What I Learned at Tesla About Being a Women in Leadership Feeling Misunderstood

At Tesla, I learned something crucial about leadership that no one tells you upfront: your leadership isn’t broken. It’s just misunderstood, misapplied, or misjudged by others who don’t see the full picture.

If you’re a woman in leadership feeling misunderstood—constantly performing leadership instead of living it, or told you’re “too emotional” or “too intense”—you’re not alone. There’s a way forward.

I’ve been there: the burnout, the self-doubt, the Sunday scaries before a Monday full of make-or-break decisions. The truth? You can reclaim your authentic leadership voice. And that’s exactly what Drew Turner Coaching is all about.

What I Learned at Tesla About Real Leadership

At Tesla, the pace was relentless and expectations sky-high. But what stood out most wasn’t the innovation, it was the people. I saw brilliant managers burned out, leaders doubting themselves despite success, and women in leadership feeling misunderstood because they didn’t fit a mold made for someone else.

Here’s what I learned:

• Leadership isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out with authenticity.

• Your emotions are a strength, not a liability.

• Trusting yourself is the foundation of effective leadership.

If you’re nodding along, feeling like this hits home, you’re exactly who this post is for.

Modern office desk setup with laptop and notebook

At Tesla, I learned that leadership is about authenticity, not perfection.

Leadership Solutions for Women in Leadership Feeling Misunderstood

Let’s get real. Corporate leadership advice often feels like a loop of buzzwords: “Be more assertive,” “network more,” “manage your time better.” But what if you’re already doing that and still feel unseen?

Here’s how Drew Turner Coaching cuts through the noise:

• No fluff, no corporate BS.

• Validation first, then empowerment—you’re not broken, you’re navigating a system that wasn’t built for you.

• Actionable steps that fit your reality.

  
  

For example, Drew helped a client who was paralyzed by the fear of making the “wrong” decision. Instead of pushing her to “just decide,” Drew worked with her to build trust in her own judgment through small, manageable wins. The result? She stopped second-guessing herself and started leading with confidence.

If you’re tired of advice that doesn’t stick, this is the kind of leadership solution you need.

Woman writing notes in coaching session

Drew Turner coaching focuses on practical, no-nonsense leadership solutions.

Why Your Leadership Isn’t Broken - It’s Just Different

Have you ever been told you’re “too much” or “not leadership material” because you lead differently? I’ve heard it too. At Williams-Sonoma, I saw how women leaders were often boxed into narrow definitions of what leadership “should” look like.

Here’s the hard truth: the traditional leadership mold is outdated and exclusionary. Your style, your intensity, your emotional intelligence - these are your strengths, not weaknesses.

Think about it:

• Are you a manager who leads with empathy and clarity?

• Do you bring passion and intensity to your team?

• Do you want to lead with both results and humanity?

  
  

If you answered yes, then your leadership isn’t broken. It’s just time to trust yourself again and own your unique style.

Actionable tip: Start by identifying one leadership trait you’ve been told to tone down. Instead of suppressing it, find a way to channel it constructively. For example, if you’re “too intense,” use that intensity to drive focus and clarity in your team’s goals.

Woman leading a team meeting in a conference room

Your leadership style is unique and valuable, not broken.

How to Reclaim Your Authentic Leadership Voice

Reclaiming your leadership voice isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about shedding the layers of doubt and external expectations that have piled up over time. Here’s how you can start:

1. Acknowledge your experience. Your journey, including the challenges and setbacks, has shaped your leadership.

2. Challenge the internal critic. When you hear “I’m too emotional” or “I’m not cut out for this,” ask yourself: what part of me is scared to be viewed like this?

3. Build a support system. Find mentors, coaches, or peers who get it and can hold space for your growth.

4. Practice small acts of leadership authenticity daily. Speak up in meetings, set boundaries, or share your vision with your team.

5. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Every step forward is proof you’re on the right path.

   
   

At Tesla, I learned that leadership is a muscle - the more you use it authentically, the stronger it gets.

What You Can Do Today to Start Leading Differently

If you’re ready to stop shrinking and start leading as your full self, here are some practical steps you can take right now:

• Write down three leadership strengths you have. Don’t downplay them.

• Identify one leadership myth you’ve believed. For example, “Leaders can’t show vulnerability.” Now, write a counter-statement.

• Schedule a 15-minute reflection time this week. Use it to check in with yourself about how you’re leading and what feels authentic.

• Reach out to a coach or peer who understands your challenges. Being heard changes everything.

  
  

Remember, leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up as you are and trusting yourself again.

Your Next Step: Empowerment Through Drew Turner Coaching

If you want to go deeper, drew turner coaching offers a no-nonsense, empowering approach designed specifically for women managers like you. Drew’s coaching validates your experience, cuts through the noise, and gives you clear, actionable tools to lead with confidence and authenticity.

You don’t have to do this alone. Your leadership isn’t broken - it’s waiting to be unleashed.

Book Your Breakthrough Session

Keep Leading with Courage and Clarity

Leadership is messy, challenging, and deeply personal. But it’s also one of the most powerful ways you can impact your team, your company, and your own life. You’ve already proven you can handle the pressure. Now it’s time to lead on your terms.

Trust yourself again. Lean into your strengths. And remember - you’re not just performing leadership. You’re embodying it.

The world needs your voice. It’s time to speak up.

If you found this helpful, consider sharing it with a fellow leader who needs to hear this today.