Empowered Leadership: Coaching Women to Own Their Careers
Many women arrive at leadership roles feeling like they’ve snuck in the back door. Despite being qualified and experienced, imposter syndrome creeps in, undermining their confidence and holding them back from fully stepping into their power. The truth is, there’s no magic invitation to the leadership table. You don’t need permission to take a seat—you need a mindset shift. And that’s where women in leadership coaching becomes transformational.
From Finance Executive to Empowerment Coach
Cecile Peterkin knows what it’s like to pivot. After a successful corporate career in finance and a seat on the executive team, she faced a turning point when her company was acquired. Rather than staying in a structure that didn’t align with her values, she chose a new path: one rooted in purpose, potential, and people.
She launched a coaching practice focused on career and leadership development. Over the years, she noticed a pattern: Women leaders, no matter how talented, were consistently second-guessing themselves. Men would dive in, trusting they could figure things out. Women wanted to be 110% ready before taking the leap.
This realization led Cecile to shift her focus. Today, she coaches women to embrace their value, speak up with authority, and own their leadership journey.
Why Women Hold Back
There’s a tendency among many women to wait for recognition—to be invited in. They believe they must master the entire alphabet before raising their hand. Cecile explains that it’s not just about professional experience—it’s often deeply rooted in upbringing and social conditioning.
Many women were raised to be cautious, to be nice, to avoid risk. This carries into the workplace, where they hesitate to speak up or apply for higher roles unless they meet every qualification.
But growth doesn’t happen from the sidelines. It happens when you take initiative, ask for the opportunity, and trust your voice.
Confidence Begins With Clarity
Cecile’s coaching begins with self-discovery. Most people don’t really know who they are—what drives them, what they value, how they want to show up.
Through assessments and reflective exercises, clients explore their values, motivations, and leadership style. This foundation helps them:
Set meaningful career goals
Advocate for their needs
Communicate with authenticity
Lead with purpose, not fear
She encourages women to stop seeking external validation and start defining success on their own terms.
Helping New Managers Find Their Voice
Many of Cecile’s clients are new or emerging managers who were promoted because they excelled as individual contributors. Suddenly, they find themselves leading former peers and navigating team dynamics with little to no training.
The imposter syndrome kicks in fast. They feel pressure to prove themselves and often avoid necessary conversations out of fear. Cecile helps them:
Shift from doing the work to leading people
Understand the power of open communication
Build relationships rooted in respect and trust
Develop confidence in handling feedback and conflict
One of her favorite strategies is encouraging new managers to hold one-on-one meetings with each team member. She teaches them to ask, “What do you expect from a manager?” and then share their own expectations in return. This simple but powerful practice sets the tone for mutual respect and alignment.
Working Through Fear With Curiosity
Fear is part of leadership. Whether it’s fear of failure, being judged, or making the wrong call, it can be paralyzing. Cecile helps clients reframe fear not as a sign to stop, but as a signal to go deeper.
She opens the door to conversation: “What are you afraid of? Where is that fear coming from?” These discussions often reveal beliefs rooted in childhood, culture, or past work experiences. Once clients see the source of their fear, they can choose a new narrative.
She reminds them: mistakes aren’t the enemy. Growth happens when we’re willing to be imperfect.
The Power of Relationships in Leadership
Cecile is a strong advocate for relationship-based leadership. She teaches that influence doesn’t come from authority—it comes from connection.
Managers who build rapport, show genuine interest, and understand their team members’ values create stronger teams. Whether it’s asking about someone’s weekend or helping them navigate personal challenges, these small acts of care lead to big results.
When people feel seen and supported, they show up fully. They perform better. They trust their leaders.
Respect Is the Starting Point
Many people believe respect must be earned. Cecile believes the opposite: respect should be given from the start. Whether someone is a new hire or a seasoned executive, respect creates the foundation for productive, human-centered workplaces.
As a manager, when you lead with respect, your team reciprocates. They listen. They contribute. They trust your guidance.
Making the Leap Into Executive Leadership
For women ready to step into the executive suite, Cecile offers targeted support. Her strategy? Start showing up like you belong there—before you’re officially invited.
She encourages clients to:
Build relationships with decision-makers
Volunteer for strategic projects
Ask to attend executive meetings
Share thoughtful insights with confidence
Success at the top requires visibility. And that starts with raising your hand and using your voice.
Letting Go of the Labels
One of the most powerful shifts Cecile helps her clients make is letting go of societal labels and expectations. You don’t have to fit a mold. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be real.
Leadership isn’t about pretending to have it all together. It’s about owning your story, speaking your truth, and leading with presence.
Final Thoughts: Say It Like You Mean It
Cecile’s advice for women in leadership is simple, but powerful:
Know who you are.
Stand in your truth.
Speak with clarity and intention.
The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be present.
With the right mindset and the support of women in leadership coaching, you can stop waiting and start leading—your way.
