What does it really mean to think and lead like a CEO?
If you’re picturing high heels, pink branding, or a curated Instagram grid… it’s time to update that vision. In this roundtable episode of the Big Goal Energy podcast, I sat down with Dr. Linette Montae, Renee Bowen, and Vanessa Bowen to unpack the real work behind what it takes to cultivate a CEO mindset — especially as a woman entrepreneur.
Because titles don’t make you a leader. Identity does.
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Why CEO Mindset Matters More Than Titles
So many women start businesses thinking they’ll become a CEO once they hit a certain revenue milestone or assemble a team. But what this conversation illuminated — in bold, no-BS clarity — is that your CEO mindset isn’t a future identity.
It’s a present-day choice.
Moving Beyond the “Boss Babe” Era
As Renee pointed out, many of us came of age in the era of “girl boss” energy — all white desk aesthetics, hustle glamor, and surface-level empowerment. It served its purpose for a time, but it also created a dangerous illusion: that looking the part is the work.
Dr. Linette reminded us that this aesthetic was never built for true leadership. “Feminine doesn’t mean submissive,” she said. Power and softness can coexist — but too often, women have been taught to pick one or the other which is why it’s so important to cultivate a CEO mindset.
Identity, Legacy, and Internal Power
Vanessa shared that many women still resist claiming the CEO identity because deep down, they fear being visible in failure. If I call myself a CEO and my business flops, what does that make me?
But the antidote isn’t more doing — it’s being. As she said: “You can never outperform your identity.”
Lessons From Leaders: How to Embody Your CEO Identity
Owning Your Identity Without Waiting for External Validation
Here’s the truth bomb that echoed across our conversation: waiting to feel like a CEO until you “get there” is a trap. Instead, you must show up as her now.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re scaling your next chapter, the CEO version of you already exists. The more you practice stepping into her — daily, intentionally, messily — the closer your reality comes to matching your vision.
Shedding Societal “Shoulds”
Dr. Linette offered a mic-drop reminder: “Shed the shoulds.”
From motherhood to marriage to career expectations, women are handed roles from every direction. But entrepreneurship requires a different kind of becoming — one where you consciously peel off every identity you’ve inherited and choose the one that feels most true.
Daily Practices to Strengthen Your CEO Mindset
Our panel shared the behind-the-scenes rituals that keep their minds sharp and their energy aligned.
Manifestos, Mindfulness, and Managing Your Energy
Vanessa’s “Money Manifesto” — a daily audio recording of her goals layered over a favorite song — helps her rewire her subconscious while energizing her mornings. She also tracks daily wins and sets intentions for tomorrow’s success, anchoring her mindset in expansion.
Renee leans on self-hypnosis and morning routines that protect her from reactive energy. “I’m not creating from chaos,” she said. “I’m choosing my energy first.”
Dr. Linette? She takes a three-hour nap every day. Why? Because she’s a projector in Human Design, and unapologetically honors what she needs to refuel her brilliance.
The Power of Rest, Focus, and Celebrating Small Wins
No matter the method, the message was clear: alignment beats hustle. Focus is power. And real CEOs don’t wait for permission to rest — they build it into their model.
Your Legacy Is Now: Live It, Don’t Postpone It
So many women treat legacy as something that comes later — after the books are written or the businesses are sold. But Dr. Linette flipped that script: “Live the legacy you want to leave.”
Every decision you make today is a seed you’re planting. What are you growing?
Permission to Own Your Greatness Today
Here’s your permission slip, friend: you don’t need to earn the title. You are the title.
You are the CEO of your vision, your voice, your future. Now is the time to cultivate your CEO mindset… even if it looks like you’re not “there yet”.
Stop waiting. Start embodying. And surround yourself with women who remind you who the f*ck you are.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
🔥Visit https://briseeley.com/free to get free access to DEFY REALITY: The Female Entrepreneur’s Guide to Achieving Her Audaciously Ambitious Goals.
🔥Join the free entrepreneurial community at https://briseeley.com/community for opportunities to connect with powerful women aiming towards big dreams and visions.
🔥Subscribe to the Big Goal Energy podcast for more upcoming episodes and valuable wisdom.
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