Leslie Knope, from Parks & Recreation, is a modern day shero: smart, ambitious, funny, and fiercely loyal.

We have Amy Poehler to thank for Leslie. I’m a huge Amy Poehler fan. She works hard, uses her quick wit to make others laugh without resorting to snark, and is unabashedly feminist and intersectional in uplifting other women, especially young girls (see: Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls).

In my work as a career coach and resume writer, I help women and men across industries, generations, life experiences, and skill levels. I’ve noticed that men are more willing to see coaching and resume writing as an investment and decide more quickly to hire me.

The women I speak with tend to hem and haw. They are less likely to see themselves as ready or worthy of the time and money they will spend in coaching. They (almost always) consult with someone else about their decision before they circle back to me.

In her book, 𝘠𝘦𝘴, 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 Amy writes:

“Great people do things before they’re ready. They do things before they know they can do it. Doing what you’re afraid of, getting out of your comfort zone, taking risks like that- that’s what life is. You might be really good. You might find out something about yourself that’s really special and if you’re not good, who cares? You tried something. Now you know something about yourself.”

I know what self-doubt feels like. I was NOT ready to quit my full-time job and take my company full-time. I’m glad I took the leap, though!

I help people find and promote their best selves. I am the coach that I needed when I wasn’t ready. I’m no Leslie Knope, but I am a compassionate listener and strong encourage-r. I help people see their unique gifts and talents, so they can find and then tell their career story.

Ladies, it’s time for us to stop waiting until we’re ready. Until we have every single box checked before we apply for that job, run for office, have a baby, choose a partner.

There is no ready. You are already ready. You can do this.

Like Leslie, find a squad of gals, love em fiercely, and let them love you fiercely in return.

I can help, too. Contact me- you’re “ready.”