Women, for a long time we have been conditioned to wait. We wait for the right level of experience, the perfect moment to speak up, or the formal invitation to lead. We treat our ambitions like a library book—waiting for someone else to stamp the return date so we can finally take it home. But here is the truth we often forget: The most influential women in history didn’t wait for a seat at the table. When the door was locked, they found a window. When the room was full, they built a new wing. This International Women’s Day, I have one message for the woman waiting for a sign: “Your permission slip is already signed. By you.”
Build The Table
Early in my career, I spent a lot of time as a ‘chameleon.’ I observed the leaders in the rooms I occupied—the way they spoke, the way they handled conflict, even the way they sat at the table. I thought that if I could just copy that standard, I’d finally be invited into the inner circle.
Unfortunately, the more I squeezed into that precast seat, the more I felt my own unique perspective fading. I was so obsessed with trying to prove I belonged in their room that I was blinded. I could not imagine creating anything of my own.
Then one day, the hard truth struck me. I realized that the rooms I was trying to enter weren’t built with me in mind. Instead of exhausting myself trying to fit, I decided to take a hammer to the mold. I resigned from my job and started Roaring Lion Tours & Travel ltd a company that offers bespoke travel solutions to the discerning traveler. I stopped asking for a seat at a table that didn’t have space for my authenticity. I started building a new house—one where the door is always open for bold ideas and diverse voices.
I’m sharing this because I know some of you are currently sitting in a room that feels ‘too small’ for your spirit. You don’t need to shrink to fit. You need to expand and build. I don’t mean that you have to quit your job if you are employed. Embrace your authenticity and start building something that will impact those around you.
The Myth of the “Prepared” Woman
In professional circles, women have been made to feel that they must be “ready” before they take on more responsibilities. Research often shows that men apply for jobs when they meet 60% of the criteria, while women wait until they meet 100%. We have been corrupted to think that perfection is the price of entry.
The truth is that perfection is a moving target designed to keep you stationary. The most successful leaders I have encountered didn’t feel ‘ready’—they felt ‘called.’ They stepped into the role and grew into the shoes while they were already walking. They built planes while they were already moving on the runway. Competence is built through action, not through waiting for a certificate of approval. Nothing changes, if nothing changes.
Build the Room, Don’t just seek the Seat
For decades, through affirmative action and other initiatives, the goal was to get one woman in the room. Let’s be honest, being the ‘only’ woman in the room or at the table is exhausting and often performative. Therefore, instead of fighting for the one existing chair, start looking at how to build your own “rooms”. Whether that’s starting your own firm, launching a new initiative, or creating a mentorship circle —true power isn’t granted by an institution; it’s generated by your vision.
About a year ago, I was inspired by one leader in the personal branding space who told me “As a public speaker and coach, you don’t have to wait to be invited to other peoples’ stages, build your own. That was both liberating and empowering. The result of that inspiration was the birth of ‘Speak to Inspire with Princess’, a podcast that empowers listeners to unlock their voice and unleash their full potential. The next stage was ‘InspireSpeak’, my Executive Communication firm through which I empower leaders to speak with purpose through training and coaching.
The Power of Saying “I Am”
Do you realize how often we introduce ourselves by our barriers? “I’m just a junior…” or “I’m still learning about…” Permission starts with the language we use. Let go of those dis-empowering statements and step into your power. When you stop asking “May I?” and start stating “I am,” the energy in the room starts gravitating towards you because you don’t need permission to be you. You exude a confidence that makes people trust you. Once you realize you don’t need permission, your greatest responsibility is to grant it to others.
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Look at the woman next to you who is hesitating to speak.
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Look at the girl who thinks she isn’t “technical” enough or “bold” enough.
Be the one who says, “I see your vision, and you don’t need anyone’s blessing to chase it.”
The Door is Already Open
The world needs women who are willing to be “inconveniently ambitious.” It needs your specific brand of brilliance, your unique pivot, and your unfiltered voice.
You are no longer a guest in the house of leadership. You are the architect.
Permission granted. Now, what are you going to build?