Coaching For Women News Edition 7 – April 2025
The epigenetic inheritance study with mice provides a powerful metaphor for women in leadership, particularly regarding limiting beliefs, inherited fears, and societal conditioning.
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The 2013 study by Emory University demonstrated epigenetic inheritance—the idea that experiences can be passed down through generations. Scientists exposed mice to the scent of acetophenone while administering mild electric shocks, conditioning them to fear the smell. Surprisingly, their offspring and even grandchildren, who were never exposed to the shocks, also exhibited fear when encountering the scent.
Just as the mice in the study inherited a fear response, they never personally experienced, many women unknowingly carry subconscious fears, self-doubt, or limiting beliefs passed down through generations. These may stem from societal norms, family expectations, or historical barriers that discouraged women from stepping into leadership roles.
For example, beliefs like “I’m not qualified enough,” “Leadership is for men,” or “Speaking up makes me bossy” aren’t necessarily based on personal experiences but can be deeply ingrained through cultural narratives. These fears, much like those in the mice study, can hold women back from stepping into their full potential—even when there’s no real threat.
The good news? Just as epigenetic patterns can be rewritten, so can our beliefs. Through coaching, self-awareness, and mindset shifts, women can break free from these inherited limitations, step into leadership with confidence, and redefine what’s possible for future generations.
Coaching helps interrupt these inherited patterns by bringing awareness to them and consciously rewiring our mindset. Through tools like belief reframing, visualization, and mindset shifts, we can break free from the fears and limitations we didn’t consciously choose—allowing us to create new, empowering pathways for ourselves and future generations.
This is the essence of the Fresh Start 2025 four-week program—shedding outdated beliefs and stepping into a new, more empowered and authentic version of yourself.
