Why Business Wasn’t Built for Us (Until Now) 👷🏼‍♀️

When I started working, I felt like I had to leave a big part of myself at home every day. My intuition, my empathy, and even my creativity didn’t seem to fit in at work. The unspoken rule was clear: keep your head down, don’t show too much emotion, and try to blend in.

But here’s the thing: those rules? They weren’t made for people like me—or for anyone who values connection, creativity, or collaboration. They were created long ago when business was a “man’s world.”

Today, I want to talk about where those rules came from, why they’ve left so many of us feeling like we don’t belong, and how we can start rewriting them.

The “Man’s World” Business Was Built On

Let’s go back in time to when business as we know it started—the Industrial Revolution. Back then, work was all about machines, systems, and strict hierarchies. Men worked outside the home, while women were expected to stay home and manage the household.

Traits like empathy, collaboration, and creativity were seen as “domestic” or “feminine.” They were dismissed as unnecessary for the workplace. The focus was on being tough, productive, and in control.

Even as women began entering the workforce in larger numbers, the system didn’t change. Instead, we were told: If you want to succeed, you need to act like them.

The Cost of Playing by Their Rules

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told to “leave emotions out of it” at work. It’s as if showing empathy—or even trusting your gut—was some kind of weakness.

And let me be honest: I tried to follow those rules for a while. But the more I suppressed what felt natural to me, the more disconnected I felt from my work and the people I was supposed to be helping.

And I wasn’t alone. Those old rules didn’t just pressure women—they taught everyone that traits like compassion or collaboration weren’t welcome. Even men who wanted to lead with kindness often felt like they couldn’t.

What We’ve Lost by Leaving Feminine Traits Out

By ignoring traits like empathy, intuition, and adaptability, we’ve created workplaces that are stressful and, let’s be real, pretty draining.

• Burnout is at an all-time high.
• Many businesses struggle to keep employees and clients because they don’t feel connected.
• Innovation stalls because rigid systems leave no room for creativity.

But here’s the truth: businesses have always needed these traits—they just didn’t want to admit it.

The Shift That’s Happening Now

Here’s the good news: things are starting to change.

More and more people are realizing that work doesn’t have to be about competition, control, and hiding who we are. The old rules are breaking down, and new ways of working are taking their place.

• Empathy helps build trust with clients and teams.
• Intuition leads to creative ideas that data alone can’t predict.
• Collaboration makes teams stronger and more productive.
• Self-Care and Work-Life Balance are becoming priorities, creating healthier, more sustainable ways to succeed in business.

The best part? It’s not about throwing out structure or focus—it’s about finding balance.

Where We’re Going From Here

We don’t have to follow someone else’s outdated rules anymore. We get to create workplaces where traits like connection, intuition, and adaptability are celebrated.

Next week’s email will be our December Tip Jar. Thisseries will resume the following week when we peer into The Hidden Power of Feminine Traits—how traits like empathy and vulnerability are quietly transforming the business world.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you:

• What’s one business “rule” you’ve been told to follow that doesn’t feel right to you?

You can reply to this email, or share your thoughts on social media by tagging me. I’m on Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky, Spoutible, and Threads as @TMarieHilton, my Facebook Page is https://www.facebook.com/ClericalAdvantage/. You can also use the hashtag #ReclaimFeminineEnergy to join the conversation.

🦚 Here’s to rewriting the rules—with flair,

🌟 Spread the Empowerment! 🌟

Loved this newsletter? Don’t keep the inspiration to yourself—share it with your circle! Whether it’s a business bestie, a colleague, or someone who’s ready to challenge the old rules of work, forward this along and invite them to join the conversation.

Let’s grow a movement together—one empowered email at a time. Until next time, keep showing up authentically, breaking the mold, and redefining what success looks like! 💪✨

#ReclaimFeminineEnergy

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