Decoding Draupadi’s Post

"You are a woman; you shouldn’t say no." How often have you heard this phrase? Maybe not always in these exact words, but the message is clear: society expects women to say “yes” every time. → Why? - Cultural Expectations: Women are taught to be accommodating and nurturing from a young age. Saying “yes” feels like fulfilling a role that’s been prescribed for us. - Fear of Judgment: Saying “no” often brings fear of being labelled as difficult, uncooperative, or worse—selfish. - Proving Our Worth: Many women feel they must overcommit to prove their competence, especially in male-dominated environments. But here’s the truth: Saying ‘yes’ too often can hold you back. It’s time to say NO. So, here’s my challenge to you: Think about one thing you can say NO to this week. Maybe it's that extra project, a low-priority meeting, or even the internal voice that says you need to be everything for everyone. Saying “No” is not weakness; it’s wisdom. #leader #women #ironlady #sayno

Have you ever noticed that as women climb the ranks, break through glass ceilings and create their own success stories, they have a way of taking on the looks, habits, and strengths of, well, MEN? I think Hilary Clinton did this particularly well during her run for presidency–or particularly poorly, depending how you look at it. Male success has been the standard we're used to seeing, comparing ourselves to, living "up" to. But feminine leadership, empowerment, success... it's SUPPOSED to look different. What qualities do you think a feminine leader embodies? How can women show up in a way that is equally or MORE effective than the ways we are used to men leading our government, businesses, households? NO OFFENCE, men. Or anyone else, for that matter. I just... want to lead and succeed as a WOMAN. Not some imitation of a man. 'Cause lets face it... we have enough of that going on as it is. #femalesinpower #femaleleadership #feminineleadership #feminineempowerment #womenincharge #equalopportunity #authenticleadership #womenstandup #tendandbefriend #femaletherapists #mentalhealthmatters #reclaimingourworld #yourhealinghealsthewhole #healplanetearth #talkwithtessa #demystifytherapy A note on the binary language of this post: let's consider "women" and "men" to be two ends of a long and lovely spectrum, with everything welcome in between. However you identify, I'm talking about embracing the end of the spectrum that's been held down, and has swung up like a teetertotter so high we're all off balance again. Thoughts and feedback welcome!

How Women Are Transforming Their Careers In Their 50s, 60s and 70s Everyone has a story to tell… Sharing your journey is about making an impact in the world by staying true to who you are. Whether you’re an artist or a scientist, the message is often the same—empower yourself by living through your truth. For women who entered the workforce in the '70s, '80s, and '90s, this journey hasn’t been easy. As my friend, Viveka von Rosen, says... “Women had to don Teflon suits and become mini-men to survive and thrive in male-dominated industries.” Even in the face of poor odds, these same women broke through glass ceilings, mentored others, and became thought leaders. Yet, as life moves on, the suit no longer fits or yields the same impact and… …these same women are yearning for more authentic connections. Spaces where your voices are heard and your wisdom is valued. This isn’t just about changing careers or roles; …it’s about a deeper transition—a morphing into who we were always meant to be. It’s about finally allowing the feminine to shine through and embracing the power that comes with it. To the women who feel aged out but know they still have so much to give, your journey isn’t over. It’s just beginning. Check out this recent interview I did with Viveka and let’s talk about how you can embrace this new chapter together. #WomenInLeadership  #Authenticity  #CareerTransitions  #Empowerment  #LeadershipDevelopment

🟢 “Superior or Equal?” A Timeless Debate 🟢 The image of William Golding with the thought-provoking quote grabbed my attention today: “I think women are foolish to pretend they are equal to men, they are far superior and always have been.” This statement hit differently! 🌟 It challenges a narrative we’ve been hearing for years. We’ve fought for equality, but what if we’ve always been holding more power than we realize? 💼 Real-life reflection: When I was working in a high-stakes role, balancing everything between home, work, and the demands of running a business was draining. I constantly thought about what “balance” means. But then I asked myself—who else could handle this juggle with grace? Women have always been extraordinary in managing multiple priorities, yet we often feel the need to prove our worth. Golding’s quote reminds me of something I’ve known all along. Women don’t need validation or equality. We are already more than capable; we’ve been at the forefront of survival and success—just unrecognized. 🚀 🔑 Let’s flip the narrative: Instead of fighting to prove equality, we should acknowledge the value we’ve been adding for centuries in ways society often overlooks. Women have been behind the scenes doing the heavy lifting both at home and work, shaping families, organizations, and communities with resilience. So, here’s my question: Why are we still trying to measure up to standards that never really fit us? ✨ How can you start recognizing your own superior qualities in life and business? ✨ 🔗 #WomenLeadership #Empowerment #BreakingBarriers Let’s celebrate and share this! 👏 Repost to inspire others who may need to hear this today. ➕ If this post resonated with you or made a difference in your day, follow Gagandeep Kaur for more insights on career, motivation, and personal growth. You never know who needs to hear this today! ♻️ Repost to inspire or help someone in your circle. You might be the voice they need right now. 💡

As women, it's crucial to recognize the importance of not letting others' judgments and expectations dictate our lives. In both personal and professional realms, staying true to your values and vision is essential for authentic success. Embrace your individuality, make decisions that resonate with your goals, and wear your confidence with pride. The path to true empowerment lies in defining your own standards and not succumbing to external pressures. Remember, the only approval you need is your own. #ProfessionalEmpowerment #WomenInLeadership #SelfConfidence #CareerGrowth #DefineYourPath #LeadershipJourney

It’s 2024, and if you’re still the only woman in the room, something is seriously wrong! Yes, men are not the enemy, but the system is. How can we claim progress when women, especially in male dominated industries like Tech, still struggle to be seen in leadership roles? A client recently shared her experience of being the only woman in a room of 12 men—all in managerial positions. She felt the isolation and discomfort of being the sole female voice, but rather than shrink back, she stood taller, knowing she had every right to be there and that her perspective mattered. 💡 While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Women belong in every room where decisions are made, and the absence of diverse voices in leadership is a missed opportunity for innovation and growth. ➡ So to all the women breaking through the barriers of male-dominated fields, keep showing up, keep pushing forward, and remember that your voice is not only needed but essential. Every time you stand up, you’re making it easier for the next woman to enter that room and take her seat at the table. #WomenImpactingWomen #WomenInTech #BreakingBarriers #WomenInLeadership #DiversityInTech #EqualRepresentation

Ever felt the pressure to be perfect, fit in, or sacrifice your well-being just to succeed at work? You're not alone. According to a Harvard Business Review article, women in corporate America often adopt harmful behaviors to survive in environments not designed with them in mind. It's time to retire these incongruences and create a corporate culture where everyone thrives. https://lnkd.in/eF-XTsrx For more content, follow me on LinkedIn.

The "Competence-Likability" Trap Why are women still penalized for being strong? A study by Laurie A. Rudman and Peter Glick in the Journal of Social Issues found something so absurdly outdated it feels surreal: women in leadership who demonstrate competence and confidence are penalized socially, labeled as “unlikable,” while men doing the exact same thing are praised. In 2024, it’s beyond frustrating that women still face backlash for showing competence, strength, and assertiveness—not just at work, but in every aspect of life. When women lead, speak up, or stand strong, they’re often labeled as “unlikable” or “too much,” while men showing the exact same traits are praised for their confidence. This isn’t just a workplace problem; it’s a life problem. Women who take charge often face a lose-lose situation: show strength and risk being called “difficult” or “cold,” or hold back and be overlooked. For women in positions of leadership, this takes a toll. Women report constantly having to tone down who they are just to be accepted. Strength and assertiveness shouldn’t be values “reserved” for men. Yet, from boardrooms to friendships to families, women are often expected to fit neatly into boxes of gentleness and “likeability.” It’s exhausting. This bias doesn’t just affect careers; it shapes the way women live. It influences how we show up in our relationships, how we’re judged as mothers, daughters, friends, and partners. When we can’t embrace our full potential without criticism, everyone loses. Why are we still accepting this? Why should women have to walk on eggshells just to avoid labels that shouldn’t exist in the first place? Our society can’t afford to keep sidelining women’s strength and competence. What are you doing to support and celebrate the strong women in your life? #Leadership #GenderBias #EnoughIsEnough

I clicked eagerly on an article promising to reveal the secrets for "unleashing the potential" of women's voices in the workplace. The article assured me, as a woman in a leadership position, that if I just prepared more... just sat in the right place... just wasn't afraid to speak up, everything would be better. Full stop. The main reason why women's voices need amplification isn't because we're unprepared, choose the wrong seat, or just lack confidence. It's because the other people in the room aren't listening. Do you *really* want to leverage the power and expertise of the women in your organization? Then read this article from Lean In and think about how you can apply these tips every day. And please note that, while the title suggests these tips are for men, women can also benefit from the article. We are not immune to the stereotypes and biases that society has impressed upon us... #internationalwomensday2024 #womeninbusiness #womeninleadership

Just a day after sharing my promotion on LinkedIn, a female team member congratulated me with a note saying, "It's not very often that we see women reaching this position; it's very difficult." I responded, "We need to break this barrier and make it the norm." However, this exchange made me ponder why such achievements are still seen as exceptional. Is it really the journey that's difficult, or is it the barriers put up by societal perceptions? Reflecting on it, I realized it's often the invisible boundaries created by a few that hold us back. The bigger issue is that we sometimes buy into these baseless views. Women need to ignore these limiting thoughts and focus on self-validation and upskilling. The rest will follow. Breaking the glass ceiling isn't just about individual triumphs; it's about changing perceptions and increasing representation. While many women leaders set great examples, we need to change the numbers and the underlying thoughts. Progress for women should be as normal as anyone else's. Let's keep moving forward without doubting our self-worth. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive world. #womenleaders #success #breakingboundaries #change #betterworld