The roar of the Lionesses’ incredible Euro semi-final comeback against Italy last night wasn’t just about football; it was a powerful masterclass in resilience, unwavering belief, and the unstoppable force of women supporting women. For many of us navigating the ambitious landscapes of business and life, their triumph offered more than fleeting excitement – it provided a potent blueprint for our own breakthroughs.
We, as driven women, often find ourselves battling an invisible opponent: the feeling of being stuck, overwhelmed by endless demands, and silently battling imposter syndrome. We’re told to push harder but are rarely told how to do it without burning out or feeling utterly alone. The Lionesses showed us that true strength isn’t about individual perfection, but about collective fortitude and a mindset that refuses to be defeated.
The Roar of Resilience: Overcoming Overwhelm & Setbacks
In the nail-biting moments during the semifinal against Italy when the Lionesses trailed 1-0 deep into stoppage time, they didn’t crumble. Michelle Agyemang’s 96th-minute equaliser, followed by Chloe Kelly’s decisive rebound in the 119th minute after her penalty was saved, showcased an extraordinary ability to push through and fight back with a ferocity born of inner strength. This isn’t just about athletic prowess; it’s a testament to resilience – the ability to bounce back (pun intended), adapt, and grow stronger from adversity, even when seconds away from defeat.
In our professional lives, setbacks aren’t always dramatic; they can be the quiet hum of overwhelm, the sting of a missed opportunity, or the persistent whisper of self-doubt. We invest our time, energy, and sometimes, our money, only to feel more stuck than before. The key to cultivating this Lioness-level resilience lies not in avoiding challenges, but in reframing them.
Every “failure” is a data point, a lesson, an opportunity to pivot. As Lioness coach Weigman says in her book; “Mistakes don’t mean you’re not good enough. It means you’re evolving. You will become the best version of yourself”. Even a small shift in perspective can turn a perceived roadblock into a stepping stone. Next time a project stalls, or a fix hasn’t worked try saying “How fascinating!” This allows you to shift your perception from failure to data, so you can simply use it to inform your next move.
The Power of the Pack: Sisterhood & Collective Support
What truly amplified the Lionesses’ resilience was their undeniable teamwork. They moved as one, celebrating each other’s successes and lifting each other up after every stumble. It was joyful to see! Georgia Stanway even spoke about the importance of “vulnerability”, allowing the team to rely on each other when times are tough. This powerful sisterhood is not unique to the football pitch; it’s a vital, often underestimated, asset for ambitious women everywhere.
Many of us have been conditioned to believe that ambition is a solo sport, that seeking help or admitting vulnerability is a weakness. This leads to isolation, where imposter syndrome thrives and burnout becomes an unwelcome companion. A 2024 survey of 1,000 Brits, commissioned by Employment Hero, found that 69% of women experience burnout in the workplace, 13% higher than men.
The truth is that genuine personal and professional growth thrives in community. A supportive network provides accountability, shared wisdom, and a safe space to discuss challenges without judgment. It’s where you find others who “get” your drive, who celebrate your wins as their own, and who offer a hand when you feel like giving up. Think about where you can find these women. Is it a networking session, a retreat, social media or even a book club. This collective strength is a powerful antidote to loneliness and a catalyst for accelerated progress. It’s about building a tribe where every woman is championed to shine brighter.
From Field to Fulfilment: Applying the Mindset to Your Life
The Lionesses’ continued success is a culmination of consistent effort, strategic thinking, and a deep-seated belief in their collective potential. How can we translate this winning mindset from the field to our own lives?
It begins with actionable application. It’s not enough to simply read about resilience or the power of community; we must integrate these principles into our daily lives. This means:
- Setting Holistic Goals: True success encompasses all aspects of your life. So, think career milestones as well as goals for your well-being, relationships, and personal joy. Get specific with your goals (are you going to have white wine or red wine in your hand at your dream destination?)
- Curating Your Inputs: Be intentional about the information you consume. Filter your socials. Choose books, resources, and communities that genuinely serve your growth and cut through the noise.
- Embracing Accountability: Find your “pack” whether it’s a book club, a mastermind, or a trusted mentor. Find those who will provide the gentle nudges and firm support needed to stay on track but also to wholeheartedly celebrate wins with!
- Prioritizing Self-Care as Fuel: The Lionesses wouldn’t perform without proper training and recovery. Neither can you. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s the non-negotiable fuel for sustained ambition and resilience. Think nutrition, sleep and fun so you can turn up to the pitch or boardroom as your best self!
The journey of personal and professional growth is rarely a straight line. It’s filled with comebacks, unexpected challenges, and moments where you might feel down. But by adopting the Lioness Mindset – cultivating unwavering resilience, embracing the power of sisterhood, and committing to actionable, holistic growth – you can move from feeling stuck to truly thriving. It’s time to harness your inner roar and claim your next level of success.
About the Author
Vicky Payne is a personal growth devotee and founder of The Level Up Book Club, a book club and community dedicated to guiding ambitious women from feeling stuck to thriving. With a background in corporate project management at companies like Amazon, she brings a practical, results-driven approach to personal growth, helping women achieve clarity, confidence, and lasting transformation.
