Courage doesn’t always roar
‘’Sometimes it takes balls to be a woman”
– Elizabeth Cook
There’s a power in that quote that makes most women smile, nod, and say, “You’re damn right it does.”
Elizabeth Cook wasn’t just being provocative — she was being honest. Because the truth is, it often takes incredible courage to be a woman in business, in leadership, and even in everyday life. It takes bravery to show up fully as ourselves in a world that hasn’t always made space for us to do so.
In our female-only business community, we see this courage every day — in the small decisions, the big risks, and the moments when we simply refuse to shrink.
Courage doesn’t always roar
Sometimes courage looks like walking into a networking event alone, heart pounding, and deciding to start a conversation anyway. Sometimes it’s hitting “publish” on a post that shares your authentic story, knowing that vulnerability is your greatest strength — not your weakness.
Other times, courage means saying no.
No to undercharging.
No to burnout disguised as “hustle.”
No to spaces that don’t value your voice.
It takes “balls” — or perhaps better said, backbone — to own your worth, to stand in it, and to refuse to apologise for it.
Breaking the rules that never served us
For generations, women were told to be polite, modest, and accommodating — to play small, to smile even when they were dismissed, and to work twice as hard for half the recognition.
But in this new era of women in business, we’re rewriting the rules. We’re proving that strength and softness can coexist. We can lead with empathy and still demand excellence. We can support each other without competing… what a refreshing change this attitude is compared to how most of us were raised through the eighties and the nineties.
Being bold doesn’t mean being loud — it means being real. It means showing up as the full, multifaceted woman you are: the dreamer, the strategist, the mother, the leader, the one who sometimes doubts herself and still takes the next step anyway.
That’s what this quote celebrates — the audacity of showing up.
Sisterhood as a source of strength
When Elizabeth Cook said that line, she captured the spirit of every woman who’s ever felt the pressure to prove herself and decided to rise anyway. But what makes that rise sustainable — and joyful — is connection.
That’s where this group comes in.
We don’t have to do business the way it’s always been done… by the men.
We don’t have to fit into the mould to make an impact… like men want us to.
We can build businesses that reflect our values — collaboration, compassion, and confidence — while still being wildly successful.
Every time one of us steps forward, it lights the path for someone else. Every success shared here — a promotion, a new client, a brave conversation — strengthens the collective belief that women can (and do) lift each other higher.
So… here’s to the women with courage
To the women who pitch bold ideas.
Who chase dreams despite fear.
Who start again after failure.
Who mentor, champion, and celebrate others.
You’re not just building businesses — you’re building a movement.
So, the next time you doubt yourself, remember:
It’s not supposed to be easy.
It’s supposed to be worth it.
And if you ever feel like you’re running out of courage, look around this room — you’re surrounded by women who’ve been there, too. Women who’ll remind you that yes, sometimes it takes balls to be a woman…
but thank goodness we were made strong enough to handle it.
Because we are the trailblazers, the change-makers, and the role models for the next generation. Our courage doesn’t just open doors for ourselves — it builds doorways for others to walk through. Together, we’re redefining what power looks like, and it’s never looked this good.
Here’s to another successful year with Ladies That Do Networking.
Thank you for reading this month’s blog, Courage doesn’t always roar.
Kelly, Kelly, and Chloe,
Ladies That Do Networking