AyeshaQureshi (AlluringForlorn)’s Post

When they say you're "too bossy" to be a woman. 🙀 Ladies, ever feel like you’re the "intimidating" one in the room? 🙄 I’ve had men say, “You’re great, but you’re just a bit… much.” Like WTF does that mean? 💁🏾♀️ Funny how that sounds a lot like the feedback woman leaders get in the workplace too. 🤔 I recently had an *aha* moment: I'm back in these dating streets as a strong, independent woman and it's a lot like navigating the professional world. In both, you’ve got to balance being confident without being seen as "too much." But check this out — why should we have to dim our light just to make others comfortable? 💡 Why should we downplay our ambition, our drive, our strength? 🙎🏾♀️ Whether it’s dating or the boardroom, I’ve realized that the right people will APPRECIATE, not fear, our power. 🫶🏾 Say it with me: 📣 🙅🏾♀️ I am not "too strong" 🙅🏾♀️ I am not "too independent" 🙅🏾♀️ I am not "too assertive" ❓️But how do we navigate the fine line between assertiveness and what others perceive as "intimidation"? Stand 10 toes down: 👉🏾 Never apologize for your strength. Instead, focus on finding people—whether in love or at work—who respect your leadership and meet your energy. Because we deserve to be celebrated, not diminished. Let’s talk about it! 🗣 How do you embrace your power without compromising who you are? 🗨 Drop your thoughts below, and let’s empower each other to keep shining. 💪🏾✨ #BossWomen #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #Empowerment

Do you find it difficult to say NO? Yesterday, I was on a coaching call with a client She is a senior Director in her company, a highly accomplished leader However, she feels that she is not being assertive at workplace “What do you mean?” I asked her She responded “I find it difficult to say NO to people” “And how does it impact you?” I probed “My own works gets pushed back. I take on more than what I can deliver” She said “All this leaves me overwhelmed at times” “Sometimes, I get angry with my own self! Why did I not say NO?” she said and I could sense her frustration as she was speaking This is not uncommon… I know so many professionals who face a similar challenge But this is not just a YES or NO question It’s about a CONSCIOUS CHOICE you make What most people don’t realize is that…. Both YES and NO are simultaneous choices you are making AT THE SAME TIME When you say YES to something, you are also saying NO to something else When you YES to prioritizing someone else’s work over yours, you are saying NO to your own work When you YES to prioritizing someone else’s needs over yours, you are saying NO to your own needs Both YES and NO are simple yet transformative words – infact, both are a form of declaration So, here’s my invitation to you: It’s high time that you stand up for yourself It’s high time that you say YES to yourself Summon the courage to say NO with conviction Take control of your choices #womenleaders #professionalwomen #diversity #womenleadership

“You’re too aggressive.” “You're too emotional.” “You're too much.” Sound familiar? You're not alone if you've ever received feedback like this as a woman in a leadership role. I mine through and unpack this kind of biased feedback with my clients daily. The sad truth is women in leadership roles often encounter unrealistic double standards regarding their executive presence and leadership style. If you’re a woman of colour the statistics are even worse. Women also get way more vague and unactionable feedback than their male counterparts. Here are some tips on how to handle this B.S. 1️⃣Demand clarity: When feedback is vague, ask for specifics to validate or invalidate it and determine if it's a shared or singular perspective. 2️⃣Right size culture fit: Do I belong here? Will this culture support me authentically? Are men here getting feedback similar to mine, or is this gender bias? Can this company culture support my long-term career ambitions? 3️⃣Decide Action: How will you respond to this feedback? Will you accept it or reject it? 4️⃣Dive Deeper: Consider getting a 360 Assessment done to evaluate multiple perspectives and determine the next steps with a coach who is an expert in this field. This kind of feedback, left unchecked, can be incredibly damaging to your career in the long term. We get what we tolerate. Demand better. #feedback #genderbias #womeninleadership #executivecoachingforwomen

Do you find it difficult to say NO? Yesterday, I was on a coaching call with a client She is a senior Director in her company, a highly accomplished leader However, she feels that she is not being assertive at workplace “What do you mean?” I asked her She responded “I find it difficult to say NO to people” “And how does it impact you?” I probed “My own works gets pushed back. I take on more than what I can deliver” She said “All this leaves me overwhelmed at times” “Sometimes, I get angry with my own self! Why did I not say NO?” she said and I could sense her frustration as she was speaking This is not uncommon… I know so many professionals who face a similar challenge But this is not just a YES or NO question It’s about a CONSCIOUS CHOICE you make What most people don’t realize is that…. Both YES and NO are simultaneous choices you are making AT THE SAME TIME When you say YES to something, you are also saying NO to something else When you YES to prioritizing someone else’s work over yours, you are saying NO to your own work When you YES to prioritizing someone else’s needs over yours, you are saying NO to your own needs Both YES and NO are simple yet transformative words – infact, both are a form of declaration So, here’s my invitation to you: It’s high time that you stand up for yourself It’s high time that you say YES to yourself Summon the courage to say NO with conviction Take control of your choices #womenleaders #professionalwomen #diversity #womenleadership

Can a woman leader exude confidence without looking "bossy"? 👺 . . A confident leader is usually seen as a loud, dominating & chest-thumping personality.. A typical alpha-male stereotype. 💪🏼 But do women also need to become the same to command respect? The answer is- No. True Confidence isnt about dominating a room. It's about exuding a commanding presence right from the moment you walk into the room. A person whom everybody intrinsically turns towards as they being to speak. 😲 Here are a three tips to help women leaders (or those who aspire) to accomplish this gracefully without looking aggressive: 1️⃣ "Speak to convey; not to convince" Joe Navarro Our confidence stems from our competence and surety of ourselves. Often, when are even a little unsure of our knowledge and decision, we begin to say the same thing in 10 different ways to convince people. However, when we are prepared well and have clarity in mind, we speak to convey and not to convince. 2️⃣ Listen, think & then speak! Listen carefully to understand what is being discussed before you feel the impulse to jump in & speak. Before you speak, think what kind of a value will you contribute to the whole discussion. "People around you subconsciously keep your contribution score in their mind." Steven Bartlett. When we speak fluff just for the heck of speaking 🗣 , people start loosing respect for you. 3️⃣ Use the power of non verbal communication: If you want to exude confidence as a leader, your body language, tone and eye contact need to convey this first. Use more space while sitting or standing. Own the room. Make your movements more purposeful and smooth rather than rushed or jittery. . . A woman need not be a testosterone-fired loud-speaker, interrupting everyone to establish herself as a leader. 😄 It's her clarity of mind, competence and panache that can work wonders. 💫 Share this with a woman whom you feel has "all that takes to be a great leader". What else would you like to add to the list? 💬 . . . For more such content, follow Nupur Singh. #womenleaders #womenleadership #womenempowerment #corporatewomen

🌟 3 Ways to Leverage Your “Tribe” to Beat Imposter Syndrome 🌟 Hey, amazing women leaders! 🌺 Yesterday, I shared 3 Positive Self-Habits you can build to combat that little voice in our heads telling us we're not enough can be overwhelming. But guess what? You are more than enough, and together, we can silence that voice! Here are three powerful strategies to help you network and reach out to others to overcome imposter syndrome: 1. Seek Support and Mentorship 🤝 Connecting with others who have been in your shoes can make a world of difference. Find a mentor who inspires you, or join a supportive community of like-minded women. Once you open up and share your feelings with other female leaders, you’ll be surprised how often your hear, “I feel that way too! I thought I was alone.” Their guidance and shared experiences can provide the reassurance and motivation you need to push through self-doubt. 2. Seek Constructive Feedback 📝 Don’t shy away from feedback! Constructive criticism is a valuable tool for growth. Reach out to trusted colleagues or mentors for their insights. Use this feedback as an opportunity to improve and build confidence in your abilities. You’ll be surprised at how viewing yourself from someone else’s point of view uncovers strengths you didn’t know you had. And remember, everyone has areas for development...so embrace that feedback too! 3. Celebrate Your Achievements 🎉 It's easy to downplay our successes, but celebrating them is crucial. Keep a “win” journal or success file to document all your accomplishments, big and small. Review it regularly to remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities. Sharing these successes with your network can also inspire others and reinforce your own confidence. Access those cheerleaders in your network. Networking and reaching out isn't just about professional growth—it's about building a supportive circle that uplifts and empowers each other. Let's connect, support, and celebrate our journeys together! 🔗 Drop a comment or message me if you’d like to connect and share your story. Let’s overcome imposter syndrome together and shine as the visible leaders we are meant to be! 🌟 #WomenInLeadership #ImposterSyndrome #Mentorship #Networking #LeadershipDevelopment

Have you ever felt your voice was overlooked at work? 🤔 Many professional women face challenges when it comes to assertiveness, often teetering between being perceived as too passive or too aggressive. This delicate balance can be tricky, but here are some common mistakes that can lead to struggles in asserting oneself: 👉Over-apologizing Constant apologies can undermine your confidence and authority. 👉Indirect Language Phrases like "I think" or "Maybe" can dilute your message. 👉Avoiding Conflict Steering clear of disagreements can prevent your ideas from being heard. Remember, assertiveness is about clear and respectful communication. You deserve to be heard! #professionalwomen #management #leadership

Do you find it difficult to say NO? Recently, I was on a coaching call with a client She is a senior Director in her company, a highly accomplished leader However, she feels that she is not being assertive at workplace “What do you mean?” I asked her She responded “I find it difficult to say NO to people” “And how does it impact you?” I probed “My own works gets pushed back. I take on more than what I can deliver” She said “All this leaves me overwhelmed at times” “Sometimes, I get angry with my own self! Why did I not say NO?” she said and I could sense her frustration as she was speaking This is not uncommon… I know so many professionals who face a similar challenge But this is not just a YES or NO question It’s about a CONSCIOUS CHOICE you make What most people don’t realize is that…. Both YES and NO are simultaneous choices you are making AT THE SAME TIME When you say YES to something, you are also saying NO to something else When you YES to prioritizing someone else’s work over yours, you are saying NO to your own work When you YES to prioritizing someone else’s needs over yours, you are saying NO to your own needs Both YES and NO are simple yet transformative words – infact, both are a form of declaration So, here’s my challenge to you: It’s high time that you stand up for yourself It’s high time that you say YES to yourself, your needs and your worth Summon the courage to say NO with conviction Take control of your choices #womenleaders #professionalwomen #diversity #womenleadership

Breaking Stereotypes: Emotion, Leadership, and Strength One of the longest-standing gender stereotypes is the belief that women are "too emotional" to lead effectively. Turns out, that’s not only outdated—it’s simply wrong. Early in my career, I was told I was "too emotional." Despite that, I climbed the ladder to leadership roles at a very early stage. That was a time when I had to challenge outdated workplace norms and help create an environment where everyone could thrive. The stereotype that women are "too emotional" to lead, especially in uncertain times, doesn’t hold up to research. A study of 137 leader-report pairs in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic found that while women experienced higher levels of anxiety, they were far less likely than men to let it negatively impact their leadership. The study highlights unique leadership strengths: 📌 Anxious male leaders were more prone to hostile behaviors. 📌 Women leaders consistently led with compassion, prioritizing family-supportive actions and team cohesion. Have you ever been told you're "too much" or "too emotional"? Let me tell you this: we’re not "too much" or "too emotional"—we’re PASSIONATE. My advice as a leadership coach: Own your strengths, know your worth, and never let anyone define who you are or what you’re capable of. Emotions, when channeled effectively, are not weaknesses—they’re powerful tools for connection, empathy, and resilience. Regardless of gender, leading with authenticity, self-awareness, and compassion is what makes a leader truly impactful. What strengths have helped you thrive as a leader? Let’s talk about breaking barriers and embracing our true potential. #Leadership #BreakingStereotypes #EmotionalIntelligence #AuthenticityInLeadership #LeadershipCoach #ironlady #womenpower #linkedin #leadership #authenticity #passionate #linkedin

Yesterday, reconnecting with Bhavna Matang sparked profound reflections on the imperative of overcoming unconscious bias. Initially, I hesitated, perhaps influenced by a past incident however, I consciously chose to embrace the moment and engage with Bhavna. This decision triggered memories of a striking experience where my own unconscious bias had surfaced prominently. Sometime back I had mistakenly assumed Bhavna to be a man (because of her dressing and hairstyle) occupying a seat reserved for women on the company bus. I had requested her to vacate the seat for a woman colleague, to which she smiled and responded, I am a woman. It was a humbling experience, starkly reminding me of the biases ingrained within us, often unnoticed, yet deeply influential. This encounter underscored the critical importance of self-awareness for leaders. It is essential to recognize and confront our biases and unconscious prejudices. By cultivating self-awareness, we can actively dismantle these biases and cultivate inclusive environments within our teams and organizations. Self-awareness empowers leaders to not only identify their biases but also understand how these biases affect their interactions and decisions. Through introspection, I acknowledged the unconscious bias that led me to make assumptions about Bhavna. This realization reinforces the notion that continuous self-reflection is paramount for personal growth and creating positive change in our workplaces and beyond. Let's ensure that we continually examine our thoughts and behaviors, fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels respected and valued. Hi Bhavna! #Diversity #Inclusion #Reflection #leadership #SubconsciousBias