Navigating Bias and Finding Your Voice as a Female Leader

One of the earliest challenges I encountered was recognising the subtle forms of bias that exist in professional working environments. Being labelled as “too assertive” one moment and “too soft” the next happened all the time! I often felt like I was walking a tightrope—trying to strike a balance that often seemed out of reach. 

I realised that biases—both implicit and explicit—weren’t always about me but about perceptions shaped by societal norms. The key was not to internalise these judgments… but to rise above them.

To navigate biases, I focused on: 

• Preparation: Backing my arguments with data and clear evidence to establish credibility. 
• Understanding the audience: Tailoring my approach based on the dynamics of the room. 
• Speaking up strategically: Choosing the moments to assert my presence to make sure my voice was heard. 

At the start of my career, I believed I needed to emulate the dominant leadership styles around me to succeed. I tried speaking louder, challenging ideas assertively and even conforming to traditional moulds. But these behaviours felt inauthentic and left me feeling disconnected from my true self. 

Over time, I realised that authenticity is a strength, not a weakness. By embracing my natural leadership style—one grounded in empathy, active listening and collaboration—I found that I could lead with confidence while staying true to my values. 

If you struggle to find your groove as a leader, here are some practical steps you can take to start embracing your authenticity: 

• Know your strengths: Identify what makes your leadership style unique and lean into those qualities.
• Stay consistent: Authenticity requires alignment between your words, actions and values.
• Seek feedback: Honest input from trusted colleagues or mentors can provide clarity and validation. 

Confidence doesn’t always come naturally, especially when you’re one of the few women in the room. Like many others, I’ve struggled with self-doubt, especially wondering if my ideas were valuable or if my voice mattered. 

The turning point for me came when I reframed confidence not as an inherent trait but as a skill to be developed. I began to rely on preparation, mentorship, and small, incremental wins to build my confidence over time. 

Here’s how you can do the same: 

• Be prepared: Take action! Confidence often comes from building competence. The more prepared you are, the more assured you’ll feel.  
• Find mentors and allies: Surround yourself with people who champion your success and offer honest advice, be they teammates or your industry peers. 
• Practice self-compassion: Allow yourself room to learn and grow rather than striving for perfection. 

One of the most transformative decisions I made was committing to building a network of like-minded professionals. Initially, I avoided networking, finding it intimidating to approach strangers at events. But by setting small, achievable goals—like attending events solo or introducing myself to one new person at a time—I slowly built a robust network that has become a cornerstone of my success. 

Networking has opened doors, fostered meaningful connections, and provided a support system that makes the journey less isolating.  

If you’re hesitant about networking, remember: 

• Every connection starts with a single conversation. 
• Authenticity is your biggest asset—people value real interactions. 
• A strong network is not just about opportunities; it’s about creating a support system for shared growth. 

Biases, setbacks and self-doubt are not the end of the story—they’re stepping stones. By embracing authenticity, building confidence and cultivating a strong network, you can navigate these challenges with grace and resilience.