Isolated Success
The [not so] Hidden Psychological Cost of Being a Female Entrepreneur
There's a fundamental truth about human beings that we sometimes overlook in our pursuit of success: belonging isn't just a nice-to-have, it's as essential as the air we breathe.
As a marketing psychologist who has studied the construct of belonging in female entrepreneurs and is an entrepreneur myself, I've discovered that this need for connection becomes even more critical when navigating the often-isolating journey of entrepreneurship.
Through my research at the University of Southern California, which included surveying 114 female entrepreneurs and conducting in-depth interviews, three key findings emerged that shed light on how belonging manifests in the entrepreneurial journey:
The Paradox of Self-Connection
One of the most fascinating discoveries was that female entrepreneurs reported a high sense of belonging to themselves (scoring 4.47 out of 5) while experiencing only moderate levels of belonging overall (3.81 out of 5).
This suggests that while women business owners feel deeply aligned with their entrepreneurial identity, they often struggle to find their place within the broader business community. This internal-external disconnect can create unique psychological challenges that impact both personal wellbeing and business success.
The Coaching Connection
A striking correlation emerged between business coaching and increased levels of belonging.
Female entrepreneurs who had participated in coaching showed significantly higher belonging scores (3.88) compared to those who hadn't (2.92). This highlights the vital role that structured support systems play in creating a sense of community and connection. However, it also raises questions about accessibility and the need for more widespread support structures.
The Predictors of Belonging
The research identified three key predictors of belonging in female entrepreneurs: feeling included, accepted, and connected to others.
These elements explained up to 73% of belonging scores, demonstrating that community isn't just about physical presence – it's about meaningful engagement and authentic acceptance within entrepreneurial spaces.
As I reflect on these findings now, not just as a researcher but as a female entrepreneur myself, their significance takes on new depth. The physiological and psychological implications of belonging (or its absence) are profound. When our sense of belonging drops, we see increased social isolation, rises in anxiety and depression, and decreased cognitive function – all critical factors in running a successful business.
What makes this research particularly poignant is its timing. In a post-pandemic world where women are starting businesses at unprecedented rates (five times the national average during peak pandemic), understanding and addressing belonging becomes crucial for sustainable success.
The path forward isn't just about creating more networking events or online communities – it's about fostering environments where female entrepreneurs can be fully seen, heard, and validated in their journey. It's about acknowledging that the entrepreneurial path for women often involves navigating multiple identities and finding ways to support this complex dance.
I'm continuing this research journey, now with the added perspective of personal experience.
If you're a female entrepreneur with thoughts about belonging in your journey, I'd love to hear your story. Let's connect and continue this vital conversation.
Reach out to me through LinkedIn message at Chelsea Burns - The Marketing Psychologist to share your experiences with belonging in entrepreneurship.
Your story matters, and through understanding our collective experiences, we can work toward creating more inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial spaces for all.