What if the biggest reason women struggle isn’t lack of talent or opportunity, but the belief that they have to do it alone? We’ve all heard the phrase “women should support women,” but too often, that support feels like just a nice idea rather than a real, lived experience. The truth is, no one succeeds alone. Behind every confident, successful woman is a network of people who encouraged her, believed in her, and opened doors along the way. So why do so many women still feel like they have to prove themselves without help?
Jenny Modin, a mindset and habit coach, has seen this firsthand. She’s worked with women who doubt themselves, downplays their achievements, and hesitate to ask for help, even when they desperately need it. Over time, she’s realized something powerful: women don’t just need more opportunities, they need each other.
For generations, society has sent the message that there’s only so much space for women at the top. That belief fuels competition instead of collaboration. Instead of reaching out, some women hesitate, afraid they’ll seem weak or undeserving. Others feel pressure to downplay their success so they don’t seem arrogant. But success isn’t a limited resource. One woman’s win doesn’t mean another’s loss. The more women who rise, the more opportunities open for everyone. Jenny believes that empowerment isn’t just about individual growth, it’s about lifting others along the way.
She has worked with women who thought they had to prove themselves in silence, believing that asking for help would make them look incompetent. But time and time again, she has watched what happens when women let go of that mindset. The moment they find a support system, whether it’s a mentor, a networking group, or just one person who believes in them, their confidence skyrockets. Their careers take off. They stop playing small.
The power of support can be life-changing. Take the well-known example of Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou. Oprah often speaks about how Maya Angelou was more than just a mentor to her, she was a guiding force. When Oprah faced self-doubt or difficult decisions in her career, Angelou’s wisdom and encouragement helped her navigate challenges with confidence. She didn’t just offer advice; she reinforced Oprah’s belief in herself, helping her embrace her voice and platform. Years later, Oprah has done the same for countless women, using her influence to elevate and mentor others. This is what real support looks like, not just encouragement, but action.
Support also means celebrating each other’s wins. Jenny has noticed that many women hesitate to share their successes, afraid of being seen as boastful. Others feel a pang of comparison when they see another woman thriving. It’s easy to think, “Why not me?” But shifting that mindset to “What can I learn from her?” changes everything. Instead of competing, women can become allies, cheerleaders, and collaborators. A simple “I see you, and I’m proud of you” can be the push someone needs to keep going.
Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways women can support each other, but Jenny emphasizes that mentorship isn’t just for CEOs and executives. No matter where you are in your journey, someone else can learn from your experiences. If you’ve navigated a difficult career transition, starting a business, or overcome self-doubt, sharing that knowledge could change someone’s life. Jenny believes that even the smallest acts of mentorship, offering career advice, making an introduction, or simply being a sounding board, can create ripple effects that last for years.
Beyond mentorship, women need to actively advocate for one another. Studies show that women’s ideas are often overlooked in meetings unless another person reinforces them. Jenny encourages women to speak up for each other. If a colleague’s idea is ignored, repeat it and give her credit. If you see someone being undervalued, advocate for her. These small actions create a culture where women feel heard, respected, and empowered.
She also highlights the importance of networking with intention. Many women struggle with networking because they see it as transactional or forced. But networking isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about building real relationships. Jenny advises women to connect with others not just when they need something, but consistently. Check in. Offer support. Share opportunities. The stronger the network, the easier it becomes for all women to thrive.
It’s also important to recognize that not all women start from the same place. Women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and those from lower-income backgrounds often face unique challenges that go beyond gender inequality. Jenny believes true empowerment means acknowledging those differences and ensuring every woman has a seat at the table. Support should be inclusive, intentional, and mindful of the barriers that exist for different women.
Jenny has spent years helping women break free from limiting beliefs, but she knows mindset shifts alone aren’t enough. Action is what makes the difference. Women supporting women isn’t just a nice idea, it’s the foundation for change. And the best part? It starts with small, everyday choices.
So, what will you do today? Will you mentor someone who’s just starting out? Speak up for a colleague in a meeting? Celebrate another woman’s success instead of feeling like you have to compete. The change starts with us. When women come together, they create something unstoppable, a world where success isn’t about competition, but about rising together.
