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The HerBusiness Podcast

With Suzi Dafnis

 
 
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338 – Letting Go of the Perfect Businesswoman Myth to Build the Business You Actually Want

Planning, Growth Zones

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There is a version of success that women in business are quietly handed… a script we’re meant to follow without question. The perfect businesswoman is polished, confident, always composed, and constantly pushing for more. She is dedicated, but not intimidating. Feminine but not weak. Ambitious but never TOO much.

And guess what?
She’s not real.

In this episode of the HerBusiness Podcast, we’re breaking down the perfect business woman myth and exploring how external expectations and internal pressure shape the way we show up in business — and what it costs.

Because success that looks good on the outside, but feels misaligned on the inside? That’s not success. It’s performance.

Here’s What You’ll Discover in this Episode: 

  • Where the myth of the perfect businesswoman comes from, and why we are subtly engrained with “should” messaging.
  • Why performative success leads to burnout, disconnection, and self-doubt (even when your business is financially thriving!)
  • The toxic external expectations that lead to comparison, and a path that chases others’ definition of success.
  • Why telling yourself you “should be” at a different point in your business and life can be detrimental to your success and happiness.
  • How to get aligned with what you actually want out of your business – and create a model that gives you alignment.
  • What happens when you stop performing for others and lead authentically.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The HerBusiness Network

HerBusiness Podcast Episode 325
Why Putting Yourself Last is Holding Back Your Business — and How to Put Your Highest Self in Charge with Cherie Healey 

HerBusiness Podcast Episode 327
Grow Your Business Without Sacrificing Your Relationships – with Sharon Pope

Order your copy of the children’s book The Golden Gift  by Stella De Zotti
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Stella’s website

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About the Host

Suzi Dafnis

Hi there. I’m Suzi Dafnis, CEO at HerBusiness. My BIG passion is helping women business owners to grow and scale their business, so that they can create their ideal lifestyle and make a difference in the world. Every day I am inspired by the more than 30,000 amazing women (and...

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Latest Episodes

  1. 338 – Letting Go of the Perfect Businesswoman Myth to Build the Business You Actually Want
    11 December 2025

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  3. 336 – Reflect Now, Relax Later: How to End 2025 Strong and Step into 2026 with Intention
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  4. 335 – How to Build a Business Plan for 2026 That Doesn’t Burn You Out
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  5. 334 – Why Striving for “Enough” Could Be the Most Exciting Shift You Make in 2026
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  8. 331 – Too Sensitive to Succeed in Business? Why Sensitivity Is Actually Your Superpower with Erica Webb
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  9. 330 – Why “White Space” is the Secret to Getting Unstuck in Business
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  10. 329 – Stop Being the Bottleneck — How Systems Create a Calm, Organised Business with Justeen Kirk
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About herBusiness

Celebrating 30 Years in 2025!

HerBusiness is secret to your success, the accelerator for everything you do. HerBusiness will help you go further, faster with great women behind you. We know you can do it all, but you won’t have time to enjoy it.

We make everything easier with education, training, resources, mentoring and all the support you need to:

  • Grow your business
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  • Be inspired and encouraged through every stage of your growth, from the startup phase to established business and beyond
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