As a midlife woman in the professional world, you’ve accumulated years of experience, wisdom, and skills. But have you ever stopped to consider your unique superpower? That one trait that sets you apart and makes you an invaluable asset to your organization? It’s time to identify, embrace, and leverage your strongest trait to propel your career to new heights.
Identifying Your Superpower
Take a moment to reflect on your career journey. What aspects of your work consistently receive praise? Where do you excel effortlessly? Your strongest trait might be hiding in plain sight. Here are some common superpowers midlife women often possess:
- Resilience: We have weathered multiple storms and come out stronger and wiser…each and every time.
- Emotional Intelligence: Your ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics is unparalleled. Plus, midlife women have a knack for “ditching the drama” that younger women tend to bring with them.
- Strategic Thinking: Your years of experience allow you to see the big picture, foresee both negative and positive consequences, and plan accordingly.
- Communication: All of those years where we had to communicate face-to-face rather than through devices made us MASTERS at interpersonal communication.
- Problem-Solving: You find innovative solutions to challenging issues.
- G.S.D (Get Stuff Done): Maybe you are the midlife woman who is just at work to get the job done with no drama, no-nonsense, and no need for a promotion. (I was recently told by another attorney that she wished she could hire an entire office full of midlife women like this!) If this is your strength, lean into it and know that you are appreciated in the workforce!
Embracing Your Strength
Once you’ve identified your superpower, it’s time to lean into it. Here’s how:
Showcase Your Expertise
If your strength lies in strategic thinking, seek out opportunities to contribute to long-term planning sessions. Offer to lead a task force on future company initiatives. Your unique perspective could be the catalyst for groundbreaking changes[1].
Mentor Others
Use your superpower to lift others up. If you excel in face-to-face communication, consider starting a workshop series to help colleagues improve their presentation skills. Your guidance could be instrumental in shaping the next generation of leaders[2].
PRO TIP: As someone who is leaning all in on Artificial Intelligence, I predict that those with superior “people skills”—meaning those who can communicate person-to-person and do so genuinely, making the person on the receiving end feel genuine, unique, and special—will excel in the age of AI and become a bit of a commodity. You heard it here first!
Take on New Challenges
Let your strength guide you towards new opportunities. If problem-solving is your forte, volunteer for that complex project everyone else is avoiding. Your ability to navigate tricky situations could be the key to unlocking new possibilities for your team and organization[3]. If you know you can G.S.D. for your company with little hassle and no drama, hold your hand out and direct them to put that project on YOUR desk. Problem solved!
Real-Life Examples
Consider these inspiring women who leveraged their strengths to make significant career pivots:
- Lesley Jane Seymour: After a successful career in magazine publishing, she embraced her passion for supporting women in business by founding Covey Club, a platform for personal and professional growth[3].
- Heena Patel: At 56, she channeled her culinary talents and cultural heritage into opening her own restaurant, eventually earning recognition as a James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalist[3].
- Stephanie O’Dell: Recognizing the lack of representation for women over 50 in media, she founded Celebrate the Gray, a platform that champions diversity and inclusivity in advertising[3].
The Power of Confidence
Remember, embracing your superpower is about more than just skill—it’s about confidence. As Stephanie O’Dell advises, “Take a small step and see what happens. Sometimes we let our lack of knowledge, experience, or education dictate what the possibilities are for ourselves”[3].
By identifying and leaning into your strongest trait, you’re not just enhancing your own career prospects—you’re paving the way for other midlife women to do the same. Your journey could inspire countless others to embrace their unique strengths and make their mark in the professional world.
So, what’s your superpower? Identify it, nurture it, and let it shine. The workplace needs your unique strengths now more than ever. It’s time to step into your power and show the world what midlife women are truly capable of achieving.
Citations:
[1] https://kuellife.com/14-qualities-that-powerful-midlife-women-possess/
[2] https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace
[3] https://camillestyles.com/wellness/midlife-pivot/
[4] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/todays-dilemma-helping-midlife-women-navigate-next-meryl-rosenthal
[5] https://www.carolparkerwalsh.com/blog/midlife-women-power-up-your-conficence
[6] https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2014/02/famous-career-changers/
Valarie Linnen, Esq. 
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