“You’re not ready yet.”

 “You’re too emotional.”

 “We’ve always had male leaders in this role.”

At Leadhership 2024, Dr. Dana Godek took these familiar phrases and exposed them for what they are: gender bias disguised as feedback.

Her session, Unlocking the Gate, was a turning point for many attendees. Through real-world scenarios, data-backed reframes, and guided responses, Dana gave women the tools to reclaim their narrative.

 

🔓 Gatekeeping Isn’t Feedback

Each phrase above was met with strategic comebacks:

“I’ve successfully led through complexity—I’m more than ready.”

“Emotional intelligence enhances my leadership, not weakens it.”

“Tradition doesn’t drive innovation. I bring both experience and perspective.”

We weren’t just given permission to speak up. We were trained to speak back—with clarity and strength.

 

🧭 Enter: The Career Plan

Soulla Tsioupra-Lewis added the structure behind the mindset shift. Her framework invited women to map their careers through:

Strengths and passions inventories

3–6–12 month career roadmaps

Subtle self-advocacy tools that go beyond “hoping to be seen”

 

📝 Reframe Your Narrative: Try This

 

Pick one phrase you’ve heard—or told yourself:

“You’re not ready yet.”

“Your family might make this job too demanding.”

“Leadership needs someone more assertive.”

Now write the sentence you wish you had said back. Root it in your truth, not your doubt.

 

This is the kind of clarity we build at Leadhership. And we’re just getting started.

→ Build your next move with us. Register for Leadhership 2025.