I grew up watching my mother succeed in a male-dominated industry while raising two children. She never talked about empowerment — she embodied it. Her example shaped my early understanding of what confidence and leadership looked like. But over time, I’ve learned that not every woman receives that message early on. 

Many grow up surrounded by something else: silence, comparison, or fear. They are taught to play small, to defer, to wait for permission. In 2023, while completing an International Development program at NYU, I began to better understand how deeply these limitations are rooted in culture, policy, and psychology. That was the moment I knew I wanted to do something impactful in the field. 

As a result, I launched a nonprofit initiative to mentor women — especially those at inflection points: launching businesses, shifting industries, or seeking to be seen. 

Since then, I’ve provided more than 100 consultations to women across industries and continents. They’re talented, driven, and thoughtful. And still, they carry the weight of hesitation. This article is about what I’ve learned from them — and why this is such a powerful reminder that we need to keep showing up for each other.

The three things women keep asking for

#1: “I don’t have the courage to launch my business.”

This is heartbreaking — women with strong ideas and deep expertise still hesitate to begin. They’ve internalized the idea that they must be perfectly ready before taking a step. That their accent, resume, or lack of a certain credential disqualifies them.

Cultural conditioning also runs deep — many fear speaking too loudly, taking too much space, or being too ambitious. Add that to the fear of judgment and the constant habit of comparison — and it’s no surprise that many women feel stuck at the start line. 

The most powerful thing I can offer in these sessions is not a business model or a marketing tip. It is, simply, a reminder: You don’t need permission to begin.

#2: “I want to build my personal brand, but I don’t know how.”

This one appears just as often, especially among founders and senior leaders. These women are powerhouses — they are behind the product, the vision, the strategy. Yet, their male co-founders are the ones speaking at events, quoted in the media, and touted as industry leaders.

Visibility still feels like a privilege — or worse, a risk. Some say self-promotion feels uncomfortable. Others feel guilty drawing attention to themselves. But what we work on is this: you cannot create the impact you want if you remain silent.

Being seen is not ego. It is access. It is how opportunities are distributed. And it is how women rise, not just for themselves, but for others watching.

#3: “I want to change industries, but I feel stuck.”

This frequently comes from women in their mid-30s or 40s — who are now feeling burned out and disillusioned yet are unsure as to how to move forward. One woman recently told me, “I’m not 20. I can’t afford to try everything and waste time.” Behind her words was incredible pressure, as well as the quiet fear that she had run out of room to explore.

Here, we start by looking not at titles or trends, but energy. What fuels you? What are you underestimating in yourself? What strengths do you have? And then, from these insights, what can you do to get started? The clarity people seek for doesn’t come before the leap — it usually arrives once you’re in motion.

What women say

These sessions are practical, yes — but also personal. Many women arrive with goals around business or branding, and leave with something else: clarity, courage, and a sense of empowerment. Of permission to do what they’ve been aching to do. Here are some examples:

  • “I came with a request to develop my personal brand. By the end of our session, I had a clear plan.”
  • “The most valuable part was the chance to validate my ideas with Dina.”
  • “I found the courage to take the first step I had been afraid of for years.”

These comments illustrate that guidance, clarity, and encouragement are often the first steps toward real change.

What I’ve learned — again and again

#1: We live in a bubble and can’t afford to stay there

In our professional circles, it might feel like conversations around equality are constant. But outside of those spaces, silence is still the norm, and women keep facing barriers. Just recently, a female entrepreneur with a child was rejected from attending a business conference. There was no valid explanation — just automatic exclusion. 

This shows that progress is uneven, and that the work isn’t done. We must keep speaking up — even and especially if it feels repetitive — because for someone, it is the first time they’re hearing it. 

#2: Equality isn’t a threat, as some people mistakenly believe

Too often, gender equality is twisted into something hostile and confused with radical feminism. I’ve witnessed heated debates, with men going as far as demanding exact bill-splitting in the name of fairness. One even insisted a woman repay €3.10 for coffee, citing “equal rights.”

But equality doesn’t mean withholding kindness. It means removing constraints. It means a woman can speak in a meeting without being interrupted. It means equal pay for equal roles. It means not having to prove your worth or apologize for your ambition. 

Equality is freedom of choice — not patriarchy in reverse.

#3: Support is oxygen

Women often come to me unsure if their struggles are valid. They ask, Is it okay to want more? They hesitate to name ambition. They minimize burnout.

Sometimes, just putting words to the frustrating issue unlocks the next step. That’s why support — real, non-performative support — is not optional. It is what allows women to stay in the game; to evolve and expand. 

We need to normalize the full range of ambition, doubt, reinvention, and strength.

Final thoughts

Over 100 sessions later, here’s what I know: Courage doesn’t always show up as a bold move. Sometimes, it begins with a single conversation. A shift in mindset. A step away from silence.

If you’re a woman navigating change, wondering where to begin — my non-profit mentorship initiative is open to you. Whether you’re building something new, rediscovering your voice, or exploring what’s next — I’d be honored to walk that path with you.

Because we rise faster — and stronger — when we rise together.