I walked out of a women’s business event this week.
Here’s why.
It was framed as a roundtable for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
Perfect, I thought — a chance to support new founders, build connections, and offer perspective.
Instead, I was met with this message:
“You’ll need to work 24/7. Probably keep a job on the side.
Be a wife, mom, caretaker, business owner.
Suck it up. Scream later. Stream roll to get what you want.”
That was her mantra — and her business pitch.
The room went silent.
Faces froze.
Even with 14 years in business, I felt myself withdraw.
Because I’ve heard that message before, as a younger woman, and I didn’t know enough to reject it then.
The idea that success requires burnout, that leadership must be loud, that sales must be aggressive…
It’s outdated.
It’s damaging.
And it’s not how I lead — or how I support others to lead.
Here’s what I believe:
✅ Your business should support your life — not consume it.
✅ Leadership can be relational, not ruthless.
✅ Success isn’t just about being the best. It’s about being aligned with your values.
If you're building a business to create freedom, impact, and connection — not just hustle and hierarchy — you’re not alone.
There’s a different way to do this. And many of us are already walking this path.
