“I don’t think I’m seen as strategic enough.”
If I had a pound for every time I’ve heard that in the coaching room… I’d be writing this from a mansion!
It’s one of the most common beliefs brilliant women hold about themselves, because it’s a lie so regularly told to us women!
And it’s one of the most limiting.
The truth is…we get told we’re not strategic enough because we spend more time getting the job done than making sure everyone knows about it.
Coaching Room Reality
It usually shows up like this:
“I’m great at getting things done, but I’m not sure I’m seen as strategic.”
“I’m too in the weeds, I need to be more big picture.”
“Strategy just isn’t my strength.”
“I don’t want to play politics.”
We need to understand what’s really going on there.
Firstly, strategy doesn’t mean scheming.
It doesn’t mean being detached or calculating or cold.
It doesn’t mean boasting.
But that’s often what we’ve internalised.
Especially as women who’ve spent our lives being praised for being approachable, collaborative, humble.
Somewhere along the way, strategy got tangled up with the kind of leadership we don’t want to emulate.
So we underplay it.
Or avoid it.
Or assume it’s something other people are just naturally better at.
But the truth is…strategy is a skill.
And if you’re in a senior role Sinead, you’re already using it more than you realise…you just need people to see it!
Strategy, Redefined
Being strategic isn’t about playing the game.
It’s about knowing the game…and deciding how you want to show up in it.
It’s:
Knowing where you’re going and why.
Being able to prioritise what matters most.
Understanding influence and power dynamics, but not being ruled by them.
Making decisions from vision, not from urgency.
Zooming out before you dive in.
Shining a light on your impact.
And here’s the big one:
It’s protecting your time, energy, and voice so you can make the right moves, not just the fast ones.
Why So Many Women Doubt Their Strategic Ability
You’ve been rewarded for execution, not elevation.
(So you stayed busy, but invisible at the next level.)
You weren’t taught to own your ambition or direction, only to meet others’ needs.
Perimenopause throws in brain fog, dips in confidence, and a drop in verbal fluency…all of which make thinking big feel harder than it used to.
You associate strategy with politics, and your instinct is to steer clear.
And as I said – you’ve likely been told the lie that you’re not strategic enough
But here’s what I tell my clients:
Being strategic doesn’t make you manipulative.
It makes you powerful.
Win of the Week
“I realise now that I have ALWAYS been strategic – I am a huge reason for why this organisation is successful. I see what needs to be done to achieve the bigger vision. My mistake was getting on and doing it and making it look easy. Thanks to your help I now recognise I’m kind of a big deal and how to make that visible in a way that’s comfortable and means I’m seen clearly for my value and impact. Sinead you’ve made a huge difference!”
CTO SAAS Business
Try This: 4 Strategic Power Questions
Next time you feel stuck in the weeds, ask:
What’s the bigger impact I want to have here?
What would I prioritise if I was taking the long term view?
Who do I need to get on board to make this happen with ease?
How do I increase visibility so that my work is recognised and respected (and can benefit at a bigger level)?
Being strategic doesn’t mean doing more.
It means choosing better.
Why My Programmes Work So Well If This Is Your Growth Edge
Because I teach you how to think like a leader without losing yourself.
I uncover the inner blocks (like the Hyper-Achiever, the Pleaser, or the Avoider) that keep you stuck in the doing.
I will help you:
Create space to think clearly.
Build strategic influence without ego.
Articulate your vision with confidence and clarity.
Lead with intention, not just reaction.
So you stop being the engine that keeps things going…
And start being the architect of what’s next for Sinead!
Ready to Lead with Strategy and Integrity?
I’m launching something brand new that will be a 121 offering for a very limited number of leaders.
Think clear focus. High impact. Fast results.
If you’re interested in talking about it before I put it out there in the world, let’s talk.
