How many times have you held back from raising your hand, pitching your idea, or going after that next-level opportunity because you didn’t feel 100% ready? If you nodded “yes,” you’re in good company.
Across industries and roles, women—even the most accomplished—often hesitate to take bold steps unless they feel fully qualified, fully prepared, and fully confident. We tell ourselves, “I just need a little more experience,” or “Once I get that next certification, then I’ll be ready.” But here’s the thing: perfect isn’t the goal—progress is.
Waiting to be ready is often just fear dressed up as preparation. And in fast-moving workplaces where opportunities favor those who act, waiting can mean being left behind. This post is about flipping the script: choosing to be brave, not perfect—and stepping into leadership even when you’re still figuring things out.
Perfectionism Is a Career Stall Strategy
Perfectionism keeps you stuck. It pushes you to over-prepare instead of executing, procrastinate on key decisions, avoid visibility for fear of critique, and stay small instead of taking up space. When you aim to be perfect, you rob yourself of the chance to learn in real time and miss opportunities to grow through experience. Ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen if I tried before I was “ready”? Then, ask: What might I miss if I don’t?
Recognize the Sound of Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome whispers, “Who do you think you are the right person to lead this?” It makes you doubt your capabilities despite your credentials, your impact, or even your track record. The best way to disarm it is to bring it into the light. Try saying: “This is new to me, but I’ve figured out new things before.” “I was chosen for this for a reason—I’m allowed to grow into it.” “Feeling uncomfortable is part of doing something big.” Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear—but when you call it out and move anyway, it loses its power.
Redefine what Leadership Looks Like
You don’t need a title or a team to be a leader. Leadership is about how you influence, inspire, and show up—regardless of your position on the org chart. Some of the strongest leaders ask questions no one else is asking, rally people around a vision, hold space for others’ ideas, and advocate for fairness. So instead of waiting for someone to hand you a title, start asking yourself: What kind of leader do I already show up as? And what kind of leader do I want to become? Then, start acting like that version of yourself—now.
Do Like the Tech Companies Do
Tech companies release beta versions of products all the time—why? Because they know iteration leads to improvement. The same is true for your career. You don’t need to lead like a finished product. You just need to start. Speak up in meetings, even if your idea isn’t fully baked. Volunteer to lead a project you’ll figure out along the way. Apply for that next role or client opportunity—even if it stretches you. As a matter of fact, particularly if it stretches you. Taking action generates momentum. Momentum builds confidence. Confidence reinforces your leadership identity.
Surround yourself by People Who Build your Up
Being brave doesn’t mean going it alone. Every bold leader has a support network. Find people who reflect your strengths back to you when you forget, challenge you to think bigger, hold you accountable to the version of yourself you’re becoming, and celebrate your wins—especially the imperfect ones. That could be a mentor, a peer, a coach, or a community like the Red Shoe Movement. Surround yourself with people who see your potential and won’t let you shrink away from it.
Learn Openly
Yes, it forces you to show up as vulnerable. But showing that you’re learning, evolving, and adapting out loud is a powerful leadership move. Instead of hiding your process, try sharing what you’re figuring out with your team, asking for input before you feel “done,” and admitting what you don’t know and what you’re actively working on. People respect authenticity and initiative far more than perfection. And here’s the bonus: when you’re brave enough to learn in public, you create a culture where others feel safe to do the same.
Build your Bravery Muscles
Like any skill, bravery gets stronger with practice. The more you act despite fear, the more your tolerance for discomfort grows. Start small. Speak up at least once at every meeting. Ask a senior leader for a virtual coffee. Launch that newsletter or proposal you’ve been sitting on. Bravery begets bravery. Each time you act with courage, you expand what’s possible for you—and inspire others to do the same. And what if you make a mistake? You learn from it and move on.
Keep in mind
Being brave doesn’t mean never being afraid. It means you do it anyway. The people who make bold moves in their careers aren’t the ones with perfect plans—they’re the ones who decided to trust themselves before they had everything figured out. So go ahead. Hit send. Take the meeting. Raise your hand. Lead the way. Not because you’re ready. But because you’re ready enough.
And if you are ready to take the next bold step to fulfill your career dreams, we are here for you. Join our Step Up Women program today and become part of a uniquely supportive community while you acquire all the power skills you need to reach your goals.
