Originally published in Le Matin Emploi – March 6,2015

Why Coaching Is a Game-Changer for Women inBusiness

Coaching is a powerful partnership designed toaccelerate success by helping individuals achieve their goals more efficiently.For women entrepreneurs, coaching offers two types of value-addedbenefits:

• Direct (measurable)
• Indirect (intangible)

Direct Benefits

• Time savings in preparing business plans, developing projections, and launching     operations
• Optimized investment through rational planning and efficient     market deployment
• Improved ROI by making better business decisions earlier

Indirect Benefits

• Strengthened self-confidence
• Increased assertiveness and leadership     presence
• Enhanced ability to negotiate, communicate,     and pitch
• Greater ease in public speaking and     stakeholder engagement

Client feedback consistently highlightsincreased clarity, motivation, and business results, shaped by theirpersonalized coaching journeys.

Do Women Entrepreneurs Need Special Qualities toSucceed?

While entrepreneurship demands universal skills—vision,risk-taking, creativity, perseverance, technical know-how, and a solid businessplan—many women bring unique strengths:

• Passion-fueled motivation
• Natural multitasking and project management     skills
• Strong work-life integration
• High emotional intelligence, including     empathy and intuitive decision-making
• Participative leadership styles that foster inclusive team dynamics

These attributes often serve as distinctcompetitive advantages in today’s complex and people-centric markets.

Overcoming Obstacles: The Triple Challenge

Women entrepreneurs often face barriers acrossthree dimensions:

1. Internal Barriers

The most difficult challenge can be self-doubt.Even when a woman has the skills and funding, lack of confidence may block herfrom taking the leap.

2. Social & Family Barriers

Immediate environments—family, partners,friends—can discourage entrepreneurial ambition:

“Why not find a stable job?”
“Now that you’re a mother/grandmother, you want to start a business?”

Despite these messages, women often reflect withpride after crossing those critical moments.

3. External Barriers

Breaking into male-dominated industries(e.g., construction, transport, manufacturing) or unfamiliar sectors canbe daunting. But with increasing female representation, these barriers arebeing shattered.

🗝️ Key to success: A well-crafted strategy andcontingency planning.

📌 Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

1. Believe in yourself—unconditionally and continuously.
2. Work with a coach experienced in entrepreneurship and market dynamics.
3. Build a strong network of partners who share your vision.
4. Collaborate, don’t compete—look for synergy, not rivalry.

🤝 “See fellow entrepreneurs as partners, notcompetitors.”