Ambition. For some, it’s a badge of honour. For others—especially women—it’s a word cloaked in judgment, misunderstanding, and bias. I know this struggle personally.

Once upon a time in my leadership career, I was told, “We’ll need to put your peer [name removed to protect the innocent] in front of this project because they won’t take it seriously coming from a young woman.”

Ah, yes. Just what every ambitious leader dreams of hearing. I. Was. Shook! And furious, of course, and also disheartened. It wasn’t my capability that was questioned; it was my very presence in the room. This moment crystallised for me how ambition, when paired with being a woman, can be weaponised, diminished, or simply ignored. This was a career defining project and rather than my ambition being recognised and supported, he wanted to put a man in front of it?

So let’s talk about ambition—what it really is, why it matters, and how women can reclaim it without apology.

What Is Ambition, Really?

According to the dictionary, ambition is “a strong desire to achieve something.” That’s it. No hidden agenda. No underhanded tactics. Just a desire to achieve.

But for women, ambition is often perceived differently. When men express ambition, it’s seen as drive. When women do, it’s too often seen as a threat or an imposition. In fact, Textio’s 2024 Language Bias in Performance Feedback Report revealed that men are called “ambitious” 63% of the time in performance reviews, compared to just 16% for women. MORE THAN 3 TIMES AS OFTEN!!!

And it doesn’t stop there. The most common personality descriptor for men is ambitious, while for women, it’s collaborative—a word used 68% of the time. While collaboration is essential, this stark contrast suggests that women’s ambitions are often overlooked or reframed in softer, less “disruptive” terms.

The Women in the Workplace Report commissioned by Lean In, found that men and women are equally ambitious. Yet when women’s ambition isn’t recognised or valued, it becomes a roadblock, keeping talented leaders from stepping into the roles they’re more than capable of excelling in. Worse, it over-stimulates investment in “ambitious” men and leaves women under-represented in development spend.

Why Does This Matter?

1. Ambition Drives Progress

Ambition fuels development investment, innovation, problem-solving, and leadership. Without it, teams and organisations stagnate. When women’s ambition is ignored or diminished, we lose out on their unique perspectives and strengths.

2. Representation Shapes Reality

When women shy away from claiming their ambition, it reinforces stereotypes that leadership is a man’s domain and that money and time spent on developing male talent is more effective and worthwhile (absolutely not true). By owning our ambitions, we pave the way for future generations of women to do the same.

3. Career Growth Requires Visibility

If ambition isn’t acknowledged, women miss out on critical opportunities for growth, from promotions to high-profile projects. Recognising and celebrating ambition in women isn’t just fair—it’s necessary for a balanced and thriving workplace.

The Cost of Staying Quiet

I’ve had moments in my career where I played small—where I toned down my ambition to fit into a room that wasn’t ready for it. And you know what? It didn’t serve me. It didn’t serve the team. And it certainly didn’t serve the organisation.

When we don’t own our ambition, we risk:

• • • Missing out on opportunities that align with our goals.
    • Being overlooked for leadership roles.
    • Feeling disconnected from our own sense of purpose.

The truth is, waiting for someone else to recognise our ambition is a losing game. The only way forward is to own it ourselves—and to help others do the same.

How to Reclaim Your Ambition

If you’re ready to take back your ambition, here’s where to start:

1. Define Your Ambition on Your Terms

What does success look like for you? What goals light you up? Forget what society expects—focus on what you want to achieve.

Think about it: Ambition isn’t one-size-fits-all. For one woman, it might mean climbing to the top of the corporate ladder. For another, it could mean starting her own business or making a difference in her community. Both are valid. Both are ambitious.

2. Challenge Biased Feedback

The next time you hear feedback that feels personality-driven, challenge it.

Instead of letting comments like “You’re too aggressive” or “You’re so collaborative” define you, ask for specifics:

• • • “Can you give me an example of when you felt that way?”
    • “What impact did you observe from my approach?”
    • “What would you have done differently?”

Feedback should be a tool for growth, not a reflection of outdated stereotypes. Asking for more detail can help to highlight the givers own bias and open their self awareness to when this might be at play.

3. Ask for What You Want

Whether it’s a promotion, a project, or a seat at the table, don’t wait for someone to offer it. Advocate for yourself.

It’s not pushy—it’s leadership. And the more you practice asking, the more natural it will feel.

4. Lift Other Women Up

Ambition doesn’t have to be a solo journey. If you see another woman’s ambition being dismissed, call it out. Celebrate her wins. Share her ideas in meetings.

We rise by lifting others, and creating a culture that values ambition in women starts with us.

5. Embrace Vulnerability

Here’s the kicker: Owning your ambition requires vulnerability. It means saying, “This matters to me, and I’m going for it,” even when it feels scary.

As Dr. Pippa Grange said:
“You don’t have to choose between being wholehearted, loving, kind, and soulful or winning. You can do both, but the bridge you must cross is vulnerability.”

Turning Frustration Into Fuel

That moment when my leadership was undermined because of my age and gender? It was a turning point. Instead of shrinking back, I decided to own my ambition—loudly, proudly, and unapologetically.

And you can too.

Why Ambition Is Your Superpower

Ambition isn’t something to hide. It’s not “too much.” It’s your superpower. It’s what drives you to make an impact, inspire others, and achieve your goals.

So, let’s stop whispering about ambition and start shouting it from the rooftops. Let’s redefine what it means to lead as women—wholeheartedly, unapologetically, and ambitiously.

Ready to own your ambition in 2025? The Power Pivot Program is designed to help women like you step into their leadership power, build confidence, and make an impact.

👉 Curious to learn more? Let’s chat.

Let’s make this the year we stop apologising for wanting more. After all, ambition isn’t a dirty word—it’s the first step toward changing the world.