Women Leadership: You Weren’t Hired to Check a Box - Own Your Power & Lead Boldly

Feeling Like a DEI Hire? How to Own Your Seat at the Table with Confidence

Let’s get real. If you’re a high-achieving woman in finance or tech, you’ve likely walked into a boardroom or a meeting room and felt the unspoken question lingering in the air: Did she get this role because she’s good, or because she’s a “diversity hire”? It’s a gut punch, an invisible weight pressing against your credibility before you even speak.

You’ve earned your seat. But sometimes, the whispers (or outright dismissals) make it feel like you have to prove it - over and over again. And if you’ve ever questioned whether you belong, let me be the first to say: You do.

Navigating male-dominated spaces is exhausting. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to fight for a seat at the table - you are the table. Let’s talk about how to walk into every room with confidence, command respect, and advance without losing yourself in the process.

The Unseen Challenges of Women in Leadership

The DEI Doubt: Battling the “Token” Mindset

The landscape is changing. Companies are finally waking up to the fact that diverse leadership isn’t just a moral win - it’s a financial one. McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace report consistently shows that companies with more women in leadership outperform their peers. Yet, the frustrating reality remains: Many women still feel like they have to prove they weren’t just hired to check a box.

💡 What to do: Flip the narrative. Instead of seeing yourself as a “diversity hire,” recognize that you were chosen because of your unique perspective, skills, and experience. Your presence isn’t a favor - it’s a strategic move that benefits the organization.

The Double Standard Dilemma

A man who speaks up in a meeting is seen as assertive. A woman? “Too aggressive.” A man who takes risks is a visionary. A woman? “Reckless.” The reality is, women are still judged by a different (and often contradictory) set of standards.

💡 What to do: Call it out - strategically. If you’re interrupted in a meeting, reclaim your space: “I’d like to finish my thought.” If a male colleague repeats your idea louder and gets credit? “I’m glad you agree - that’s exactly what I just mentioned.” Keep it direct, professional, and unshakable.

The Myth of Meritocracy

Many women believe that if they just work harder, they’ll get noticed. But the truth? Performance alone won’t guarantee promotions - visibility will. Studies show that men are promoted based on potential, while women are promoted based on proof. That means if you’re quietly doing stellar work behind the scenes, you’re likely being overlooked.

💡 What to do: Advocate for yourself. Speak about your wins. Schedule regular check-ins with leadership to highlight your contributions. It’s not bragging - it’s ensuring your hard work gets the recognition it deserves.

Small But Powerful Shifts That Change the Game

1. Rewrite Your Inner Narrative

That voice in your head telling you that you’re not ready or that you don’t belong? It’s a liar. Combat imposter syndrome by documenting your wins - daily. Keep a “brag file” of your accomplishments, emails of praise, and projects you’ve nailed. When doubt creeps in, pull it up. Proof is powerful.

Curious if you're standing in your own way? Learn how to break free from self-doubt in my blog post Are You Your Own Worst Enemy?  - click to read the blog now!

2. Speak with Authority, Not Permission

Avoid qualifiers like “I think” or “I just wanted to say.” Instead of “Does that make sense?” try “Let me know if you have any questions.” Small shifts in language reshape how people perceive your expertise.

3. Build Your Inner Circle

Find allies - both men and women - who champion your growth. Join professional networks, mentorship programs, or mastermind groups like Phoenix Rising (yep, shameless plug - because it works). Having a trusted circle can accelerate your confidence and career trajectory.

4. Master the Art of Self-Promotion (Without Feeling Sleazy)

The trick? Shift the focus from you to impact. Instead of “I did this,” frame it as: “This project led to a 30% revenue increase” or “My strategy helped cut operational costs by 20%.” Facts speak louder than discomfort.

5. Create Work-Life Boundaries That Stick

Women in leadership often carry the additional burden of emotional labor - mentoring, DEI work, organizing team events - on top of their core responsibilities. It’s okay to say no. Protect your time like your success depends on it - because it does.

Struggling to set work-life boundaries without backlash or burnout? Discover how to establish clear, unshakable limits in my article on LinkedIn Building Boundaries to Thrive in High-Stakes Careers and reclaim your time.

Final Thoughts: Own Your Power, Rewrite the Rules

Brave one, the next time you walk into that room, remember this: You didn’t get there by accident. You’re not an outsider - you’re a leader shaping the future. Stop waiting for permission to take up space. The table is yours. Own it.

Further Reading & Resources

• Women Deliver: Advancing Women's Leadership
• Gates Foundation: Women in Leadership
• Harvard Business Review: Women Rising – The Unseen Barriers
• AAUW: Barriers & Bias – The Status of Women in Leadership

#WomenLeadership #WomenInBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerAdvancement #WomenInTech #DiversityInLeadership #WomenEmpowerment #FemaleExecutives #WorkplaceEquality #BreakingBarriers