The Power of Resilience

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles and breaking through glass ceilings. Smashing them even. Yet, despite significant progress, we continue to face unique challenges, particularly when juggling the demands of family life alongside professional ambitions.

In this fast-paced, digital, and constantly evolving environment, building resilience is a crucial skill set for women in business, enabling us to navigate obstacles, thrive amidst adversity, and achieve sustainable success.

Resilience is more than just bouncing back from setbacks; it's about adapting, persevering, and even flourishing in the face of challenges.

However, the skills we need to do this has changed in the last 15 years considerably. The constant exposure to information and the 24/7 nature of connectivity means we have to embrace and take on some very deliberate acts to manage.

With smartphones and the internet always available, we are bombarded with news, notifications, and updates at all times. Work is no longer just at the office on the computer, it’s in your pocket, on your wrist, accessible whilst watching tv, walking, talking to others.

On top of this there are really upsetting things going on in the world, war, economic challenges and the climate crisis (to name some!)

This constant influx of information (and worry) can contribute to information overload, leading to anxiety, stress, and difficulty in focusing on important tasks.

Of course, we know that everyone, not just women, are fighting and having to manage this day in, day out.

BUT as women we often have even more layers to deal with – which may include:

• Managing a career while raising children and / or other caring duties for family members

• Facing gender bias in the workplace

• Specific health complexities including but not limited to, PCOS, Endometriosis, Fertility, Menopause.

• Underrepresentation in senior roles which perpetuate a cycle of gender inequality.

• The gender pay gap.

• Unconscious bias in decision-making processes, leading to less opportunity.

In 2024 I believe that emotional resilience has evolved from simply overcoming personal challenges, to navigating mass digital disruption, constant change, and societal pressures which is magnified by social media, messaging apps and 24-7 news.

It means we don’t just need to bounce back – we need to build skills to be able to move forward, adapt, and thrive amidst uncertainty.

Here’s some things I adopt that help me with resilience, most of them won’t be new to you, but it’s always good to have a reminder.

Establish Boundaries:

Setting clear boundaries between work and home life is essential for maintaining balance and preventing burnout. Whilst this digital age and hybrid/flexible working can be brilliant to helping juggle a busy family life, be careful that this doesn’t slip into breaking good healthy boundaries.

Practice Self-Care:

Prioritising self-care is vital for replenishing energy and managing stress effectively. Taking breaks to recharge, even amid busy schedules, helps prevent exhaustion and enhances overall well-being. Whatever it is that helps you – a walk, a run, a bath, an art class, listen to a podcast, singing to music – make sure you have the time.

Cultivate Support:

Building a strong support system of friends, family, mentors, and colleagues provides invaluable emotional support and practical assistance during challenging times. Cultivating these relationships fosters a sense of belonging and resilience in the face of adversity – community despite the digital age remains key!

Develop Problem-Solving Skills:

Strengthening problem-solving skills equips us with the ability to tackle challenges effectively and find creative solutions to complex issues. Approaching problems with a positive and creative mindset and a willingness to learn from setbacks helps us to overcome obstacles and be better at navigating problems in the future too.

As a final note, these don’t always work and I do still have my moments (!) but accepting that your human is important too.

There’s always the wine if all else fails!