How to Claim Your Space as a Woman in Leadership – Without Feeling Pushy.
"What if I'm too much? What if they think I'm bossy? Or arrogant? Or too controlling?|"
This is one of the most frequent questions I hear from sensitive, intuitive, thoughtful women in leadership.
How do I claim my space without being pushy?
These women are smart, capable, and deeply committed.
They've climbed the ladder - and yet, they're still shrinking.
They hold back. They comply.
And what makes it harder? They know they're doing it.
They've been told to speak up more.
They've been encouraged into more senior roles.
And yet - they hesitate.
This blog is for the women who feel stuck between wanting to lead and fearing they're be "too much" if they do.
Why Claiming Your Space Feels So Hard.
Let's flip the question: What happens when you don't claim your space?
You shrink.
You over-adapt.
You try to fit in instead of stand out.
This comes from a deep need for belonging - and the quiet, painful belief many women carry: "If I take up space, I won't be liked." Or worse: "They'll think I'm a bitch."
But Here's the Truth:
Worthy doens't mean perfect.
It means you have intrinsic value, without needing to prove it.
Shrinking yourself to belong isn't really belonging.
It's shape-shifting to survive.
And it costs you you.
Stop Trying To Prove Yourself.
Many women believe they have to earn their seat at the table — to prove they deserve it.
But that belief puts you on the back foot from the start.
It keeps your attention on what you lack, instead of the brilliance you already carry.
Real leadership isn’t about proving anything.
It’s about presence.
It’s about creating spaces where others can show up, speak up, and grow.
If you’re not claiming your space, you may unintentionally be reinforcing a culture where others don’t feel safe to claim theirs either.
Ambition is Not a Dirty Word.
Let’s reframe it.
Ambition isn't about ego or stepping on others.
It’s about desire — to grow, to serve, to make an impact.
When ambition is paired with purpose, it becomes powerful.
Try asking yourself, "For the sake of what?"
That question will lead you towards meaningful ambition, not performative hustle.
You Don't Have to Lead Like They Did.
So many women look up and see senior leaders who are burned out, overworked, unavailable, and think: "If that's what leadership takes, I don't want it."
But here’s the truth: you get to do it differently.
You get to redefine leadership.
You get to advocate for your own needs, rhythms, and boundaries.
You get to lead in a way that’s sustainable, human, and deeply aligned.
The research is clear — we thrive in sprints, not marathons.
Presenteeism and 24/7 availability don’t make you a better leader — they just make you exhausted.
So How Do You Claim Your Space (Without Being Pushy)?
You give yourself permission.
- Permission to lead in your way.
- Permission to know that you are enough right now, even as you keep growing.
- Permission to stop rejecting parts of yourself just to avoid rejection.
It's not about being loud.
It's about being fully present.
In your voice.
In your values.
In your choices.
Try this simple practice:
Each week, check-in with yourself and ask: "Where am I giving myself permission - and where am I still waiting for it?
Leadership is a Practice, Not a Title.
You don't need to wait for the "right" time.
That's just fear, diguised as preparation.
What if you knew you couldn't fail?
What if the work is waiting for you to step in?
Claiming your space won't look the same every day.
Some days, it's speaking up in a room.
Other days, it's saying no with grace.
Often, it's just beginning, and trying again when you wobble.
Because that's what real leadership looks like.
Want more support like this?
This is the exact kind of thing we explore in my Lead with Confidence coaching package - how to lead from your truth without compromise.
And remember - You were never too much. You were always just right.