Have you ever felt like you needed to downplay your goals to make others comfortable? You’re not alone. Tory Burch, founder of a billion-dollar fashion brand, once hid her ambition too. But her famous quote—“Own your success without apology”—is a rallying cry for women everywhere. Let’s break down how you can embrace this mindset and thrive.
Why Do Women Apologize for Winning? 🤔
Society often sends mixed messages to women:
- 🚫 “Be confident… but not too confident.”
- 🚫 “Dream big… but stay humble.”
- 🚫 “Lead… but don’t intimidate others.”
Tory Burch once avoided calling herself “ambitious” in interviews. Why? Ambition felt like a dirty word for women. Even today, studies show:
- Women are called “bossy” 2x more than men.
- 67% of women feel pressured to soften their achievements.
Action Step:
“Replace ‘I’m sorry’ with ‘Thank you.’ Example: Instead of ‘Sorry I’m late,’ say ‘Thanks for waiting!’”
Tory Burch’s 3-Step Success Formula 🔑
1. Speak Up About Your Goals 🗣️
Why it matters: Hiding your goals keeps you small.
- Tory’s Move: She launched the #EmbraceAmbition pledge to help women share their dreams openly.
- Example: Selena Gomez built Rare Beauty (worth $1.3 billion) while talking openly about mental health. She didn’t apologize for mixing profit with purpose.
Try This:
Write down one goal you’ve been scared to share. Tell a friend this week.
2. Build Your “Success Squad” 👯♀️
Fact: Women-led startups get only 2% of venture capital. But support systems can change that!
- Tory’s Move: Her foundation gives loans and mentorship to women entrepreneurs.
- Example: Sara Blakely (Spanx founder) cold-called factories for months to launch her idea. Her grit paid off—she’s now a billionaire!
Your Turn:
| Resource | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Tory Burch Foundation | Free business courses + loans 💵 |
| Local women’s groups | Networking + advice 🤝 |
| Male allies | Amplify your voice in meetings 🗣️ |
3. Define Success Your Way 🌈
Success isn’t just money or titles. What makes you proud?
- Tory Burch says: “Ambition could mean growing a business or raising kind kids.”
- Katrina Lake (Stitch Fix): Built a $2B company while normalizing “messy” work-life balance.
Ask Yourself:
“If no one judged me, what would I try?”
How to Beat Double Standards 🥊
Problem: Women face harsher criticism than men.
- Example: A man is “assertive,” but a woman is “pushy.”
Solutions:
- Ignore the “Noise” 🎧
- Tory says: “Treat negativity like bad radio static—turn it off.”
- Celebrate Other Women 🎉
- Compliment a colleague’s win today. Kindness lifts everyone!
- Use Data to Prove Your Point 📊
- Example: Katrina Lake used customer surveys to grow Stitch Fix. Numbers don’t lie!
Free Tools to Boost Your Journey 🛠️
You don’t need a fancy degree to start. Here’s your toolkit:
💰 Funding
- Tory Burch Foundation Loans: Low-interest loans for women-owned businesses.
- Grants: Apply for the Amber Grant ($10k monthly for women).
📚 Learning
- Free Courses: “Business Basics” on the Tory Burch Foundation site.
- Books: “You Are a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero (simple, funny advice).
💬 Community
- Join: Facebook groups like Women Who Startup.
- Follow: #EmbraceAmbition on Instagram for daily inspiration.
Final Challenge: Your “No Apologies” Action Plan 🏁
Let’s make this real!
- Today: Write down 3 wins you’re proud of (big or small!).
- This Week: Share a goal with someone who supports you.
- This Month: Take one small step toward that goal.
Remember:
“Success is nothing if you don’t have the right people to share it with.” – Selena Gomez
