I have been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember. I am not saying I was always successful, but I started. I actually my first tutoring business in the 11th grade, and I was charging $5 for tutoring students in English. And so my entrepreneur journey began.

Today, I am a Brand & Marketing Strategist and Leadership Development Trainer. I love creating and life and business I love, and I know that this is a destination.

Being an entrepreneur is hard for anyone, but women founders face extra obstacles that make leadership uniquely challenging. Whether it’s dealing with unconscious bias from male investors or overcoming imposter syndrome, you need to leverage your strengths to thrive as a leader. Here’s my advice on unleashing your leadership potential as a female entrepreneur:

Build Unshakeable Confidence
Confidence is key, but it can be hard when you’re constantly second-guessed. Become an expert in your industry so you can back up ideas with facts and data. Identify female mentors who can offer wisdom and reassurance during vulnerable times. Fake it till you make it! The more you positively project confidence, the more natural it becomes.

Embrace Discomfort Leadership requires resilience through setbacks.

Push yourself by taking on challenges that test your limits. Learn techniques to cope with stress that allow you to recover quickly. Getting comfortable with uncertainty will strengthen nerve and courage when risky decisions need to be made.

Actively expand your professional network by joining female founder groups both online and locally.

Seek out influential female leaders in your space that can provide insider advice and co-promotion opportunities. The connections you build can take your business to the next level.

Stand Firm In Your Convictions

As the CEO and founder of Hudson Enterprises and Consulting, I am excited about where my business is headed, but I also need wisdom to make difficult choices that will come. I have to make sure that I keep a positive mindset because challenges and hard times do come. Foster a growth mindset oriented towards innovation and be willing to adapt, but stay grounded in the purpose and mission of your company. With strong convictions, you’ll stand firm against resistance.

Lead From Example

Contrary to outdated notions of leadership, the best modern leaders empower others through compassion and encouragement. Implement management techniques focused on developing employees’ strengths. Be transparent about your own vulnerabilities and growth areas – it builds trust and loyalty. Promote work/life harmony by modeling balanced self-care. Your example will inspire excellence for those who will come behind you.

The challenges at times are immense, but realize the immense power within you as well. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road at times, but for me it has been a road of freedom- financial freedom, time freedom, location freedom and a time for me to create a life and business I love. I hope it will be the same for you.

Follow me for more tips, motivation and strategies on branding, marketing and leadership at: www.crushingbarrierswithmarsha.com and www.marshalynnhudson.com