Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry

Thrive as a Woman in Male-Dominated Industries: 5 Power Moves

When I first walked into a leadership room where I was the only woman, I remember my confidence toggling between “You’ve got this” and “Did I accidentally walk into the wrong meeting?”

Spoiler alert: I hadn’t.

But navigating spaces that weren’t built for us can make even the most accomplished among us feel like we’re auditioning for a role we already earned.

Whether it’s tech, finance, aviation, or maritime, male-dominated industries often come with unspoken codes, glass ceilings, and an echo chamber of bro-lingo. But here's what they don’t always see coming a woman who knows her worth, uses her voice, and builds her own damn table when there isn’t one offered.

 A woman who knows her worth, uses her voice, and builds her own damn table when there isn’t one offered.

Let’s explore five powerful things you really need to not just survive, but thrive in these spaces and maybe even help a few ceilings shatter in the process.

1. Cultivate Unshakable Self-Belief (Even When You’re Outnumbered)

When imposter syndrome knocks, let it know it has the wrong address.

Confidence in male-dominated spaces doesn’t mean faking bravado it means reminding yourself (often) that you belong, even if no one else affirms it at first.

Quick Practice: Write down 5 times you’ve succeeded against the odds. Keep it in your phone. Call it your “Proof of Power” list. Read it before every big meeting.

Think of Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation. She wasn’t always taken seriously, but she never let that stop her from showing up, leading big, and staying true to her values with waffles and confidence.

2. Master the Art of Boundary-Setting Without Apology

Being the only woman doesn’t mean being the default caretaker or peacekeeper in every room.

Whether it’s unpaid “emotional labor,” inappropriate comments, or weekend emails, set your boundaries clearly and confidently. And no you don’t owe anyone a TED Talk on why you said no.

Being the only woman doesn’t mean being the default caretaker or peacekeeper in every room.

Phrase to Try

“Here’s what works for me…” - This soft but assertive opener sets a collaborative tone without compromising your stance.

French reminder: “Non” is a complete sentence.

3. Create Your Inner (and Outer) Circle of Allies

You don’t have to do this alone.

Find your tribe mentors, peers, or even that one LinkedIn connection who always sends uplifting voice notes.

Also: don’t underestimate male allies. The right ones listen, amplify, and advocate. (And yes, they exist. Sometimes in the next cubicle.)

Quick Practice: Start a monthly Zoom with 3-4 women in your field where you share wins, struggles, and resources. Name it something fun. (Mine’s called Boardroom & Biryanis.)

Ava from “Suits” was never alone she built quiet power with smart allies around her.

4. Own Your Expertise Loudly (Even When You’re Interrupted)

You don’t need to shrink so others feel tall.

Speak up, even when it feels inconvenient. Finish your sentence when interrupted. Take up space without apologizing for it. And please for the love of Hermione Granger don’t start with, “I might be wrong, but…”

Quick Fix: Practice delivering your ideas in three confident sentences. Think TED Talk, not disclaimer.

Jessica Pearson from “Suits” wasn’t just in the room she owned it. Powerfully. Silently. Strategically.

5. Let Authenticity Be Your Competitive Advantage

You weren’t meant to blend in.

You were meant to stand out and your unique perspective is your superpower. From intuitive decision-making to inclusive leadership, women bring skills that aren’t just nice to have they’re critical for the future of work.

You were meant to stand out and your unique perspective is your superpower.

Micro Exercise: Each week, write down one thing you bring to the table that no one else does. Read it out loud. Preferably in front of a mirror. In red lipstick.

Think of Mindy Lahiri from “The Mindy Project”  she brought bold color, brains, and unapologetic humor into every room that underestimated her.

The Final Boost: From ‘Only’ to Unstoppable

Being the “only” in the room can feel lonely but it also gives you the opportunity to redefine what leadership, innovation, and success look like for those who come after you.

You don’t need permission to be powerful.

You don’t need to act like “one of the boys” to belong.

You don’t need permission to be powerful.

You just need to stay rooted, rise boldly, and keep moving forward preferably in heels or sneakers, your call.

As Olivia Pope would say: “You have to be twice as good to get half as far.” So we might as well be twice as fabulous too.

Shikha Kaushik — Psychologist, Founder of Heal & Revive

Meet the expert:

Shikha Kaushik is a psychologist and the founder of Heal and Revive. With a heart rooted in mental health advocacy and women’s empowerment, she guides individuals worldwide to overcome self-doubt, build emotional resilience, and create a life that feels authentically theirs.

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