Empowering Leaders. Amplifying Impact. Connecting change-makers.

40 plus women are the new entrepreneurial superpower

As women reach their prime years, they often face unique challenges, and one of the most significant obstacles they encounter is ageism. Despite their qualifications and experience, women aged 35-55 usually need help breaking through the glass ceiling and advancing into leadership positions and roles with more meaning. They feel they need help making a power move without losing everything they have worked hard to create.

In my early forties, I felt stuck in a brand communications business I had created and built over two decades. I had a global network and partnerships with incredible brands, thought leaders, and celebrities, which I highly valued. Yet something didn’t feel right as I no longer had the passion and purpose I had relied on to fuel my career, and it began to feel like Groundhog Day. We were a small business with marquee clients, and they used this as a weapon to not pay on time because they believed we needed their ‘brand name’ to continue our growth in an industry that relied on being associated with people at the top of their game. It’s the same if you are a female leader in a corporation – most companies devalue your worth, and it’s called the gender pay gap – yep, that’s another post or story.

For two decades, I accepted this big business approach because it built my brand and my reputation, and quite frankly, I wasn’t sure what the other option could be. Then, when I was 44, I decided I didn’t need these brands or people to stand in my power. I no longer wanted to watch my clients drink champagne, order overpriced meals, and push my team to its limit with overtime requests. There had to be a way to reframe what I had learned and build it into a new business fuelled by heart, not ego; human connection with purpose and the ability to allow others to tap into my key learnings and become their success story and I was right.

I shut down a successful business and started again.

It felt good, and it felt right.

I now empower other highly skilled women to build businesses and brands that make a difference AND where people pay them on time because they value their products and services.

With the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome ageism and achieve your ultimate career by surrounding yourself with the right people and a healthy dose of self-belief.

Here are some tips to help you navigate challenges and become a successful leader:

1. Believe in yourself

You have worked hard to get where you are and have the skills and experience necessary to succeed. Don’t let negative self-talk or other people’s opinions hold you back. Trust in your abilities and be confident in your decisions.

2. Develop your networking skills

This can challenge women uncomfortable with self-promotion or feeling like they don’t fit in. When you own the power of your story, you will stand in your power. You can start identifying people you admire and respect in your industry to reach out to for coffee dates, where you can build relationships that align with who you are and your desired outcome. Use my 5-point story framework to understand the power of what you have to offer and give.

3. Find a mentor

Having a mentor can be a game-changer for women who are facing a challenge – I have leaned in and hired many. I now mentor female leaders and provide guidance, support, and advice on navigating challenges and building a career they love.
Book a virtual coffee date with me to learn more.

Most importantly, back yourself and your dreams. Refrain from being held back by people who do not value who you are and what you stand for. I call these people energy vampires as they suck the life out of you and hold you to ransom – only if you let them. The trick is to know your worth and solidify it with pride, dignity, and grace. Wake up loving what you do with passion and purpose.

Want to learn more about how I started again?
Join our next Business Attraction Program at 10 am AEST on 1 May 2024.

Much love,

TORY xoxo