From Teflon Suits to Freedom: Why Women Over 50 Are Ditching Corporate and Starting Businesses
woman removing her teflon suit
From Corporate to Entrepreneur: My Journey and Advice for Women Ready to Make the Leap
As a woman who has navigated between entrepreneurship to the corporate world and then back into being an entrepreneur (solopreneur in fact!) I want to share my insights and encourage other women, especially those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, who are feeling increasingly invisible and unvalued.
I believe this stage of life is not about fading into the background but rather about stepping into our power and sharing our unique gifts with the world.
In fact - I did a whole podcast on this recently, give it a listen here! Give it a listen here 👇🏻
The Glass Ceiling Podcast
The Corporate World: A Shrinking Space for Experienced Women?
I've personally worked with hundreds of women who are - or have been - at the top of their corporate game. And many say they feel a growing sense of unease within their corporate roles. They feel like they are bumping up against the glass ceiling - or at least realizing it’s not a transparent as they thought. May are finding their ideas are often disregarded, and they see younger, less experienced,(usually male) colleagues getting the promotions and recognition.
It's a frustrating and disheartening experience, and it's leading many women to question their place in the corporate world.
I’m finding that for my clients and me, are desire for something more isn’t just the “more” of ambition or the desire for bigger paychecks. We feel like our voices are being silenced and our contributions are no longer (as) valued. We are realizing that we have so much more to offer the world than what our current roles allow.
The Entrepreneurial Calling: A Chance to Shine and Leave a Legacy
This is where the allure of entrepreneurship comes in. Yes, in part we get to escape the corporate grind; but more importantly, we get to truly step into our power and create something meaningful. To ourselves and for the world.
We finally get to build businesses that align with our values, where we can finally express our unique talents and make a real difference.
I believe every woman has a "genius" within her, a special set of skills and passions that are waiting to be unleashed. Entrepreneurship provides the platform to do just that. It's about sharing our expertise, building a community, and leaving a legacy that extends far beyond our years in the corporate world.
My Story: From LinkedIn Expert to Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
My own journey reflects this shift. I spent nearly 20 years building a reputation as THE “LinkedIn expert”, helping professionals leverage the platform for success. But I reached a point where I felt like I was going through the motions, my passion waning. I yearned for something more, something that would truly light me up.
That's when I decided to make a bold move. I walked away from my successful LinkedIn training business to focus on helping women in midlife and beyond transition into entrepreneurship. It was a risky decision, both financially and emotionally, but it was a decision driven by my heart and a deep desire to make a real difference. (Click the “About” or “Work with Me” buttons above to find out more.)
Peeling Off the "Teflon Suit" and Embracing Authenticity
Making this transition requires a shift in mindset, one that I like to call "peeling off the Teflon suit." This metaphorical suit represents the armor we've worn to survive in the corporate world, protecting ourselves from sexism, ageism, and the constant pressure to conform.
But this suit can also stifle our creativity and prevent us from fully expressing ourselves. Entrepreneurship allows us to shed this armor and embrace our authentic selves, even if it means being vulnerable and stepping outside of our comfort zones.
Practical Advice for Making the Leap
I know firsthand that making the transition from corporate to entrepreneur can feel overwhelming. Here's some practical advice I share with my clients:
● Don't Underestimate the Power of Your Network: You've spent years building relationships in the corporate world. These connections are invaluable. They can become clients, collaborators, mentors, or simply a source of support and encouragement. Don't delete your LinkedIn profile or abandon your existing networks. Nurture those relationships; they will be essential on your entrepreneurial journey.
● Embrace "Peopling": Make it a daily habit to reach out to someone in your network. Don't do it with an agenda to sell them something. Connect genuinely, ask about their lives, share what you're up to. You never know what opportunities or insights might come from these conversations. It's amazing how often the universe connects you with the right person at the right time.
● Mastermind Groups and Mentorship: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Mastermind groups provide a supportive community where you can share ideas, get feedback, and hold each other accountable. A mentor, someone who has already navigated the path you're on, can offer invaluable guidance and advice.
● Financial Planning is Key: Don't jump into entrepreneurship without a financial cushion. Ideally, have enough savings to cover your expenses for at least a year. Don't expect to be profitable right away. Be mindful of your spending, and don't fall into the trap of investing in every shiny program or expensive coach that comes your way.
● Leverage Resources and Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: You don't have to do everything yourself. There are countless resources available to entrepreneurs, many of them free or low-cost. Utilize online tools, join entrepreneur groups, attend workshops, and tap into your network for support.
Give Yourself Grace and Embrace the Journey
Finally, remember that transitioning from corporate to entrepreneur is a process. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. Be kind to yourself. Give yourself the time and space to learn and grow. Embrace the journey, celebrate your successes, and learn from your mistakes.
The Women's Reset Collective: A Mastermind for Midlife Entrepreneurs
To provide a supportive community and guidance for women making this transition, I've created the Women's Reset Collective, an affordable mastermind program. This 10-month program guides women through the process of defining their unique genius, building their businesses, and launching their dreams into the world.
We're a community of like-minded women supporting each other, sharing our expertise, and celebrating each other's successes. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to learn more about the Women's Reset Collective. We're here to help you create the life and business you've always dreamed of.
Sign up for future LinkedIn Live (and other) events here.
Listen to the #GreyMatters podcast here.
Work with me! Post Executive Coaching Programs
