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How Often Women Tear One Another Down

Darlene Hawley

One of the things that really stood out to me is how often women tear one another down because we feel like we are competing against each other.


Many moons ago, when I worked in retail, I was promoted to become the operations manager for a store that was struggling in another state. 

At the time, I lived in Las Vegas and had worked my way up from cashier to supervisor of operations and was a single parent to my five-year-old.

I was ready for the promotion and had been awarded our company's Top Gun award five years in a row for continuing to exceed and grow within the company.

I was so excited about this new opportunity in a new city and could not wait to meet my new team.

Unfortunately, I was not greeted at the new store with the same excitement.

Almost everyone on my new team thought they deserved the position that I was given. Instead of welcoming me with open arms, support, and encouragement, I was met with anger, bitterness and if I’m being honest, downright coldness. 

During my time at that store, I slowly got my team to warm up to me, and realize that I was not there to take their job but to support and help them get to where they wanted to be within the company. 

One of the women I was working with was amazing at the work that she did and was a natural leader. I helped develop her communication skills, supported her in engaging and leading the team, and got her ready to move into my position within less than a year of my being there and working with her.

Then I got promoted again and moved to open a brand new store.

As I recalled this memory last week, one of the things that really stood out to me is how often women tear one another down because we feel like we are competing against each other.

Yet, when we strip the layers away, most of us are really there to support each other and encourage one another to move forward. 

What would it look like for you if you had the support to be lifted up, the accountability to reach your dreams, and someone in your corner to answer the questions that keep you stuck and up in the middle of the night?

My 1:1 coaching style is all in. 

When I work with my client we dig deep, uncover what is holding you back and make massive leaps to move forward so we can confidently show up and make the impact you are here to make. 

With all that is shifting in the world, now is the perfect time to recalibrate how you're showing up and make a massive impact doing work that you love.

APPLY NOW, and let's explore what working together might look like.


✨Ready to Own Your Story and Attract Your Dream Clients?✨

If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your message and start using storytelling as a powerful tool to connect, inspire, and sell—then I’d love to invite you to my It’s Time to Own Your Story: Mini-Course.

In this self-paced course, you’ll learn how to:
✔️ Identify the key moments in your story that captivate your audience.
✔️ Share your story in a way that builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert.
✔️ Use storytelling across your website, social media, and sales conversations to attract and convert more clients.


Plus, you’ll get a step-by-step workbook and personal feedback on your brand story—so you can start sharing with confidence.

Get Instant Access for just $47

10 Effective Communication Tips
Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for service based entrepreneurs

Hey There!

I'm Darlene



As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.


My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.


Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.


Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.


Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.

By Darlene Hawley October 27, 2025
Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan, a seasoned keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and change strategist, shares her incredible journey from a challenging career in pharma sales to becoming a transformational catalyst. She discusses overcoming fear-based thinking, navigating major business disruptions, and building trust in organizations. Whether you're a heart-centered entrepreneur or an executive leader, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on how to lead confidently, handle major transitions, and create a business that thrives. Curious to learn more? Visit darlenehawley.com/workwithme. 00:41 Meet Carolyn Bennett Sullivan 01:48 Carolyn's Journey and Overcoming Fear 04:15 Navigating Workplace Disruptions 07:21 Tools for Leaders and Employees 15:03 The Importance of Communication and Engagement 21:19 The Importance of Team Buy-In 22:49 Building Relationships in Sales 27:21 Future Plans and Goals 29:26 Rapid Fire Questions 35:09 Conclusion and Contact Information Carolyn is an inspiring keynote speaker, transformational catalyst, and change strategist. As a TEDx speaker, author, and consultant, she leverages her corporate sales and small business expertise to help organizations create strategies for navigating business disruptions through mindset mastery. Her deep understanding of psychology, neuroscience, and business uncovers barriers to change and guides individuals to overcome obstacles, build resilience and unlock their highest capabilities. You can engage with Carolyn at: https://linkedin.com/in/carolynbennettsullivan https:instagram.com/cbsullivan https://facebook.com/carolynbennettsullivan ------ Hi I’m Darlene Hawley and I help ambitious entrepreneurs and executive women find their voice, craft powerful messaging, and regulate their nervous system so they can speak up with confidence in high-stakes conversations, client meetings, and on stages ... without second-guessing themselves. Grab my 10 Do's and Don't for Effective Daring Conversations: https://mailchi.mp/297e8105e904/communicationguide Grab my 6 Steps To Attract & Stand Out digital guide, a free roadmap to create a successful business with less hustle and more ease: https://bit.ly/attractandstandoutonline Grab a Chai and let's Connect: https://darlenehawley.com https://linkedin.com/in/darlenehawley
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