Jackson Owago's Blog

Women Can Lead Authentically Without Apologizing Did you know that 76% of women feel pressured to downplay their accomplishments to avoid being seen as “too assertive”? This phenomenon, often called the likeability trap, creates a psychological conflict for women in leadership: be respected or be liked, but rarely both. From softening their tone to over-apologizing, many women feel compelled to conform to outdated expectations of how a leader “should” act. But here’s the truth: authentic leadership isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about leading with confidence, clarity, and conviction. Here’s how to escape the likability trap, embrace your authentic self, and lead unapologetically.  Let’s dive in. Understanding the Likeability Trap The likeability trap is the double standard women face when they lead assertively. While decisive men are praised as strong leaders, decisive women are often labeled as “bossy” or “difficult.” Societal Expectations: Women are often socialized to be nu...

How Women Can Overcome Self-Doubt and Step Into Leadership Roles Why do so many talented women hold themselves back? Today, we want to explore the science behind the confidence gap and discover proven strategies to close it for good. Did you know that 62% of women report experiencing imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, compared to just 48% of men?  Despite being equally—if not more—qualified, women often doubt their abilities and hesitate to step into leadership roles. This phenomenon, known as the confidence gap, holds many women back from reaching their full potential. Imposter syndrome—the persistent belief that you’re not good enough, even in the face of evidence to the contrary—disproportionately affects ambitious women. It whispers, “You don’t belong here,” even when you’ve earned your seat at the table. But here’s the good news: self-doubt doesn’t have to define your story. This post is your guide to understanding the roots of self-doubt, breaking free from its...