A lot, right? Has it ever helped you? Or has it more often than not had you shrink at the thought of what might be required of you; retreating back into the status quo, telling yourself it’s not so bad, so you don’t have to take that terrifying action after all?
I have been struck lately by people reading my book Be The Leader You Want To See and interpreting that I am advocating getting outside of one’s comfort zone. I’m not! What I am doing, rather, is showing them in tactical detail how to expand their comfort zone.
In the chapter, “why take a leap when you can just stretch?” I share stories of how during my career and many, many times as a founder of my own business I have remained stationary because I was too scared to take a leap. I was tricked into believing that this was safer and wasn’t wasting time or energy, but in fact it’s the worst kind of waste. The emotional turmoil we put ourselves through when we think we should take an action that we physically and mentally don’t feel able to take makes my stomach turn.
That means from where you are right now doing something small in the direction of the thing that you want. Take a step and see what it feels like to bump up against the edge of your comfort zone. Then give it a nudge and you’ll see that it isn’t a fixed place, it’s elastic; it wants to give, to expand.
Picture a child who is learning to walk. They put their foot out just a little bit further than where they are now to check that the ground is safe, and then take the step, expecting that they may topple over. They have already assessed the stability of the ground, so the step then doesn’t feel so risky. Each time they get up and have another go, they are more informed than the time before, and as a result the edge of their comfort zone stretches. It’s the same for you. Moving yourself forward towards your bigger, more impactful vision, doesn’t need you to leap to get there. It’s more of a stretch. At this pace, you can easily repoint your arrow if it is aiming a little off course.
Compare this to your corporate pace. I know that at the rate I used to work, I’d have been long gone, missing all the lessons on the way, and not giving myself the chance to reassess my direction. There is no real expansion available from this viewpoint. And quite honestly, it’s likely that no-one else can keep up either.
Change your assumptions.
You have everything you need already. The key is to operate right at the edge of your comfort zone relying on evidence that you already have. Maybe you haven’t flexed the muscles in a while or maybe you thought they weren’t relevant in a work context, but they are there to be leveraged.
Enjoy this journey. The best thing about it is that no-one really notices the baby steps you are taking so there’s no risk of the judgement you may fear. What they’ll see is the transformation at the end. It’s why that term “overnight success” exists. Take your time. Steady and consistent wins this race.
Susie Ramroop is a mindset coach helping female leaders to make a bigger impact by focusing on what truly matters. She is a popular speaker and runs the life changing Reset Retreat (now open for booking in June 2022)
You can find her book Be The Leader You Want To See on all online book stores including Audible.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.