The 5 Hidden Voices Holding Women Leaders Back—and How to Shut Them Up

You can be leading teams, growing a business, managing millions—and still secretly haunted by a voice whispering:

“You’re not good enough. You’re doing it wrong. You’re going to mess it all up.”

Inside Mindvalley’s Positivity Pathway program, I learned something that hit me like a freight train:

That voice isn’t one critic—it’s five.

They’re inner deceivers—deeply conditioned voices we mistake for truth. They chip away at your self-belief, confidence, and decision-making. They keep high-performing women playing small—even when everything looks polished on the outside.

And yes, I’ve dealt with all five. Sometimes one at a time. Sometimes all at once. But I’ve also done the inner work to recognise, name, and unhook from each of them.

So in true No BS fashion, I’m bringing you what I’ve learned—so you can do the same.

🧑⚖️ 1. Lady Perfection

The Inner Critic in a Crown

She holds you to impossible standards and whispers that unless it’s flawless, it’s not worthy.

She critiques your launches, your body, your voice, your inbox. She shames you for resting. For failing. For being human.

In business? You stall. In relationships? You feel unworthy. With money? You regret every choice.

I once delayed launching a programme, refused to go live, and held back from speaking to prospects—because the script wasn’t perfect. I second-guessed everything. It was exhausting. I also had someone close to me who didn’t want me to succeed. That person is no longer in my life.

What she needs to hear: She is allowed to grow out loud. Her worth is not defined by flawlessness.

Someone needs to remind her: 👉 She is worthy, even when it’s messy. Her value isn’t measured by perfection.

You don’t need to be flawless to be powerful. You don’t need to wait for perfect to press

🌟 Progress is brave. Sharing is bold. Perfect is optional.

😔 2. The Inner Orphan

The One Who Feels Powerless

She believes life is unfair—and always will be. She convinces you that success is for others. Not you.

She remembers pain vividly and anticipates disappointment constantly. She convinces you to stop trying—because, “What’s the point?”

In business? You disengage. With money? You blame the system. In love? You carry resentment and bitterness.

There were times I felt like I was being kicked while already down. I remember being on the floor, crying, thinking, “Am I ever going to catch a break?” That moment paralysed me. But I didn’t stay there. I chose not to.

What she needs to hear: She has survived before. She is not stuck. Her next step is hers to take.

Someone needs to remind her: 👉 She is not powerless. She gets to choose her next step.

You’ve been through it. And you're still here. Not broken. Not behind. Just in a chapter where healing turns into becoming.

🌱 She’s not lost—she’s rising.

🛡️ 3.  The Sentinel

The Guard Who Mistakes Fear for Wisdom

She exists to protect you—but at a cost. She warns: “Don’t try. Don’t risk it. Don’t get hurt.”

She sounds logical, cautious, even caring. But what she really does is stop you from stretching, showing up, or doing the damn thing.

In leadership? You play small. In love? You put up walls—or lose yourself in others. With money? You hoard. Worry. Distrust.

After I liquidated a $30 million business, I feared failure would break me again. I’d wake at 2:00 AM with a pounding heart, afraid I’d mess it all up again. Through deep inner work, I started recognising this pattern—and shifting it.

What she needs to hear: She has done hard things before. She’s strong enough to try again.

Someone needs to remind her: 👉 She has done hard things before. She can handle this too.

Fear sounds like wisdom when it’s wrapped in logic. But real wisdom? It’s the courage to

🛡️ She thought she was protecting you. You’re ready to show her you’ve got this now.

⏰ 4. Mistress hustle

The Overachiever Addicted to Doing

She tells you to earn your worth with productivity. She whispers, “Rest is weak. More is better. Keep going.”

She ties your value to output. She gets high on busyness—and makes you feel like you're falling behind if you're not constantly pushing.

In business? You overwork. In relationships? You’re emotionally unavailable. With money? You hustle hard—but never feel like it’s enough.

I used to work from 6 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week. I didn’t know how to stop. The hamster wheel was all I knew. But eventually, I chose different. Now I start my workday at 8 and end by 3. I’m more effective, more present—and far kinder to myself.

What she needs to hear: She is enough, even when she pauses. Her rest is not weakness—it’s wisdom.

Someone needs to remind her: 👉 She is enough—even when she stops. Her worth isn’t tied to hustle.

ustle can’t fill the hole where self-worth should live. Productivity isn’t proof of value. You are enough

🌙 Rest is not a reward. It’s a revolution.

🙇 5. The Self-Silencer

The Giver Who Disappears

She makes you feel guilty for wanting more. She believes love is earned by giving until there’s nothing left.

She overfunctions in business, relationships, and finances. She avoids asking for help, receiving money, or putting herself first.

In business? You undercharge. In love? You overgive. With money? You self-sacrifice.

I used to find it almost impossible to receive—help, praise, even payment. I overcompensated and gave until I was depleted. I didn’t see it until the inner work helped me realise the pattern. That’s when I finally told The Self-Silencer to pipe down.

What she needs to hear: She is allowed to take up space. Her needs matter, too.

Someone needs to remind her: 👉 She is allowed to take up space. Her needs matter too.

You’re not here to shrink. You’re not here to disappear into “nice” or “selfless.”

Your needs. Your voice. Your desires—they matter.

💫 You don’t need to give it all away to be loved.

📝 Ready to Go Deeper?

Want to uncover which archetype is hijacking your focus, energy, or confidence right now?

🎁 Grab the free Inner Archetype Self-Assessment Sheet—a printable, fillable tool to help you:

✅ Identify your dominant inner deceiver

✅ Get crystal clear on how it’s impacting your business, leadership, and life

✅ Take immediate action to shift it

👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn and Message me the word “ARCHETYPE” and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

Let’s bring those shadows into the light—so you can lead with even more clarity, strength, and unapologetic power.