THE FEMALE SHIFT JOURNAL
A career and leadership journal for women in corporate careers who want clarity, visibility, energy and sustainable success.
Welcome to The Female Shift Journal! An editorial space for women in corporate careers who want more than external success.
Here, I write about career fit, visibility, leadership, strengths, energy and the systems that still shape women’s careers. The articles combine personal essays, thought leadership and practical coaching reflections for women who want to move from performing to leading in a way that feels clear, sustainable and true to who they are.
This is not about becoming louder, harder or more optimised.
It is about understanding your value, shaping your next career chapter and creating success that holds up over time and still feels good.
For women asking: What still fits me and what no longer does? Articles about career clarity, midlife shifts, leadership transitions, optionality and the next professional chapter.
For women asking: How do I become seen, heard and taken seriously? Articles about value communication, sponsorship, leadership presence, difficult conversations and visibility without performance theatre.
For women asking: How do I stay ambitious without losing myself?
Articles about energy, boundaries, overdelivery, availability, care work and success that holds up over time.
For women asking: What is my real value and how do I build from it? Articles about strengths, CliftonStrengths, skills, AI, future careers, value creation and career capital.
What you will find here
Personal Essays:
Stories and reflections from corporate life, leadership, motherhood, reinvention and the shift from old success logic to a more fitting career design.
Thought Leadership
Articles on the bigger systems shaping women’s careers — from sponsorship gaps and glass cliffs to invisible work, care bias and outdated leadership models.
Practical Coaching Reflections
Tools, questions and perspectives to help you apply the ideas to your own career, leadership and life.
Ready to explore your own shift?
If one of these articles speaks directly to where you are right now, a discovery call can help you understand what is really going on and what your next professional step could look like.
Read the blog articles below in chronological order.
If you want to focus on one area click on the buttons above.
Family and Career: Can you have it all?
Discover how to balance your family and career while staying true to yourself. Find answers to frequently asked questions about managing priorities, achieving work-life harmony, and embracing the journey of nurturing both your family and career
Unleashing Success: The Power of Focusing on Strengths in Performance Evaluation
Discover the transformative impact of a strengths-based approach in performance evaluations. Learn how emphasizing strengths can boost engagement, productivity, and confidence. Join me, a 50-year-old working mother and career and leadership coach with 25 years of leadership experience, as we navigate the world of performance discussions and unlock your true potential.
Unleashing Your Potential: Conquer Your Limiting Beliefs and Embrace Personal and Professional Growth
Break free from self-doubt and unlock your true potential. Overcome limiting beliefs, challenge your inner critic, and embark on a journey of personal and professional growth. Join me, a 50-year-old working mother and career and leadership coach with 25 years of professional experience, as we explore the path to becoming the best version of yourself.
Mastering the Art of Strategic Thinking: Your Path to Success
Unlock the secrets to strategic thinking and enhance your career growth with practical strategies. Demystify the concept, develop a visionary perspective, and embrace innovation. Join me on the path to success!
Female Leaders: Don't Be Your Own Roadblock - Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Discover how female leaders can break free from imposter syndrome and unleash their full potential. Overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and thrive in your career with practical strategies and empowering insights.
The Power of Personal Branding for Executives and Senior Leaders
Discover the significance of personal branding for senior leaders in corporate organizations and learn how to kickstart your personal branding journey with the guidance of a career and leadership coach. Unleash your true potential and stand out in today's competitive professional landscape.
Top 25 Books for Women Wanting to Transform Their Careers
These 25 books are an incredible resource for women who are determined to transform their careers and unleash their full potential. Each book offers unique insights, practical strategies, and empowering stories that will fuel your personal and professional growth. Remember to read, reflect, and take action to unleash your full potential. And if you're seeking personalized guidance, visit my website to learn more about my coaching services. Let's embark on this transformational journey together!
Captivate, Inspire, Lead: Discover the Secrets of Executive Presence and Excel in Your Career
Discover the power of executive presence and learn how to develop this influential quality. Dive into this captivating article, led by a seasoned career and leadership coach with 25 years of experience, to unlock the secrets of commanding attention, influence, and respect in the corporate world.
How to Deal with Narcissists @work
Dealing with narcissistic individuals in the workplace can be a daunting task, but fret not! In my latest article, I delve into effective strategies for navigating these challenging interactions. Gain valuable insights and practical tips on setting boundaries, practicing assertive communication, and maintaining your professional sanity. Don't let difficult personalities hinder your career growth. Learn how to handle narcissists like a pro and unlock your full potential!
How to Talk About Yourself Without Bragging
Introducing "How to Talk About Yourself Without Bragging " - a must-read blog for professional women navigating the corporate landscape.
As a career and leadership coach, I understand the importance of striking a balance between self-promotion and humility. In this insightful article, you'll discover effective strategies and practical tips to confidently present your achievements and skills without sounding boastful. From emphasizing team success to utilizing humble language and crafting compelling stories, you'll gain valuable insights on showcasing your abilities authentically. Unlock the secrets to making a lasting impression while fostering collaboration and professional growth.
Don't miss out on this empowering resource for women in business!
7 STEPS TO START A NEW CAREER
The process of starting a new career can be overwhelming, especially when you're unsure of what you want to do. However, with a strategic and intentional approach, you can successfully transition into a new field that aligns with your passions and values. The first step is to identify your interests and skills by reflecting on your past experiences, seeking feedback from others, and exploring different industries. Once you have a sense of what you want to do, research your options by gathering information about the job market, companies, and requirements for your chosen field. From there, you can start building your skills and experience by going back to school, taking courses, or pursuing certifications. Networking is also crucial in starting a new career, as building relationships with people in your industry can provide valuable advice and support. Lastly, it's important to stay patient and persistent, as the process of starting a new career may take time and effort.
By following these steps and staying true to your passions and values, you can successfully start a new career that brings you fulfillment and success.
Career Success - What does it mean for you and why you should define it
Defining your own version of career success is crucial to finding happiness and fulfillment. This involves reflecting on what truly matters to you, your values, strengths and weaknesses, and your definition of happiness. It can lead to clarity, focus, alignment with values, and increased happiness and fulfillment. In this blog we look into why, what and how to define your version. I went through this journey and found my personal path living my version of career bliss.
The first 100 days as a female leader – coaching can make the difference.
As a leadership coach, I have had the privilege of working with many first-time female leaders. The first 100 days in the office can be both exhilarating and daunting, and I believe that having a coach is crucial to success in this role. In this blog, I’ll share my experience as a coach and explain why coaching can make all the difference in those first 100 days. With the right coach by your side, you can confidently step into your leadership role, navigate the challenges and opportunities of those first 100 days, and set yourself up for a successful and rewarding career as a leader.
The age challenges that women face throughout their careers
The challenges that women face in their careers are numerous and complex. From the pressures of starting a family to the difficulties of balancing work and family life, women often have to navigate a range of unique obstacles. The support women do need during these phases is different with regards to their life approach. I am not talking about work–life balance as this would imply that that work is not life. In my thinking work is an essential part of life and as in any part of our life this should be fun and fulfilling.
As a career and leadership coach, a mother of two and being in a leadership role for the last 20 years I can support you whilst navigating the challenges and help you to find your spot of happiness faster.
Unhappy in your job? Next steps!
Feeling unhappy at work is a common experience that many people go through at some point in their careers. There can be many reasons for this, including a lack of fulfillment in your work, a toxic work environment, or conflicts with colleagues or managers. However, knowing that you don't have to suffer through a job that makes you unhappy is important. You can take steps to improve your situation and find greater satisfaction in your work.
In this blog, I'll explore some of the things you can do if you're unhappy at work following the theme: “take it – change it – leave it”. As a career coach, I’ve had the privilege of working with many women who have found themselves unhappy at work and helped them find a way to a more fulfilling and satisfying career.
Self-leadership is the basis for leadership
You must be able to lead yourself first to lead others effectively. I understand self-leadership in the context of work and organization: the ability to shape one's own personal and professional development. In my eyes, this topic is interesting for everyone. Only when I actively dealt with this topic did I realize how helpful it would have been in earlier work activities.
Self-management will become much more important in the future because: Everything is becoming flexible. Boundaries between work and private life are blurring. Technological progress has created an insane speed and abundance of information and communication. In my eyes, this means that we are challenged to maintain good, functioning self-management to continue to lead a self-determined life because more flexibility requires more organization.
Money or self-fulfillment? - Anxiety about starting a new career
Your job is okay, but doesn't it satisfy you? You know there's more you can do, but you're afraid to start a new career?
Fortunately, there are many ways to overcome your own overwhelm and take the next bold step despite your fear! Changing careers is never easy, and it can feel downright impossible when financial obligations get in the way. Let´s get started!
In this blog, I share with you ....
Where does your anxiety about starting a new career come from
3 tips to help you face your fear.
3 practical steps to demystify the question Money or self-fulfillment
How women succeed in leadership
Women in leadership positions have made great strides in recent years. However, there is still a gender gap in business and women often face various challenges in becoming successful leaders. Here are some of the biggest challenges women face in leadership positions and five career tips that can help overcome them. A 4-week e-mail series and this blog will give you inspiration and support.
Communication - Get out of the female trap!
Female communication can become a success factor - if thought patterns from childhood are broken down and you have found your own expression. Unfortunately, many women have already heard beliefs like "girls don't do that" at a very young age. It is worthwhile to work with coaches here to clear your own way out of the girl trap because anyone who communicates is constantly sending signals. And it would be a shame if they are the wrong ones. A 4-week e-mail series and these four tips will give you quick help.
Why it is important to know your strengths for your career
In my opinion, leadership is not about being particularly hard or particularly soft - but about leading authentically and putting people first. Regardless of whether we work in a traditional, very hierarchical environment or in a small, flexible start-up, in the end people come together everywhere who want to make a difference together. Leaders are NOT characterized by assertiveness, toughness and ambition. Your individual mix of strengths makes you a leader. This weeks blog focus on answering the question why it is worth knowing your strengths for your career.