Challenging Women to Be Brave

In honour of the theme for International Women’s Day 2021, I have asked some of the amazing people in my network what ideas they choose to challenge. The amazing (and very brave) Nicci Stewart would like to challenge women to be brave.

These are Nicci’s answers to some of the questions I posed.

Name & Passion

Nicci Stewart is the owner and founder of The Why Effect. Nicci is passionate about growing women-owned businesses and female entrepreneurship. With a background in Communications and an inspirational (multiple) TEDx speaker, Nicci is passionate about what she has to say.

What is the idea you would like to challenge

My message on International Women’s Day is simple: Be Brave. This is a mantra I do my best to follow every day. I chose this challenge because I believe the world needs more heroes. Women suffer disproportionality from impostor syndrome. We downplay our skills, experience, and talents. There are many reasons for this – that’s another conversation for another day.

Do things that scare you. Even if they’re only small. It’s a good start. Remember: bravery is not the absence of fear, it’s doing something in spite of fear.

Why do you think this needs to be challenged?

I have many conversations with many women who are frustrated and unhappy with their circumstances. For the purposes of this article, I’ll focus specifically on work and earning a living. So many women I meet dream of starting their own companies. They want to earn more money, apply for a better job, etc. However, something holds them back. And yes, there often are external factors. But I want to challenge every woman out there to Be Brave and do something even though you’re scared. Even if you might fail. Have that difficult conversation. Apply for that job. Ask for that increase or make that sales call. Start that business.

What would you like to achieve by challenging this

I want to achieve giving women the courage to empower themselves. There are so many things and situations that are beyond our control. But this is something that we can control. Let’s control it! Let it never be said that we weren’t Brave. That we didn’t at least try.

What do you think is still keeping women from achieving in 2021?

I believe that the amount of societal pressure that is put on women often stops us from even trying. Women are judged to a different set of standards. Unfortunately, sometimes even by each other. Women also experience a disproportionate amount of responsibility outside of work. This makes many of us more risk-averse than our male counterparts. It also makes many women time-poor. I believe COVID has exacerbated this issue in so many households.

How would we best approach this challenge?

The first step is to get support. Imposter syndrome is real. Feeling insecure about your abilities is real. Get help! Help might come in the form of a trusted friend or mentor who can support and guide you through difficult decisions. It could be a life or business coach. It might even need to be a therapist. But reach out for help. Never underestimate the value of support.

Boundaries are essential for a brave existence. Be more intentional about sharing the load at home. You don’t need to be superwoman and do everything. Be honest and open about what you’re capable of doing and where you need help. This load can be shared. And it should be.

How would we best overcome the challenge of how women see themselves?

Do unto others as you’d have done to you. Yes, this is an old cliché but it always feels true and still resonates with me. I don’t like being judged but I judge others. I don’t like being gossiped about, but I gossip about others. We can break the cycle of judgement, of bitchiness, of gossip. We can create a new cycle in which we uplift and support each other. You can’t gossip if there’s no one to gossip too. Let’s give every woman we meet the space to Be Brave. The space to succeed. The space to fail. With so many things beyond our control, this is yet another thing we can control.

Be Brave.

Nicci launched her inspirational program, The COO Toolkit is the COO every CEO needs. The COO Toolkit is designed for business owners who need to get the right structures and systems in place to achieve their vision and big dreams for their businesses. It is a system of existing frameworks combined with my 20-plus years of experience in business, both my own and other people’s.

Nicci is also a celebrated TEDx speaker for both TEDxFrome and TEDxTUWien (back in the days of in-person events.

At Instinctive Living, we love to create opportunities for people to have their voice heard. That’s why this year’s International Women’s Day theme (#ChooseToChallenge) has got us so excited. There is just so much in society that we as people can challenge. Whether female or male, please join me in my #ChooseToChallenge mission.