Power & Politics: Why Women Must Play the Game

Power isn't something bestowed upon us—it's something we reclaim. For too many ambitious women, the path to leadership has been paved with burnout, invisibility, and frustration despite exceptional hard work. Why? Because we were never taught to play the game of power and politics.From childhood, we've absorbed the message that power is something dirty or manipulative, something wielded over others rather than harnessed within ourselves. We've believed the fairy tale that exceptional work will eventually be recognisedrecognized, while watching others advance past us. When we do try to step into leadership positions, we often mimic male power structures that feel fundamentally inauthentic, becoming what might be called "pink men" in leadership roles.The truth is revolutionary: your nervous system dictates how much power you can hold. When you're constantly seeking external validation, perfectionism, or approval, you'll never fully step into your authority. The signs are everywhere—over-explaining, softening your voice, asking for permission, backing down. These aren't character flaws; they're symptoms of a nervous system that doesn't yet feel safe holding power. True power looks different. It's holding tension without discomfort, disagreeing without defensiveness, making decisions without seeking permission, and setting boundaries without guilt.Women possess extraordinary tools for authentic leadership—intuition, emotional intelligence, and sensitivity that become superpowers when properly harnessed.Ready to transform how you lead? Join our new six-week program "Elevate: The Art of Leadership" where you'll learn to develop executive presence, regulate your nervous system, and lead with your authentic feminine edge. Your journey to reclaiming your power begins at balanceinstitute.com/elevate.To view the Transcript from this week's episode, visit our Balance & Beyond Podcast webpage: https://www.balanceinstitute.com/podcast/2025/92Send a text message to JoThe Balance & Beyond Podcast Hosted by Jo Stone, founder of The Balance InstituteFor women who are already succeeding, but beginning to wonder if they're willing to keep losing themselves in the process.We know high achievers, because we are one. This podcast draws on Jo's 20 years in global leadership and thousands of hours coaching executives and ambitious women: the patterns she sees, how to untangle them, and what it actually takes to keep your success without paying for it with yourself.If something landed today, there's more where that came from.And if you know a woman this would resonate with, send it her way.🎙️https://www.balanceinstitute.com/podcast 🔗 www.balanceinstitute.com💼https://au.linkedin.com/in/stonejoanne📷 @therealjostone