As a female founder, you’ve broken the mold. You took the leap of faith, swapped the comfort of the conventional for the thrill and challenge of building something of your own. You didn’t do this to play it safe, did you? Yet, too often, I hear women downplaying their ambitions. It’s time to ditch the apologies and embrace the MORE we deserve. After all, we took the road less traveled for more fulfillment, more money, more freedom, and of course, a lot more well-deserved champagne along the way. Go ahead! Admit what you really want out loud — it’ll do you some good ?
Why is there still hesitation around wanting more? Sometimes it’s internal—we second-guess ourselves. Other times, the pressure comes from a world not quite used to women owning their ambition. But here’s the thing: authentic success comes from alignment with our core values. Unlike buzzwords plastered on generic corporate walls, your core values are the fire that fuels your business and your life.
As female founders, we often add incredible dimensions to our core values. Many of us want to build companies that give back, that prioritize diverse leadership, and that create opportunities for other women to rise. Businesses don’t exist in a vacuum. If your core values include compassion, community, or sustainability, infusing that into your brand is not only ethical, but also brilliant business. Customers are drawn to companies that share their ideals.
Our core values are our North Star, our guiding light in the tough moments. When overwhelmed by investor pitches, hiring challenges, or market fluctuations, it’s the beliefs we hold deeply that give us the grit to keep pushing forward. Don’t just chase after profits or growth – ask yourself: does this align with the kind of leader I want to be and the legacy I want to leave?
Uncovering a genuine overlap between your business and your core values is like unlocking a superpower. It energizes everything you do! So how do you pinpoint those magical values?
- Self-awareness is Queen: Reflect on what drives and motivates you. When have you felt most proud of your work? Conversely, what type of tasks or environments make you want to crawl under a desk? The answers are clues to your core values.
- Look Back to Look Forward: Review the catalyst that led you to start your business in the first place. Was it a deep desire for more flexibility? A need to solve a problem no one else was addressing. That initial spark is often rooted in your values.
- Actions Speak Louder: Where do you spend time, money, or energy beyond the bare bones of your business? Supporting fellow women entrepreneurs, mentoring, or volunteering can reveal what you inherently value.
It’s okay if your core values evolve along with your business. It’s actually a healthy sign of growth. But never compromise them for the sake of fitting in. That’s the path to burnout, not the bottle-popping victories you deserve!
And speaking of victories… don’t shrink your desires. Want a global brand? A team that feels like family? To retire early and mentor the next generation? Say it loudly! The universe has a funny way of responding to unapologetic boldness. Surround yourself with people who champion your growth goals, not those who subtly try to minimize them.
We are in an era we can redefine success on our own terms. It doesn’t have to mean hustle for the sake of hustle or sacrificing our wellbeing for some distant finish line. It’s about building businesses that ignite our passion, reflect our values, and make us damn proud of the empires we’ve created. So, raise a glass to yourself – cheers to wanting more, and having the unstoppable drive to achieve it.
xoxo, Kat
