving innovation, and setting new standards for excellence. Standing out in leadership isn’t just about competence but confidence, visibility, and executive presence. From coaching high-achieving women for almost two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how small but strategic shifts in mindset and approach can have a profound impact.

Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time or striving to amplify your influence at the executive level, here’s how you can own the room with authenticity and power.

The Unique Challenges Women Leaders Face

Women in leadership often face obstacles that their male counterparts may not encounter as frequently. These include:

The Double Bind
Women are often expected to be assertive to lead effectively, but when they do, they are frequently perceived as "too aggressive" or "unlikable." Finding a balance between projecting confidence and maintaining warmth is a delicate challenge but crucial for leadership success.
Being Talked Over or Overlooked
Studies have shown that women are more likely to be interrupted in meetings and less likely to have their ideas acknowledged or credited. This can undermine their influence and presence in the workplace.
Imposter Syndrome
Even high-achieving women often struggle with self-doubt, wondering if they truly belong or need to constantly prove their worth, despite their qualifications and accomplishments.
Lack of Representation and Sponsorship
With fewer women in top leadership roles, there is often a shortage of mentors and sponsors who can advocate for their growth and open doors for career advancement.

While these barriers are real, they are not insurmountable. The key is to develop strategies that allow you to project confidence, own your space, and command respect in any room.

How to Develop Your Executive Presence and "Find Your Stride"

Executive presence isn’t about mimicking someone else’s leadership style—it’s about showing up as your most powerful, authentic self. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Master Your Body Language

Your presence speaks before you say a word. To project confidence:

Stand tall with your shoulders back and chin up. Good posture naturally exudes authority and signals that you are in control of the situation.
Own your space. Avoid shrinking by crossing your arms, fidgeting, or looking down. Instead, take up space with your posture and movement to project confidence and strength.
Make eye contact. Good eye contact signals confidence and ensures others see you as a serious leader. It also fosters trust and connection.
Use intentional gestures. Purposefully gesturing can emphasize key points, but avoid overusing them. Subtle, intentional movements can reinforce your message and make you more persuasive.

2. Develop a Strong, Steady Voice

Women’s voices are often socialized to sound less assured, using phrases like “I think” or “maybe,” which can weaken their impact. Instead:

Drop the qualifiers. Eliminate phrases like "I think" or "maybe" and replace them with direct and confident statements, such as “This is the best approach” or “This is how we can move forward.”
Lower vocal fry and up-speak. Speak with a steady, deliberate pace, and ensure your tone ends on a firm note—rather than trailing off or upwards like a question. This creates the impression that you are confident in your words.
Use pauses strategically. Don’t be afraid to pause after important points. A well-timed pause can create a sense of gravitas, command attention, and allow your words to resonate.

3. Speak with Authority

To ensure your voice is heard and respected, you need to speak with authority and assertiveness:

Be the first to speak. Starting the conversation or making your point early in a meeting can set the tone for how others perceive your leadership and establish you as a confident, influential voice.
Use concise, assertive language. Speak with clarity and precision. Avoid overexplaining or apologizing for taking up space. Be direct and confident in your communication.
Redirect interruptions. If someone speaks over you, calmly but firmly assert your space by saying something like, “I’d like to finish my thought.” This will show that you value your input and won’t allow others to dominate the conversation.

4. Build Your Personal Brand and Visibility

Executive presence goes beyond just how you act in meetings—it also involves how you are perceived across your organization and industry.

Advocate for yourself. Take the time to track and communicate your achievements. Make sure others know what you’ve accomplished, whether through regular updates to your boss or sharing your successes during team meetings.
Seek speaking opportunities. Volunteer to present at meetings, lead discussions, or contribute your insights. The more you share your expertise and ideas, the more visible and valuable you become to your organization.
Leverage LinkedIn and thought leadership. Share your perspectives, expertise, and thought leadership on platforms like LinkedIn. Regularly contributing to discussions or writing articles can elevate your credibility and position you as an authority in your field.

5. Build a Powerful Network of Advocates

Having a strong network is essential for advancing in leadership. It’s not just about mentors but also advocates who can help elevate you.

Find sponsors, not just mentors. Mentors provide valuable guidance, but sponsors actively advocate for your career. These people will mention your name in rooms where you aren’t present and open doors for you.
Form a network of peers. Building relationships with other high-achieving women creates a powerful support system. By helping one another, you build a network of shared strength, and the support you give will often return to you in ways that benefit your career.
Ask for what you want. Whether you’re seeking a promotion, leadership role, or a new project, make sure your ambitions are clear to the right people. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—actively seek them out.

6. Reframe Self-Doubt and Own Your Worth

Many women struggle with imposter syndrome, questioning whether they truly deserve their achievements. Combat this by reframing your self-doubt:

Recognize your accomplishments. Keep a “win” journal where you track your successes, both big and small. Reviewing these victories regularly, especially before bed, can help you maintain a positive and empowered mindset.
Reframe imposter syndrome. Remind yourself that you belong in the room. Your qualifications and experience are valuable, and you earned your place.
Adopt a growth mindset. See every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, approach them as learning experiences that can make you a stronger leader in the future.

Owning the Room as Women in Leadership

Owning the room isn’t about being the loudest—it’s about showing up with confidence, clarity, and conviction. By cultivating executive presence, advocating for ourselves, and supporting one another, we are paving the way for future generations of women to reshape the leadership landscape.

The next time you walk into a meeting, a boardroom, or a high-stakes conversation, own your voice, presence, and the room. The world needs more women leading with strength and authenticity.

What’s one small shift you can make today to own your leadership presence?

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At LAeRRICO & Partners, we believe in empowering women leaders to amplify their impact and unlock their full potential. If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, connect with us today. We can help you thrive in your leadership role. Contact us to start the conversation.

Onalee Smith