Why Experienced Female Leaders Are Invaluable

Ever feel like your experience should just speak for itself? But somehow, it doesn’t.

Even though you’ve spent years honing your skills, overcoming challenges, and delivering results?

Yet when it comes to stepping into your next level of leadership, or even working out what you truly want next, you might find yourself feeling overlooked, undervalued, or questioning if it’s too late to make a move or a meaningful shift.

The truth is that women in their 40s and 50s are an untapped leadership powerhouse.

But age and gender biases are still holding some incredible women back, keeping them stuck in roles that don’t come close to their potential.

And you’ve probably heard things like:

🚫 "She’s too set in her ways."

✅ Reality: You’ve spent decades adapting and innovating. You’re flexible, not rigid.

🚫 "She’s past her prime."

✅ Reality: Experience is your secret weapon.

🚫 "She doesn’t want the pressure of a bigger role."

✅ Reality: You’ve already led through crises and challenges, what’s another mountain to climb?

And while these biases still show up in the workplace, there’s also something else happening quietly for many midlife women I work with.

A deep desire to reclaim their voice, energy, and identity.

On their terms.

It’s not just about proving what you can do.

It’s about remembering what matters to you, and leading from that place with more confidence, clarity, and impact.

Because here’s the thing: good leadership doesn’t mean being the loudest voice in the room or obsessing over competition.

For too long, leadership has been built around "masculine" ideals like being tough, dominant, and constantly pushing for more.

But as a midlife female leader, what you bring to the table is just as powerful, and often more effective.

Here’s why you’re so valuable as an experienced female leader:

1. You’ve got wisdom & perspective, and you can see the bigger picture.

You know how to handle tough situations with calm and clarity.

That experience makes you a steady hand in any storm.

2. You have emotional intelligence and empathy, and you understand people.

You know how to build strong relationships, and you’re great at balancing performance with people’s needs.

3. You’ve got resilience and adaptability.

You’ve been through ups and downs and have learned how to bounce back and thrive through change. It doesn’t scare you anymore, it just becomes another opportunity.

4. You know what really matters.

You’ve spent enough time in leadership to know it’s not about sweating the small stuff.

You focus on what’s meaningful and impactful.

5. You’re a natural mentor.

Your leadership style is all about lifting others up, sharing knowledge, and helping people grow. That’s the kind of leadership that creates lasting impact.

And often, it becomes the spark for something new, whether that’s shaping the next generation, redefining your role, or stepping into a more fulfilling way of leading and living.

6. You’re true to yourself.

You know who you are and what you bring to the table. You’re not trying to prove anything to anyone anymore, and that inspires others to be their best selves, too.

The bottom line is:

You’re not just qualified for senior leadership; you’re exactly what organisations need right now.

What do you want your next chapter of leadership to feel like?

This is exactly the kind of conversation I have with my 1:1 coaching clients.

They’re smart, experienced, and accomplished, but for them something feels off.

They want clarity.

Confidence.

A fresh perspective.

They want to feel like themselves again, but braver, bolder, and more aligned.

If that’s you, I’d love to support you.

You don’t need to have it all figured out.

Just take the first step.

If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start designing your next leadership chapter, professionally and personally, here’s how you can begin:

➡️ Challenge the stereotypes. Own your worth, and don’t let self-doubt get the best of you.

➡️ Reframe your experience as a strength, not something to downplay.

➡️ Put yourself out there. Speak up, make your impact known, and let others see what you bring.

➡️ Surround yourself with people who champion your success and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

The best leaders don’t sit on the side-lines.

They redefine what’s possible.

They don’t need permission. They already are leading.

If you want to explore how to confidently navigate your next leadership move, at work or in life, get in touch or check out my 1:1 Coaching Programmes

Because your next move doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

The most powerful shift often begins when you ask, “what do I want now?”

Jackie

P.S. What’s your next leadership move? Whether it’s building confidence, tackling self-doubt, or thriving in your current role, my newsletter, Leadership Unlocked has you covered.

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Bonus reading for inspiration:

📚 Lean In: Women, Work & The Will to Lead – Sheryl Sandberg

📚 Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create and Lead – Tara Mohr

📚 The Confidence Code – Katty Kay & Claire Shipman