Breaking Free: Female Entrepreneur Societal Expectations
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Feb 27
- 7 min read
Breaking Free: How to Build a Business That Serves Your Ambition, Not Just Societal Expectations
Ever feel like you're running a race you didn't sign up for? Like you're smashing goals, building your empire, yet there's this subtle pressure pushing you back into traditional support roles? Sound familiar? You're leading a team, negotiating deals, then suddenly you're the default person arranging the team lunch or picking up the dry cleaning because, well, you're the woman. It's like trying to present a killer marketing strategy while simultaneously mentally planning dinner, scheduling the kids' dentist appointments, & wondering if Espresso has finally chewed through that new rug. (Been there, done that – more times than I care to admit!). Honestly, it’s like you’re being seen for everything except your actual expertise.
As women, particularly mothers, we're constantly navigating these ingrained societal expectations, even when we've achieved incredible things. It's like society's saying, “Great job on that multi-million pound deal, love, now could you just make sure the biscuits are topped up for the meeting?” That's why I'm so passionate about helping women build businesses that reflect their true ambitions, without the societal baggage. At Femmeprenista, we focus on the why behind your entrepreneurial drive, ensuring your business aligns with your values – family, freedom, fulfillment – not just the bottom line.
This isn’t about blaming the system (though, let's be real, it does play a role). It’s about reclaiming our power, rewriting the narrative, & building businesses (and lives) designed for genuine leadership & fulfillment. Remember, "If you ask disempowering questions, you cannot find empowering answers." So, what if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can work smart & navigate it?
The Invisible Tug-of-War: Societal Expectations vs. Entrepreneurial Ambition
Let's be honest, even in 2024, there are subtle (and not-so-subtle) biases that try to pull us back. It’s in the workplace where your ideas are overlooked until a male colleague rephrases them, or at home when you're expected to manage the majority of household responsibilities despite running a business. Honestly, I vividly remember, during my MBA at Cranfield (while my second daughter was still a baby, mind you), pulling an all-nighter for a group project, only to find myself fielding questions about childcare arrangements the next day. Like my expertise in financial modelling was somehow less valid because I also happened to be a mum. I literally spilled coffee on my notes because I was so exhausted, trying to implement strategies I’d learned, fueled by black coffee and pure willpower, all while battling sleep deprivation and that nagging feeling of not being taken seriously.
It's a little like that feeling of starting university, full of excitement and ambition, only to discover you're in the wrong environment. (Honestly, my first university experience at Birmingham was exactly that, before I found my tribe at UEL – University of East London – while also navigating my first pregnancy. Talk about needing to find the right fit!). The subtle cues, the unspoken expectations – they all contribute to an internal tug-of-war that can hinder our progress & create profound conflict. This internal conflict can really mess with your mindset. It’s about defining your vision & overcoming those internal blocks that whisper, “You’re not enough.”
Rewriting the Narrative: Practical Strategies & Mindset Shifts
So, how do we break free from these invisible chains? How do we build businesses that truly serve our ambitions, not just societal expectations? For established female entrepreneurs, it starts with a powerful combination of practical strategies & profound mindset shifts, building a strong foundation for your branding & marketing & creating efficient, AI-enhanced systems.
1. Define YOUR Version of Success:
What does success actually mean to you? Is it financial freedom? Is it the ability to travel the world with your family (and finally fly business class – just saying!)? Is it creating a legacy for your children? (Honestly, my motivation is all of the above, plus leaving those "Glorified Roommate" fears in the dust!). Get crystal clear on what you're working towards. It’s about defining your own race, not running someone else’s. Your vision fuels your clarity, giving you the direction to stay on track. It's like Jim Rohn says, "If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.”
2. Build a Business That Reflects YOUR Values:
Does your business actually support the life you want to live? (Think long and hard about this one). If you crave flexibility to be present for school plays & sports days (those 12-13 weeks of school holidays are no joke!), then build a business that allows for that. This might mean implementing smart systems, automating tasks, perhaps even leveraging AI (Fusion – we'll talk more about that in a bit), & setting firm boundaries. This isn't just about systems; it's about aligning your business with your core values, a key part of finding your entrepreneurial flow. It’s about designing a business that energizes you, not drains you, so you have the energy to keep going.
Think about it: What are you automating or building with your business? Is it building you a life or is it actually just keeping you in the office when you want to be with your children? My own journey, especially juggling four kids & my PhD research, has shown me how non-negotiable this is. I need a business that works with my life, not against it. To echo Layla Hormozi, a business coach who emphasizes building businesses that support your ideal lifestyle, "Your business needs to serve your life, not the other way around. Build systems that give you freedom."
3. Challenge the Status Quo (Politely, but Firmly):
Don't automatically volunteer for the "support" roles.
If you're in a meeting & someone suggests you take notes, politely suggest a rotating system.
If you're consistently asked to handle tasks outside your area of expertise, simply say, "I'm happy to help, but my focus right now is on X . Perhaps we can find someone whose skillset better aligns with this task?" (This is about setting boundaries & owning your expertise, not being difficult).
If you find yourself doing the lion's share of household tasks, have an open and honest conversation with my personal workaholic about a more balanced division of labor. It might be uncomfortable at first, but a frank discussion now can save a lot of resentment and burnout later. Trust me, I’ve been there! Recently, my partner & I had to renegotiate our household task distribution. It was a bit of a "working film night" conversation (not ideal, but sometimes that's the reality!), & it took some honest communication, but we landed on a system that works for both of us. Remember, "You only get what you negotiate for in this life!"
4. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Tribe:
Connect with other female entrepreneurs who understand the juggle. Share experiences, offer encouragement, & create a space where you can be completely honest about the challenges and the triumphs. Our free Femme:Connect community is a great place to start. (We get it. Seriously.) It’s a place where you can ask “silly” questions without judgment, share a win (or a “caster oil on the carpet” moment) with understanding peers, & get that virtual hug when you need it most. We cover everything from navigating school holidays to mastering those "Daily Money Moves" (more on that another time!).
Join us here: Femme:Connect Community Page
5. Own Your Expertise & Celebrate YOUR Wins:
Don’t downplay your achievements. You worked hard for them. You deserve to celebrate them, mama! This also means owning your pricing & charging what you're worth. Remember, you’re not just selling a service; you're offering a transformation. What’s that transformation worth? Research your competitors, understand the value you uniquely provide, & don't be afraid to charge accordingly. One practical tip? Start by calculating your desired annual income & break it down into monthly & weekly targets. Then, price your services to meet those goals. Negotiate your rates with confidence, knowing that you deserve to be compensated fairly for the expertise you bring. If you’re constantly undervaluing your services, you’re not just hurting your bottom line; you’re diminishing the impact you can have. This is where a strong sense of self-worth really comes into play. Think of it this way – "Money is a reward you get for solving problems." - Myron Golden
6. Embrace Imperfection & Practice Self-Compassion:
Building a business while navigating life's demands is messy. It's okay if things aren’t perfect. (Mine certainly aren't!). Focus on progress, not perfection. Remember, my journey is slower; I have four kids & a PhD! Just last week, I was trying to finish a chapter of my dissertation while my toddler was having a full-blown meltdown because I wouldn't let her wear her princess dress to the supermarket. It wasn’t pretty, and I definitely didn’t feel like a “CEO” in that moment, but it’s real life. It’s the messy middle. And it’s okay. These are the moments that build resilience, right? Celebrate the small wins, learn from the setbacks, & keep moving forward. “Every time you overcome a test you make a decision that is in alignment with your future self.” – Roxie Nafousi, encouraging you to make decisions in alignment with that future, more fulfilled you.
Reclaiming Your Agency: It's Your Business, Your Rules
Building a business is about more than just financial success; it’s about creating a life you genuinely love, a life that aligns with your deepest ambitions & values. This is the heart of the Business Flourish Framework – it’s not just about building a business; it's about designing a life. It’s about having the freedom to pick up your daughter from school without needing to ask permission from your boss (because you are the boss!). It’s about building a legacy of empowerment, not just for your children, but for all the women who come after you. And it’s okay to want “more” – financial freedom, time freedom, meaningful work. I'm grateful for everything I have, but that doesn't mean I'm not striving for bigger impact & abundance. This drive for “more” is a key part of the entrepreneurial spirit.
So, mama, let’s rewrite the script together. Let’s build businesses that not only thrive but also allow us to live rich, fulfilling lives on our own terms. Honestly, some days, even with all the systems and strategies, I still feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water. Just yesterday, the baby decided to use my laptop as a teething toy right before an important client call, talk about a test of my systems! But we keep going, right?
If you're ready to take that first step & connect with a supportive community of female entrepreneurs, join our free Femme:Connect group: Femme:Connect Community Page
Business coaching for female entrepreneurs is more than just strategy; it's about building a life that truly serves you.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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