“The mistake I’ll never make again… believing power only looked one way.” Rose Odette
- Rose Odette
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
The Mistake I’ll Never Make Again…
Intro (Boardroom Scene): I’ll never forget one meeting in the 90s. I walked into a boardroom full of men in dark suits. Before I even sat down, someone handed me their empty coffee cup as if I were the assistant, not the CEO. I laughed it off, sat at the table, and spent the next two hours matching their tone—louder, harder, sharper—just to be taken seriously. By the end of the meeting, I had their respect, but I’d left my true leadership style at the door.
For years, that was the playbook: survive by blending in. It worked, but it was exhausting.
Why It’s Different Today: Now I know better. The traits I was told to mute—empathy, collaboration, big-picture vision—are exactly what set me apart and drove the biggest wins of my career. And today? The business world finally values them. Companies with diverse leadership don’t just perform better—they redefine entire industries. The lesson: what was once “necessary” is no longer required. Today, the Lioness leads on her own terms.
5 Ideals: The Mistake I’ll Never Make Again…
Then: Conformity. Now: Authenticity. You don’t need to wear someone else’s mask to succeed.
Then: Borrowed power. Now: Original power. The strongest leaders lead as themselves.
Then: One seat. Now: The whole table. Women aren’t guests—we’re decision-makers.
Then: Survive. Now: Thrive. We’re not clawing for scraps—we’re building empires.
Then: Silence. Now: Voice. Owning your truth amplifies your impact.
5 Action Items: The Mistake I’ll Never Make Again…
Recall one time you downplayed your authentic leadership—what would you do differently today?
Make a list of three leadership traits you were once told were “too much” or “too soft.” Reclaim them as strengths.
Share a story that highlights your authentic leadership style with your team or network.
Align with other Lionesses—your power multiplies in pride, not isolation.
Model authenticity for younger women watching you. Be the leader you once needed.
Conclusion: In the 90s, I thought I had to play by someone else’s rules. Today, I know the Lioness doesn’t blend in—she charges forward, rewriting the rules for everyone who follows. That’s not just influence. That’s legacy.
Books:
Masterminds:
Podcast:
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