As I dive deeper into my qualitative research on what it takes for women to become sought-after experts, one theme has emerged louder than all others: "The very thing that holds me back, is the thing that I want to be."
This revelation, echoing through countless interviews, points to a pervasive barrier that many purpose-driven women face—they never feel "ready."
This constant feeling of unreadiness keeps them from stepping into the world as the impact experts they truly are. So what does this mean? And how can we overcome this concept of “I am not ready”.
Let’s explore this further in the article below.
A widely cited statistic from an internal Hewlett-Packard report, often quoted inLean In,Forbes, andHarvard Business Review, highlights a stark contrast between men and women. Men apply for jobs when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, while women apply only if they meet 100%.
The underlying message is clear: women feel they must be fully prepared before stepping into new opportunities.
While the statistic may not be empirically supported, it resonates deeply.
Women know in their hearts that this is true, and it reflects why many hesitate to present themselves as experts, even when they possess the knowledge and passion to make a significant impact.
It is about the barriers we create. Through my research, I've uncovered several reasons why women believe they're not ready:
These barriers are powerful, but they are also self-imposed. They keep us from stepping into the roles we are more than capable of filling.
In 2018, I applied for the Executive Program at Singularity University in Silicon Valley, eager to learn about the future of work.
Surrounded by incredible executives, I felt inspired but also uneasy.
The future they discussed didn’t seem human-centered, a perspective I felt was crucial.
At the end of the program, we were asked to commit to making an impact. Though I didn’t feel ready, I declared that the next time they saw me, I would be on the Singularity University stage as a faculty member, discussing the humanisation of the future of work.
This goal seemed crazy, considering the esteemed faculty at SU, but I knew that to reach that level, I needed to experiment and take risks. After months of persistence and multiple meetings, I was given the chance to present.
Three months later, I was on stage at the Global SU Summit in San Francisco and eventually invited to join the faculty. This experience taught me the power of ignoring the voice that says, "I'm not ready."
For years, I believed that being ready was essential. My perfectionism drove me to prepare meticulously before taking action.
But at 39, after years of longing for change, I realised that I would never feel fully ready. The cost of waiting was too great—the life and impact I sought would remain unrealised.
So, I began to surrender to the uncertainty and embrace the unknown. Over the past six years of my entrepreneurial journey, I've seen firsthand that the greatest opportunities often come when we leap before we feel ready.
You see, I also I wasn't ready:
The word "ready" is defined as being in a suitable state for action or a situation; fully prepared. But what does fully prepared look like when it comes to making an impact? And who decides when you're ready?
The need for readiness often reflects our desire for certainty and comfort, but comfort doesn't lead to growth or the ability to solve humanity's challenges.
Here’s what I’ve learned about readiness:
The longer we wait, the longer it will take to make a difference. The idea of "being ready" can become an excuse that prevents us from changing the systems that stifle women's voices and impact.
But impact experts are not born—they are made through imperfect action.
If you’ve longed to become a sought-after expert but have held back because you don’t feel ready, it’s time to change your mindset. Ask yourself: what is the cost of never being ready? What are we leaving for the next generation of female leaders if we don't step up now?
I’ve spent the past nine years as a self-proclaimed Impact Expert, researching and applying the best evidence-backed methods to help women become sought-after experts while making a meaningful difference.
Now, I want to share that knowledge with you. If you're ready to surrender the self-doubt and take action, I’ve created a FREE No Excuses Cheat Sheet to help you shed the “I’m not ready” mentality and reclaim your power for impact.
And the next generation of female leaders need you to be visible and make the change you were born to create.orld a
If you're in need of further inspiration, listen to this podcast episode“Why you'll never be ready”.
