While we have a long way to gender equality worldwide, we have changed the playing field significantly in many areas of modern western culture. Women are stepping into power financially, politically, academically and every other way in big and bold ways. Opportunity for the western woman to make a difference in her own life, that of her family, and her community are real and available–although not without encountering obstacles still.

With all this opportunity, western women are actually some of the most unhappy of modern times.

Claire Zammit calls it a power paradox–having more opportunity and achievement, yet feeling anxious, depressed and about how to step into the opportunity.

She quotes these U.S. statistics which may actually be pervasive globally:

• 1 in 5 women are on anti-depressants.
• 6 out of 10 women are experiencing financial stress that disrupts their ability to sleep at night.
• More women than ever are starting new businesses; however 95% never break $1million in revenue.
• 50% of women live alone without a life partner.

Do you experience this sense of potential in yourself but feel somehow an inability to manifest it?

Claire teaches in her Feminine Power course something I have been talking about for years. Only when we actually embody our feminine and create strength from there–not in spite of it or overcoming being a woman–will we create the type of success that is fulfilling.

My early success in business was more about being a good man than bringing my unique strengths to my job. At that time, it was assumed women had no place in that world–other than in support roles. The only way I saw to break into that masculine world of power required proving I could hold my own with “the boys.” I even wore pinstripe suits and little bow ties that matched the pattern of men’s ties.

Although I climbed the corporate ladder and then became a highly successful entrepreneur, I always felt empty soon after the latest accolade faded. My power, too, felt empty because it wasn’t directed at anything that mattered to me personally.

Today, I have changed what I do to embody more of me, and there is a worldwide trend creating opportunity for every woman. It is this potential to cultivate your feminine strength and create power and influence by pursuing things that matter to you, you as a woman. You can create businesses that not only make money but also help those who work for you, your community, and the planet.

Women and young people are placing a priority on buying from companies who are making a difference and a profit–together they represent over 85% of consumer purchases. Impact investing is becoming a buzz word in the investment world and companies like take care of their employees like Google are the envy of Wall Street.

Your task is to:

• No longer fear showing your feminine side while discussing money or business, and
• More importantly to become reacquainted with yourself–your hopes, dreams, fears, and strengths.
• Start to show up more authentically as your full self.
• Understand that relationship matters–not just at home but in all your spheres of life.
• Find your own unique calling; what makes you happy when you do it.

Rather than play small to keep others comfortable or show force bravado to avoid appearing weak, find your own internal feminine strength–whatever that means to you.

Ask yourself, “At the end of your life, what difference will you like to have made on the world?” Then start moving in that direction. You will never know the lives you will touch, until you try!