From Support Role to CEO: Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Gifts

From Support Role to CEO: Unleashing Your Secret Entrepreneurial Gifts

Right, let's have a real talk, shall we? How many of you amazing women out there feel like you're constantly in "support mode"? At work, at home, always the organiser, the planner, the one making sure everything runs smoothly while everyone else gets to shine? Yeah, I see you. Honestly, I get it. In fact, I'm pretty sure most of us ambitious women have worn that "support role" hat at some point, probably with a slightly frazzled smile and a hefty dose of caffeine.

Now, what if I told you that very "support role" you might be trying to escape is actually your secret entrepreneurial superpower? I know, it sounds a bit crazy, right? But hear me out.

Think about it. You're a master of logistics. You can juggle multiple tasks like a seasoned circus performer (though maybe with slightly less glitter and spandex!). You anticipate needs before anyone even voices them. You're the queen of creating order out of chaos. These aren't just "soft skills"—these are the very foundations of building a successful, thriving business. It took me a long time to see my organizational skills as valuable, and I often felt like I was just 'good at admin' and not truly contributing strategically.

I remember vividly, back in my corporate days (yes, even at Apple!), constantly feeling undervalued. Like my organisational talents were just expected, not celebrated. I was the one meticulously crafting presentations for senior leaders, staying late to ensure every detail was perfect, only for them to deliver the presentation as their own, with barely a nod to the hours I'd poured in. It was like baking a delicious cake, only for someone else to take all the credit – and the biggest slice! I was the one making sure the events ran without a hitch, the presentations were flawless, the teams were coordinated. But when it came to recognition? Let's just say I wasn’t exactly centre stage. It felt a bit like being the stage manager for your own life – making sure everything worked perfectly for everyone else, but never quite getting the spotlight myself. And let's be honest, who wants to be a perpetually replaceable cog in someone else's machine? Not this girl.

That feeling, that nagging sense of "there must be more," is what ultimately led me down the entrepreneurial path. And guess what? Those very skills I felt were being taken for granted in the corporate world became my greatest assets. Planning launches, creating systems, managing projects, anticipating client needs – it all flowed naturally because it was an extension of what I was already brilliant at.

So, how do you make this shift, from support role default to CEO of your own empire? This post is aimed at early-stage entrepreneurs ready to unleash their potential.

Own Your Organizational Superpower

First, you have to own it. Stop seeing those organisational skills as a burden or something “just expected” of you. They are valuable, powerful, and absolutely essential for building a successful business. This isn't about "leaning in" to some outdated stereotype; it's about recognizing and celebrating a core strength.

It reminds me of a recent family moment – my six-year-old was meticulously organising her dolls, toys, and colouring books with a precision that would make a project manager jealous. Maybe she's a Femmeprenista in the making! And hey, it's never too early to see the potential.

Channel Your Inner CEO

Next, start thinking like a CEO. Where in your life are you already leading, organizing, and making things happen? Could those skills be translated into a business idea? Are there problems you’re constantly solving for others that you could turn into a service?

It really is that simple.

Build Your Business, Your Way

The beauty of entrepreneurship is that you get to be in charge. You set the rules, you build the systems, you create the culture. You're not just supporting someone else's vision; you're building your own. And those organizational skills? They become the very backbone of your business, the engine that drives your success. Even Arianna Huffington, who co-founded The Huffington Post, honed her organizational and leadership skills early in her career, contributing significantly to her later entrepreneurial achievements.

From Chaos to Clarity: Systems are Your Secret Weapon

One of the biggest challenges for women entrepreneurs, especially mums, is managing the "beautiful chaos" of life while building a business. Trust me, I get it. Four kids, two dogs (Cappuccino and Espresso – don’t even get me started on their antics!), a PhD, and running a business… it's a constant juggling act. Building systems felt utterly overwhelming in the beginning. I remember spending hours trying to set up a scheduling tool, only to find myself more confused than ever, surrounded by tech tutorials and feeling like a complete failure. It took me a while, and a lot of deep breaths (plus a hefty dose of chocolate!), but I finally realized that building systems didn't have to be this complicated, overwhelming tech nightmare. I started small, focusing on one area at a time, and eventually found the tools and strategies that actually worked for me and my chaotic, wonderful life. I'm sure lots of you can relate! For example, starting with a simple CRM like Dubsado can be a game-changer. It's user-friendly, designed for service-based businesses, and helps you manage client onboarding, scheduling, and invoicing all in one place. No more frantic email searches or missed appointments!

That’s where systems come in. They are your sanity saviour, your secret weapon against overwhelm.

• Client Management: A good CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system can help you keep track of all your client interactions, from initial contact to ongoing support. This can be as simple as a spreadsheet or as sophisticated as a dedicated software platform. Choose what works for you.

• Project Management: Tools like Trello or Asana can be lifesavers for managing multiple projects, deadlines, and team members (if you have them!). Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

• Marketing Automation: Scheduling your social media posts, automating your email sequences, and using AI tools to generate content can free up hours each week. Start with one area you want to automate and go from there.

Efficient systems allow you to streamline your processes, automate tasks, and free up precious time and energy. I know "systems" can sound a bit dry, but think of them as your personal army of helpers, working tirelessly behind the scenes so you can focus on what you do best – leading, creating, and making an impact.

This is especially critical if you're making the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship. You're no longer just a cog in a well-oiled machine; you are the machine! You have to build it, maintain it, and optimise it. That can feel daunting, but remember, you're already equipped with the superpower to do it.

So, embrace your organizational gifts. They're not a burden; they're the very foundation of your entrepreneurial success. Ready to connect with a supportive community of women who understand this journey? Join our free Femme:Connect community for support, encouragement, and practical advice. It's like having a virtual coffee date with your business besties – we celebrate the wins, navigate the challenges, and remind each other that we're not alone in this beautiful, messy journey.

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!

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