7 Pillars of Career Success for Women: Where Do You Stand?

Over the years, I’ve coached many women through their leadership journeys. These women are smart, capable, and deeply committed to their growth. Despite their differences in background and industry, I’ve noticed the same core pillars that determine how fulfilled and successful they feel in their careers.

I’ve summarized these seven pillars here and created a quick self-assessment to help you measure where you are right now. Think of it not as a test, but as a mirror, a way to see what’s working well and what might need more attention.

Rate yourself for each pillar:

1️⃣ = Needs your attention | 2️⃣ = Making progress | 3️⃣ = Thriving

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1. Define Your Own Success Plan

• 1️⃣: You’re chasing what others expect of you, not what truly fulfills you.
• 2️⃣: You have some direction, but your path feels fuzzy or reactive.
• 3️⃣: You know what success means to you and intentionally align your work and growth around it.

2. Visibility & Self-Advocacy

• 1️⃣: You do excellent work but rarely talk about it. You hope it speaks for itself.
• 2️⃣: You share results occasionally but not strategically.
• 3️⃣: You consistently communicate your impact and let key people see your passion and strengths.

3. Networking & Support System

• 1️⃣: You avoid networking or only reach out when you need help.
• 2️⃣: You stay in touch with a few people but rarely invest in deeper connections.
• 3️⃣: You actively build a strong circle of mentors, sponsors, and allies who support one another’s growth.

4. Prioritization & Boundaries

• 1️⃣: You say yes to almost everything and often feel overwhelmed or resentful.
• 2️⃣: You’ve started setting limits but still struggle to protect your focus.
• 3️⃣: You’re clear about what matters, say no with confidence, and create space for meaningful work.

5. Time & Energy Management

• 1️⃣: You’re constantly busy, reactive, and running on empty.
• 2️⃣: You manage your tasks but often feel drained or scattered.
• 3️⃣: You design your days intentionally, matching energy to priorities and building in rest and renewal.

6. Confidence & Self-Belief

• 1️⃣: You often second-guess yourself or hold back from opportunities.
• 2️⃣: You push through fear but still question whether you’re “ready.”
• 3️⃣: You trust your experience, own your strengths, and take bold action from self-belief.

7. Authentic Leadership

• 1️⃣: You try to lead the “right” way, how others expect you to.
• 2️⃣: You’re partly authentic but still worry about being judged.
• 3️⃣: You lead from your values and strengths, creating trust, clarity, and genuine connection.

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Scoring

Add up your points (minimum 7, maximum 21):

17–21: 🌟 You’re Thriving.
You lead with purpose and confidence. Keep growing, and share your wisdom with others.

13–16: 🌿 You’re Growing Strong.

You’ve built a great foundation! With a few focused shifts, you’ll feel unstoppable.

9–12: 🪴 You’re Ready for a Reset.

You’re doing many things right but may feel stretched or unfulfilled. It’s time to realign with what truly matters.

7–8: 🌱 You’re at a Turning Point.

You’ve outgrown your current way of working. Start small: one new boundary, one bold conversation, one act of self-belief. Small shift can spark big change.

Final Thought

Success isn’t a straight line. It’s an ongoing alignment between who you are and what you do.

The more your career reflects your values, energy, and authentic self, the more natural your confidence and impact become.

Take note of your lowest-scoring pillar. That’s not a weakness, it’s your next opportunity for growth.

If this reflection resonated with you and you’re ready to go deeper, join me and a group of accomplished women in the Women Leaders Club where we turn awareness into action and help you create the career and life you truly want.