Ditch the Good Girl BS – Claim Your Power, Own Your Fear, and Lead Without Apologies
- Brainz Magazine
- Oct 20
- 6 min read
Sonam Sharma is the founder-director of multiple businesses in the creative industries and was honored at the Women In The World Summit in India in 2015. She combines creativity with business acumen to drive impactful branding. As an advocate for women's empowerment and social change, Sonam inspires transformation in the creative landscape and her community.
“I wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and say, ‘Damn, I’m good.’” Okay, maybe not exactly, but that’s the vibe I want to channel today. Hey gorgeous, bold, badass women! You are here because deep down, you know there’s more to leadership than just being ‘nice,’ more power, more impact, more YOU. Maybe you’ve been playing by the rules for too long, trying to fit into the ‘good girl’ box that society and even your own mind built for you.
Well, today, it’s time to break free. This is a playbook, your unapologetic guide to ditch the Good Girl BS, claim your throne, and lead your way on your own fierce terms. Because ladies, the world doesn’t need more ‘nice’ anymore, it needs fierce, fearless rebels who own their power and don’t hold back.
Are you ready? Let’s jump in.
1. The myth of the nice girl: Why it’s killing your power
Growing up, we’re all fed the same script: be nice, be polite, be likable. It’s embedded deep in our DNA. I remember my early days in business, trying to be ‘that girl’ everyone liked. But here’s the thing, being nice isn’t the same as being powerful. In fact, it can keep you small, silent, and stuck.
Fun fact: A study by Harvard Business Review found that women who act assertively are often perceived as less likable but, crucially, more competent. So, what do we choose? To be liked or to lead?
My story: I started my journey with a desire to be polite, to avoid conflict, and to keep everyone happy. But that only got me so far. When I drew boundaries with clients or said ‘no’ to projects that didn’t serve me, I faced criticism and guilt. Slowly, I realized the truth is, you can’t lead if you’re afraid to ruffle feathers.
Question for reflection: What’s one ‘nice girl’ pattern you’re ready to break free from today?
2. Owning your fear: It’s not the enemy, it’s the fuel
Here’s a little secret, fear isn’t the villain. It’s a sign you’re doing something worth it. I remember the first big pitch I was terrified to deliver. My palms were sweaty, my voice shook, but I showed up anyway. Guess what? I nailed it, and my confidence skyrocketed.
In my creative ventures, I’ve faced rejection after rejection, but each ‘no’ pushed me harder. Fear is just your inner critic trying to keep you safe, but safety isn’t growth.
Fun fact: Research from the University of Chicago shows that embracing your fear can make you more resilient and innovative.
My challenge to you: Make friends with your fear. Thank it for trying to keep you safe, then tell it to step aside. Own your discomfort, because that’s where your power hides.
Question for reflection: What’s the one fear that’s holding you back from stepping into your boss lady energy?
3. The ‘boss babe’ playbook: How to lead without apologies
Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about authenticity, clarity, and courage. When I founded Sozart Creative, I had moments of doubt. “Am I too loud?” “Do I deserve this?” But I learned that honesty and integrity are the real currency of leadership.
Here’s what I’ve picked up along my journey:
Set clear boundaries: I say ‘no’ without guilt when something doesn’t align with my vision.
Speak your truth: Whether it’s in your art, your business, or your personal life, authenticity attracts the right people.
Celebrate your wins: No matter how small, because celebrating is part of owning your power.
Some women have shattered ceilings and led with unapologetic fierceness. Indra Nooyi, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey – each of them refused to fit the mould and redefined leadership on their terms.
Fun fact: According to a report by McKinsey, women’s leadership in companies leads to better financial performance and more diverse, innovative workplaces.
My question to you: What’s one bold step you can take today to lead without apology?
4. The power of community: Surrounding yourself with game-changers
You cannot do this alone, girl. I’ve been incredibly lucky to connect with fierce women who push me, inspire me, and challenge me to level up. Whether it’s mentors, friends, or collaborators, building a tribe of game-changers is non-negotiable.
When I started embracing my own power, I realized that having women who cheer, call me out, and celebrate my wins makes all the difference. It’s about creating a space where unapologetic women gather, lifting each other up, sharing resources, and rewiring the narrative that only ‘good’ girls get ahead.
Here’s a fun fact: according to research, women-led networks and communities improve confidence and accelerate success. So, if you’re feeling stuck, find your squad or start building one. Because, honestly, fierce women support fierce women.
Your task: Who’s one woman in your circle who inspires you to be bolder? Reach out, collaborate, or simply let her know she’s got your back.
Reflection question: Are you surrounding yourself with women who challenge and uplift you to be your most powerful self? If not, what’s one step you’ll take today to change that?
5. Your turn to rebel and rule: The final call to action
Now, listen up, because this is where the real magic begins. The world is waiting for you to step into your full power, to break free from the chains of needing everyone’s approval, and to finally own your voice unapologetically.
Think about all those women who changed the game. Serena Williams, Malala, Sheryl Sandberg – they didn’t wait for permission. They owned their fears, made bold moves, and refused to be small. And you, sister, are no different.
So here’s my challenge to you. What’s that one bold, slightly scary move you’re going to make today to ditch the ‘nice girl’ persona once and for all? Maybe it’s speaking up in a meeting, setting a boundary, launching that project, or simply saying ‘no’ without guilt. Whatever it is, do it with attitude, with fire, and with the unshakeable belief that you deserve your place at the top.
You see, being a boss doesn’t mean being perfect. It means owning every messy, beautiful part of yourself, raising your voice, owning your fears, and leading without apologies. Because the only person who can truly limit you is the girl who’s still playing small.
It’s time to rewrite the script, turn ‘good girl’ into ‘boss girl,’ and show the world your true power.
Remember, every legendary woman you admire started exactly where you are, uncertain, scared, but willing to go all in. Now, it’s your turn to start writing your own epic story.
Are you ready to stop mediating and start dominating? The time to own your power is now. Throw on your crown, step into your authentic fierce self, and lead your life on your terms.
Because this isn’t just a rallying cry, this is your revolution. And ladies, it’s loud, proud, and all about YOU.
P.S. The power to transform your life, your business, and the world lies in your hands. So go ahead, claim it, own it, and lead like the boss you are meant to be. Let’s make ‘good girl’ a thing of the past and reclaim what’s rightfully yours.
Are you in?
Read more from Sonam Sharma
Sonam Sharma, Creativepreneur, Artist, Humanitarian & More.
A versatile polymath redefining success in the creative industries, Sonam Sharma is an actor turned entrepreneur and founder of multiple ventures. With a passion for music, entertainment, branding, and social impact, she champions transferable skills and challenges the “jack of all trades, master of none” myth. As the visionary director of Sozart Creative, a creative agency, and other enterprises, she blends creativity with business expertise to craft impactful brands and personal brands. Committed to positive social change, she consistently works around themes of empowerment, advocating for community upliftment and social transformation.
