I always like to celebrate and honor women's contributions to our society, history, and culture, and with it, the stories of incredible women who've paved ways, broken barriers, and whispered (and sometimes shouted) "Follow me." I know we do this in March, during Women’s History Month, but we can (and should) celebrate women’s accomplishments the other eleven months of the year too!

I believe leadership – true, impactful leadership – is a blend of being poised and powerful. But what does that really mean for us, today, in our lives and careers or businesses?

Being a poised leader is about being prepared and positioned to shine (because it’s your time to shine girl!) It encompasses empathy, self-awareness, courage, authenticity, and resilience among other virtues. Being poised is about the deep, inner readiness to face whatever comes your way.

I’ve written recently on LinkedIn about Taraji P. Henson. With all her charisma and talent, she has opened up publicly about the battles she's faced, from fighting for fair pay to the disrespect that comes with being a Black woman in the spotlight.

Taraji's experience, despite nearly three decades of acclaimed work, including an Oscar nomination and four Emmy nods, encapsulates the broader struggle for fair compensation and respect that Black women face across all sectors.

But she didn't just accept the status quo in Hollywood; she called it out, fought for what she deserved, and inspired countless others to do the same. She knew her value, she embodied empathy for others, and she acted with authenticity and courage. This is the heart of poise.

From advocating for mental health to starting her own ventures to create opportunities for others, Taraji speaking up and out is taking action in ways that inspire all of us.

And then, there's being powerful. Embracing powerful leadership means cherishing our innate inner authority and agency to act decisively. It’s about speaking up for our mission and vision as leaders fearlessly.

Isn't that what we all want? To speak from a place of power without shrinking ourselves?

Power is never about overpowering others; it's about embracing your innate strength to make decisions and act in alignment with your mission and vision.

It's Shirley Chisholm not waiting for permission, but creating her own platform and speaking her truth, paving the way for change and setting a new standard for what's possible.

As she famously said: If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair. A testament that we can build our tables if need be! She didn't wait for an invitation to make history; she wrote her own invitation!

Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, achieving numerous historic milestones that reshaped the American political landscape.

Beyond her electoral achievements, Chisholm was known for her outspoken advocacy on issues including civil rights, education, and women's rights, firmly believing in the power of change and the importance of being "unbought and unbossed."

Her legacy continues to inspire and empower future generations of leaders across the globe. POWERFUL!

Let’s look at Gloria Steinem, who I recently saw in a webinar on women in leadership, who embodies the essence of poised and powerful leadership through her pioneering work as a feminist, journalist, and social and political activist. Gloria has been at the forefront of the fight for women's rights for decades.

Gloria’s poise comes from her ability to articulate complex societal issues in a way that is both relatable and compelling, engaging a wide audience and rallying them to the cause of equality.

Her power lies in her unwavering commitment to justice and her ability to inspire and mobilize people. Despite facing personal attacks and societal pushback, she has maintained her integrity and focus, using her platform to uplift the voices of the marginalized and drive significant cultural and legislative change. Her life and work exemplify the impact of combining personal grace with a powerful conviction in the pursuit of social justice.

These are not just stories. They are blueprints. They're LEGACIES! They are the echoes of empathy, the footprints of resilience, the handprints of courage, and the heartbeats of authenticity…all key pillars of what I deem to be authentic, heart-centered leadership!

So, as we stand in the doorway of this Women's History Month and celebrate such trailblazing forces, I challenge you: Are you ready to embrace YOUR poise and power? Are you ready to embody these traits FULLY?

HOW will you bring more poise and power into your leadership? How will you prepare, position, and perform in a way that not only achieves your goals but also aligns with the DEEPEST truths of who you are and how you are divinely designed?

I invite you to ask yourself: Where can I be a little more like Taraji? A bit more like Shirley? How can I couple my power and poise like Gloria?

Yes, it's definitely about embodying empathy, resilience, courage, authenticity and confidence.

But more than that, it’s about the small moments when you choose to stand up, speak out, and step forward in your arena and sphere of influence. It's about the times you fall and the getting back up again. It's about the power that comes from knowing your value and the poise that comes from honoring your innate brilliance.

Let's channel our inner Tarajis, Shirleys, and Glorias. Let's shake things up, break some ceilings, and build our own tables!

As your leadership elevation coach and champion, I'm here to guide you on this journey in my Unveil Your Brilliance Leadership Development Coaching Program. Together, we can uncover YOUR unique path to leadership that is both poised and powerful. I am equipped to provide you with the tools and techniques you need on this journey to authentic, heart-centered, impactful leadership!

Let me help you clarify your leadership posture; let’s remove those blocks hindering your impact, together.

If you're ready to step into this new chapter, to blend the wisdom of the past with the bright promise of your future, reach out to me to schedule a time to chat

Yours in solidarity and support!

Natalie
The Brilliance Unveiler

Poised and Powerful Leadership

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