BRANDSTALK #155
Helena Demuynck
OXYGEN4LEADERSHIP
FOUNDER
Breaking Boundaries: Are You Truly Leading or Just Managing Expectations?
Is the version of success you’re chasing one you defined for yourself – or is it shaped by invisible constraints you’ve accepted as reality?
Many high-achieving women find themselves at a crossroads, battling the tension between societal expectations and their inner aspirations. It can feel like no matter how much you achieve, something remains unfulfilled.
What if the key to unlocking your true leadership potential lies in breaking not just external barriers but the ‘inner glass ceilings’ holding you back?
In this thought-provoking episode of BrandsTalk, I had the privilege of engaging with Helena Demuynck, a transformation guide and women’s empowerment advocate who has dedicated her life to helping female executives and entrepreneurs redefine their paths. Through her holistic coaching approach, Helena challenges women to reconnect with their authentic selves, embrace strategic agility, and step into a leadership style that’s as powerful as it is personal.
🔸The Power of Inner Glass Ceilings
Helena introduces the concept of the ‘inner glass ceiling’, an invisible but potent force that limits women’s ability to fully own their brilliance. Unlike external barriers, which are easier to identify and navigate, these internalized limitations often stem from societal conditioning, self-doubt, and the pressure to conform to traditional definitions of success.
The question Helena poses to her clients is both simple and profound: ‘Whose story are you living?’
Women often measure their worth through achievements and accolades, but this can lead to a disconnect from their true purpose and desires. Helena’s coaching philosophy centers on dismantling these inner constraints, helping women rewrite their narratives to align with their unique values and aspirations. By breaking these invisible barriers, women can lead from a place of authenticity rather than obligation.
“True empowerment starts from within. Leadership isn’t about proving yourself; it’s about showing up as your most authentic self, unapologetically.”
🔸Strategic Agility: The Missing Ingredient in Leadership Branding
Leadership branding goes beyond crafting a polished public persona. Helena emphasizes the importance of ‘strategic agility’ in navigating the complexities of modern leadership. Strategic agility involves the ability to adapt, pivot, and lead with intention in an ever-changing landscape. For women in leadership, this skill is not just advantageous but essential.
Why is this so critical? Because traditional leadership paradigms often fail to account for the unique challenges women face in male-dominated industries. Strategic agility allows women to redefine the rules, creating space for innovative approaches that prioritize collaboration, empathy, and resilience; qualities often undervalued in conventional leadership.
Helena’s advice to women leaders is clear: Don’t just build your brand around what you do. Build it around who you are and the impact you want to create.
Strategic agility ensures your leadership brand remains dynamic, relevant, and deeply personal.
“A strong leadership brand isn’t static; it evolves with you. Embrace change as an opportunity to refine your identity and amplify your influence.”
🔸Authenticity: The New Superpower in Leadership
Helena challenges a pervasive myth in leadership: that professionalism requires a suppression of individuality. On the contrary, she argues that authenticity is the most powerful asset a leader can have.
The foundation of Helena’s coaching lies in teaching women to lead themselves before they lead others. This involves cultivating an authentic presence that reflects one’s core values, strengths, and vision. Authenticity not only builds trust but also fosters meaningful connections, inspiring teams and stakeholders alike.
In a world that often rewards conformity, authenticity is a bold act of courage. It requires women to embrace their imperfections and lead with vulnerability, qualities that create deeper engagement and lasting impact.
“Authenticity isn’t a buzzword; it’s a leadership strategy. Show up as you are, and watch how your influence grows exponentially.”
🔸Holistic Coaching: Integrating the Personal and Professional
One of the standout elements of Helena’s approach is her emphasis on holistic coaching. For too long, leadership development has focused solely on professional skills, ignoring the personal growth that underpins true leadership. Helena’s programs prioritize the individual over the title, recognizing that personal and professional success are deeply interconnected.
This holistic perspective encourages women to consider how their leadership aligns with their broader life goals. Are they leading in a way that honors their well-being, relationships, and passions? By addressing these questions, Helena helps her clients achieve a sense of alignment that fuels sustainable success.
“Leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder; it’s about creating a life that feels as fulfilling as it is impactful.”
🔸Navigating Challenges: Overcoming External and Internal Hurdles
High-achieving women often face a unique set of challenges, from navigating workplace biases to battling imposter syndrome. Helena’s insights shed light on how these hurdles can be transformed into opportunities for growth.
One of the most powerful strategies she shares is the importance of self-compassion. For women accustomed to high performance, the pressure to excel can be overwhelming. Helena encourages her clients to view setbacks not as failures but as essential steps in their journey. This mindset shift not only builds resilience but also empowers women to take risks and embrace opportunities without fear of judgment.
“Your challenges don’t define you; how you respond to them does. Embrace a mindset of growth and grace.”
🔸Helena’s Call to Action: ‘It’s Your Turn’
Helena’s book, It’s Your Turn: Break Free from Societal Boxes and Manifest Your True Greatness encapsulates her philosophy of empowerment. It’s a rallying cry for women to step into their power and create the impact they’ve always dreamed of. Her message is clear: leadership isn’t about fitting into pre-existing molds; it’s about breaking boundaries to build something uniquely yours.
🔸Breaking Boundaries Starts with YOU
If there’s one takeaway from this episode, it’s this: The greatest act of leadership is leading yourself. When you align your actions with your values, redefine success on your terms, and embrace the courage to show up authentically, you don’t just lead – you inspire.
So, ask yourself: *What boundaries are you ready to break?*
🔗 Tune into this episode on all major podcast platforms! Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, etc…
📹 Watch us Live
Get in touch with Helena Demuynck:
Time Markers:
02:12 Helena’s Journey and Philosophy
04:00 The Concept of Inner Glass Ceiling
07:17 Women-Centered Holistic Coaching
10:32 Self-Leadership and Authentic Presence
16:15 Strategic Agility and Personal Branding
28:55 Challenges Faced by High-Achieving Women
34:22 Helena’s Book and Final Thoughts
