Thinking Face Money-Maker Women: Own Your Focus, Own Your Success

Thinking Face Money-Maker Women: Own Your Focus, Own Your Success

Ditch the Smile, Love: Your Thinking Face is Your Money-Maker

Ever been in deep concentration, laser-focused on a task, only to have someone chirp, "smile, love"? Yeah, me too. I vividly remember once, just as I was about to present a crucial pitch – one that would determine whether we could finally afford that family trip to Disneyland we’d been promising the kids – someone uttered those infuriating words. It completely threw me off. And honestly, it's usually when I'm knee-deep in spreadsheets, strategizing a new launch, or wrangling a particularly complex piece of tech. It's like, seriously? Do you think a smile is going to magically solve this coding conundrum or balance this budget? Newsflash: It won't. My thinking face is my "making money" face. There was this one time, right before a crucial client meeting, when I almost plastered on a fake smile just to avoid the criticism. It felt so wrong, like I was betraying myself, but the pressure was immense.

It's infuriating, isn't it? This condescending little comment, so often directed at women in professional settings, especially entrepreneurs. As if our seriousness, our focus, our sheer determination to succeed is somehow inappropriate or needs to be softened with a smile. The Pew Research Center study confirms what I already know from my own experience: a 2020 study by them actually found that women in leadership roles are significantly more likely than their male counterparts to be perceived as "too aggressive" or "too emotional" when they express strong opinions or assert themselves. And let's be real, do you see men getting this kind of feedback when they're locked in deep thought? Not so much.

This subtle microaggression reveals a deeper double standard. It suggests that women should prioritize appearing pleasant over demonstrating competence.

• It's as if our worth is tied to our approachability, rather than our ability to deliver results.

• It's the Little Red Hen fable all over again – no one wants to help sow the seeds, but everyone's eager to share the bread once it’s baked.

And you know what? I'm done with it. It's time to reclaim our focused expressions & own them as symbols of our power & focus.

Remember that time I was up all night prepping for that investor pitch, fuelled by the smell of stale coffee and the weight of exhaustion? That pitch was everything. It was the culmination of months of intense work, juggling late nights, PhD deadlines, & the beautiful chaos of four kids (including a toddler who decided finger painting on the wall was a better use of her time than napping). My six-year-old wandered in, bleary-eyed & clutching her favourite teddy bear, asking if I was playing a game. I probably looked like I was dissecting a frog, not crafting a compelling business narrative. But you know what? That intense focus, that "don't interrupt me unless the house is on fire" look, was exactly what got me through. & that pitch? It landed me the investment. My concentrated look paid off, literally.

This isn't just about challenging outdated societal expectations; it's about recognizing the power of our focus. When we're truly immersed in a task, when we're pushing boundaries & striving for excellence, our expressions naturally reflect that deep engagement. That serious look isn't a sign of unhappiness; it's a sign of our unwavering commitment to success. It's the face of a woman who is building her empire, brick by metaphorical brick.

So, the next time someone tells you to smile, love, while you're busy building your business, creating innovative solutions, or leading your team to victory, remember this: Your thinking face is your money-maker. It's the face of focus, determination, and unwavering ambition. It's the face of a woman who knows her worth & isn't afraid to show it. Now, post a picture of your focused expression on Instagram & tag us @Femmeprenista & #ThinkingFaceMoneyMaker. Show the world your superpower.

If you’re a Foundational-Stage business owner, struggling with these challenges & want support in building a business that honours your authentic self, connect with other ambitious women in our Femme:Connect community. Ready to connect with other founders, access expert advice on overcoming mindset blocks & building a thriving business? Join the Femme:Connect Community today!

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista

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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